A. Merritt Books

Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star delved deeply into the heart, soul and mind of a young man who was a student at Bob Jones University, which rejected anything remotely known to have homosexual overtones. Mr. Merritt tells of his stint as a U.S. Marine, his times as a gay porn star, and how he came to reconicle himself in this crazy world of ours. It doesn't matter what you do, but who you are that counts.

I had the honor of meeting Rich Merritt back in April 2007 when I attended a conference in New York and found him to be so honest as he is in this book. I had the pleasure of talking with him for my podcast as well - Ramble Redhead and he talked about his family, his experience in the Marines, his porn career and so much more. The interview showed a man who was willing to face his demons and be able to move on in a positive manner.

This book is so amazing and I am so honored to have been able to meet this great author and hope you will read the book!

Having grown up in the south s a gay man myself, this book hit closer to home than any other I had read on the subject in years. Rich's descriptions of family life, church life, mindsets, and beliefs is dead on. And unless a person has grown up in the Bible Belt, it's almost impossible to really describe it to them in full detail and help them understand the feelings a gay man can develop in that region. It's refreshing to see someone be so honest and real, even about his own denial and gut-wrenching struggles with sexuality, drug use, promiscuity, and faith.

This is the book that psycho stalker "jonahcruise" wishes he had the talent to write. Except that his porn star aspirations went limp & according to the men he "served" with, he wasn't a real Marine, either. Even outted himself to keep from being deployed... how patriotic. All he's left with now is selling his aging bod to strangers & selling his fan fiction to tabloids. Pathetic sod. Unlike Merritt, whose story makes a good read & is actually true & verifiable by many.

I was spell-bound. To be from the same city, with much of the same background, it was like looking in the mirror. The first 125 pages or so are my story too. When I meet someone, I always want to know things like "when did you KNOW" and "how did you come out." This book answers those questions and many more, so by the time you hit the back cover, you really feel like you are a comfortable old friend of Rich Merritt! Cudos, Rich!

The title of my review pretty much sums up (at a very high level) the two things that will decide a book's fate for me: did it keep me engaged and did I care about the main characters?

The answer for this book, in both cases, is yes. I agree with other reviewers that the dizzying number of characters in the beginning of the book and (in several cases) the rather thin development of them in the story was the only downside for me. Once you got the names and ranks down, the rest of the story was fantastic and (again like other reviewers) I was emotionally drawn in to their stories and their worlds. Also, for those of us who came of age during the early 90's and the first Clinton administration, the author's capturing that time period was evocative and authentic - it brought back a lot of good memories.

Some of the dialogue was a bit trite and the main antagonist (Jay) never really came together for me, but I still really loved the story.

My MAIN gripe, and this extends to gay fiction in general - is it REALLY necessary to have a headless underwear model on the cover of every book? In this novel's story, there was a beautifully-described photo that would have been a great cover for the book. I understand those types might be appropriate for trashy beach reads, but this book was underserved by the ridiculously overused cover shot. It almost dissuaded me from buying it, and certainly made for raised eyebrows when reading it on a flight from Vegas!

Having read Mr. Merritt's first book, "Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star" I was really looking forward to this title, his first piece of fiction. It is an important novel in that it reports on President Clinton's first days in office and his attempts at allowing GLBT members of the military to serve without having to hide who they are, and who better to write on this topic, then Rich Merritt who lived these experiences first hand. I enjoyed the book, however, there were just too many characters being introduced throughout and it made it difficult for me to remember who was who. The book is also 456 pages long and I think the story could have been told in fewer pages. The characters Patrick and Don were my favorite and their relationship set the tone for the story. Not one of the best books of this genre but one that I am sure you will enjoy nonetheless, especially if you have a military background.

Well what can i say bout "code of conduct"
That as soon as i read the first chapter i was pretty much hooked, now i'm not normally a novel reader but when i seen this book i didnt actually read a review so a bit pointless writing this review but none-the-less i am writing this for guys that do actually read the review first b4 purchasing the novel.
Code of Conduct is a book about Homosexuality in the navy, The US Marines. It's a very warm and welcoming novel to read, let me just say this! if ur a Gay/Bi man and obviously love your hot men, then this book you will love, It's part way between a Novel (which it is)and Porn, there are few pages in most chapters that graphically give an image very clearly of what the guys in the novel are doing ;) hint hint :)

All Up i would definatly say that this novel was worht it, Buy It! You wont be dissapointed

Not having read Rich Merritt's first book I bought this one a few days ago not knowing what to expect. I've since read it twice (must...get...sleep) and have been completely engrossed each time. OK, so you might find a flow chart handy to keep track of all the characters, but the character development of the principals is excellent. It's all here in this book: romance, love, sex, mystery, humor, and tragedy--not to mention considerable insight into what it's like to be gay in the military for those of us who've never had to go that route. I highly recommend the book to anyone looking for absorbing escapist fare in a gay novel. Rich Merritt has proven himself to be a very good storyteller.

Code of Conduct is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time, I was not able to put the book down. Mr. Merritt, created a story that I feel really brings the reader into it. I felt like I was going through everything the characters were experiencing. This is definitely one to add to your library.

This is the first collection of stories from the Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula (FWOMP).

This book proves that there is a wealth of talent hidden away in the Monterey Peninsula. Well, not hidden away for long, I hope. Most of these short stories drew me in immediately. These stories are like moments of time plucked from Monterey life, be it future or past, science fiction, suspense or life lesson fiction. This book is a delightful and diverse read.

Of the 10 stories included here are some of my favorites:

The Lizard Catcher, by Lele Dahle
Like being a pre-teen girl is not traumatic enoughý

Borscht in the Bay, by Ken Jones
An amusing mystery. It has all the signs of becoming a series. Watch out for this one.

Resurrected, by Chris Kemp
I really enjoyed the writing style of this author. A mother and daughter rekindling their relationship, but with a twist.

I enjoyed this book so much. I have visited Monterey area only once and reading this book brought back all the warm fuzzy feelings of actually being there. I especially enjoyed the opening story "Reunion". Learning about the history of Fort Ord and Stilwell Hall was an added bonus. I will recommend this book to all my friends and will place a copy in our guest room for visitors. I can't wait to read Monterey Shorts 2.

Of memories & mayhem, murder & rescue, childhoods & healing, humor & parodies from superb novice storytellers.

RebeccasReads recommends MONTEREY SHORTS as an entertaining & eclectic collection offering enchantment & wisdom.

The authors of Monterey Shorts let their imaginations go wild with amazing characters and marvelously creative plot twists.  Monte-Ray Gunn by Byron Merritt is a science fiction comedy of the craziest kind set in the year 3000!  The Monterey Intergalactic Aquarium? A black blob that lives in a coffee cup?  A Xenophobic cop that acts, and talks, like a Sam Spade character?  ... Chuckle away.  I did.  In A Flash of Red Frances Rossi creates a more serious mood as she shares the healing process of a woman who has experienced every woman's worst fear through a parable set in Pacific Grove ... where 'things' are not always as they seem.  Shaheen Schmidt's A Place to Heal presents the Peninsula as most of us know it, a refuge where relationships matter more than competing in the corporate rat race.  Mike Tyrrel views the world from a charming perspective in Dot's Dad Visits Dinosaur Town where adults are timid and unsure, and children comfort and know all the correct answers. In Borscht in the Bay, Ken Jones' engaging cast of characters (mysterious visitors, a seasoned and frustrated cop, a lovable busybody...) play a soft-peddled game of cat and mouse around beautiful Pacific Grove. I want to read more about the adventures of these characters!    Mark Angel entices the reader to take a deep breath and go under the ocean waves with his divers in Mortuary Beach where his cleverly crafted story entertains and instructs on the high and low points of this challenging sport.  Isn't hot tubbing supposed to be relaxing?  Not if the hot tubs could tell your secrets!  Pat Hanson's imaginative tale in If the Tubs Could Talk gives a voice to hot tubs at a local spa!  The supernatural theme really takes off in Chris Kemp's Resurrected where family members with special powers deal with relationship challenges we ordinary folks face!  Lele Dahle exquisitely crafts a story that shares the impact of a childhood friendship and a loss of innocence with the reader.  In the lead story, "Reunion", by Walter E. Gourlay, a university professor returns to 1943 and finds his lost love waiting for him at the Soldier's Club at Fort Ord. A romantic time-travel - or is it a ghost story with metaphysical overtones of lost love and wasted lives? This beautifully written story kept me riveted until its startling end This collection says 'good bye' to boring, worn out formulas that we've all read a million times! A great gift that offers a story to please every taste

 

The authors of Monterey Shorts let their imaginations go wild with amazing characters and marvelously creative plot twists.  Monte-Ray Gunn by Byron Merritt is a science fiction comedy of the craziest kind set in the year 3000!  The Monterey Intergalactic Aquarium? A black blob that lives in a coffee cup?  A Xenophobic cop that acts, and talks, like a Sam Spade character?  A murder?  Chuckle away.  I did.  In A Flash of Red Frances Rossi creates a more serious mood as she shares the healing process of a woman who has experienced every woman's worst fear through a parable set in Pacific Grove ... where 'things' are not always as they seem.  Shaheen Schmidt's A Place to Heal presents the Peninsula as most of us know it, a refuge where relationships matter more than competing in the corporate rat race.  Mike Tyrrel views the world from a charming perspective in Dot's Dad Visits Dinosaur Town where adults are timid and unsure, and children comfort and know all the correct answers. In Borscht in the Bay, Ken Jones' engaging cast of characters (mysterious visitors, a seasoned and frustrated cop, a lovable busybody...) play a soft-peddled game of cat and mouse around beautiful Pacific Grove. I want to read more about the adventures of these characters!    Mark Angel entices the reader to take a deep breath and go under the ocean waves with his divers in Mortuary Beach where his cleverly crafted story entertains and instructs on the high and low points of this challenging sport.  Isn't hot tubbing supposed to be relaxing?  Not if the hot tubs could tell your secrets!  Pat Hanson's imaginative tale in If the Tubs Could Talk gives a voice to hot tubs at a local spa!  The supernatural theme really takes off in Chris Kemp's Resurrected where family members with special powers deal with relationship challenges we ordinary folks face!  Lele Dahle exquisitely crafts a story that shares the impact of a childhood friendship and a loss of innocence with the reader.  In the lead story, "Reunion", by Walter E. Gourlay, a university professor returns to 1943 and finds his lost love waiting for him at the Soldier's Club at Fort Ord. A romantic time-travel - or is it a ghost story with metaphysical overtones of lost love and wasted lives? This beautifully written story kept me riveted until its startling end This collection says 'good bye' to boring, worn out formulas that we've all read a million times! A great gift that offers a story to please every taste

 

This is one of the best introductions I've ever read on making an independent feature film. It covers everything from writing the script to distribution in foreign markets and does so clearly, concisely, entertainingly and within 238 pages. As a film editor, I can say the chapter on editing basics is right on. The sections on money (both raising it and receiving it once your movie is distributed) are both eye-openers. It's a very realistic, honest source of information about making an independent feature.

As for criticism: Written in 1997, the book gives a pretty short shrift to DV, but it does admit that things will change. Also, it focuses primarily on features and not shorts. And at 230 pages, it's still just an introduction, but honestly, I can't think of a better introduction to give to a first time filmmaker -- who's either starting her first short or making that first feature.

Highest recommendation.

For me, this book was too general to be of any help.
The best I've read so far is FROM REEL TO DEAL.

this book covers all topics of movie productions. a must have to serious filmmakers!

After "The Blair Witch Project" and similar success stories, I was looking for a good general book on film production that included all the real dope on how the best known people have made successful low-budget movies. I was amazed by how much clear, precise info "Film Production: The Complete Uncensored Guide to Independent Filmmaking" has, such as precise budgets, deal-negotiating tips, crew member roles, distribution company reviews, and on and on. I also liked the way the book is organized. It takes you from the script and raising the money all the way through all the details of pre-production, production, and editing to selling the movie, promoting, and beyond. It answered all my questions (from stupid to tough) along the way.

I'll tell you right now, I haven't read many books on independent filmmaking. As a matter of fact... this is the only one. Yet I still found it very useful and jam-packed with information. Merritt tells it like it is (rather quickly, of course), and doesn't try to hide the fact that filmmaking is not all show and glory. If you're anywhere near interested in producing movies, check this book out. It tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about being a producer. And if you're actually getting into movie-making already, I'd take this along as kind of a "second Bible" as a reference guide. From initial casting to distribution, it covers every aspect of the film business. My only real complaint -- and I hope it doesn't come across as much of one -- is that Merritt doesn't go into detail about techniques. This is a book on HOW TO make a movie, not on WHAT makes a movie. Does that make sense?

Hank left very little documented about his personal self, outside of what was projected in his songs. Also, few to none can or could claim to actually "know" the man, his deepest thoughts and emotions. It is clear to fans of Hank that this is where his story is. I give Escott much credit for digging for all the fine detailed facts he could find on Williams, and that is what the books reads like, a cognitive listing of scarce facts, and leaves a mental picture of Hank only as a simple alcoholic. No soul or emotion that drove Hank. Nothing was said about his performing presence. The magic he had with his audiences. Nothing about the precursor sex appeal and body movements that set the stage for the modern performers in the electronic age that followed him. Nothing about that revoluntary precise driving sound. Escrow downplayed the impact of Williams had he lived. His death created a legend, but trying to predict the what if's is anyones quess. I personaly believe Hank would have impacted the rock and roll age. Maybe not in the role that we know him from 1949 to 53, but I don't believe he would have met the fate of others during his time, when rock and roll took over. He had far to much talent for that. I'll give Escott credit in digging into the circumstances of Hank's death and acknowledging there are things missing, but a lot was left unsaid. From the day Hank died to this day, generations of his fans, only by past me down word of mouth, feel that Hank was driven to death by the establishment. He fought them in a disfunctional and distructive way. It is the age old story of a poor boy with exceptional God given talent used by the rich or greedy until there is nothing physicaly left, then left to die. One can get a picture of a dead man being driven to a concert come hell or high water in the hopes of the high dollar. No one cared to say to take him to a hospital when it would have counted. Don't misunderstand, Hank did not want help then or before, and that was the part of the story that should read like a greek tragedy, but doesn't. Also, Hank was the original hell raiser that few of the following rock stars could dare to keep up with. These stories are missing. It is the least credit to Escott to miss the following; the real bond between his fans- past, present and no doubt the future. Escott did not feel the man who pronouced invertation for invitation could survive. He missed the fact. This down to earth- direct in your face- realness of Hank is his soul and what is loved about him then and now from Alabama to New York City and from London to Tokyo. His death was just a cognitive detail. The emotion never died. It is yet to be captured in a book. The real Hank is still a mystery.

Just finished this book after recently getting into Hank's music. Colin Escott nails it, a wonderful work that explores the tragedy that was Hank Williams. I remember growing up in the late 20th century northern America, whenever I heard the term "country music", I always pictured some tall, lanky "hillbilly" that spoke and sang with a twang - the stereotype, or so I thought. Hank Williams created the stereotype I had in my head, but Escott tells us so much more that he did.

From his trouble with woman, including, and especially his mother, to his dalliances with the bottle and prescription drugs - from his horrible fiscal skills, right on through to his final day, a day clouded in just as much mystery as the man himself, Escott takes us on a 29-year ride so packed with detail you could not help but feel that Hank was 70 on that fatefull 1st day of 1953. You know he felt that old.

For anyone getting into Hank's music, this is the book for you. I'd also recommend it as a very insightful look into the early days of the music business, perhaps an Intro the Music Business texbook. And for all the "what if he had lived" arguments out there, Escott does a great job showing his readers how this genius' untimely demise may have, in fact, been very timely in preserving his legacy & country music.

The book culminates with 3 wonderful appendices. One lists every Hank Williams song title, any of which could have served as one of many chapter titles in this book. Excellent work, Mr. Escott.

Hank Williams (aka Luke the Drifter) lived 29 hard years from his hardscrabble youth in Alabama to his tragic death in the backseat of a car on Jan. 1, 1953. Along the way Hank managed to
live in what was often an alcholoh induced haze.
Williams was raised by his tough as nails mother Miss Lillian
who was oft married, ruled the roost and tried to control the erratic genius of her wayward son. Hank had an affinity for strong minded women. His first wife Audrey and second wife Billie were women who lived with the mecurial genius who wrote like an angel but lived the devil of a life.
Colin Escott is a British writer who draws a nuts and bolts portrait of Williams. His portrait is that of a poor boy from a poor part of southwest Alabama who from 1949-1953 dominated post World War II country music or hillybill music as it was called in those distant days.
Williams wrote such classics as "Cold Cold Heart, "YourCheating Heart" and others. Along the way he was helped by Fred Rose of Acuff-Rose publishing company along with the friends in the business from Ernest Tubb to Minnie Pearl.
Hank could not deal with fame and retreated into his booze and died an early death.
He is the greatest country music singer. Escott has done a good job but some readers may be bored by all the verbiage dedicated to record deals and the politics of the recording industry.
Nevertheless, I loved this book. It is a vivid snapshot of life lived along the lost highway of a lost soul who has blessed our culture with great music.
Everyone who loves Hank Williams and enjoys country music history will benefit from this fine book.

Giving this book 5 Stars is as big an understatement as saying Hank could sing a heartbreak song.After all these years he is still the person who had the biggest impact on Country Music.I miss greatly the great music we used to hear on our radios we got from Hank and many others for so many years.This music which was written by,loved by,lived by and told about the hopes,struggles,sorrow,happiness and every other aspect of life of the people came from the singers and songwriters themselves.It is such a shame that the Industry has hijacked this music of the people and while forcing it aside,replaced it with studio tripe.The stuff that comes out today is a pretty sad subsitute for what Country Music really is--Hank,Robbins,Haggard,Jones,Carters,Cash Sovine,Nelson,Bare,Snow, Arnold,Lewis,Wynette,Cline ,Miller,Loretta,Anderson,Campbell,Boxcar,just to name a very few.Do you get my point? These people and their music would just never be heard if starting out today.It's time to forget about the studios and go back to the people--the roots of Country Music.
"Did you ever see a robin weep,
When leaves began to die,
Like me,he's lost the will to live,
I'm so lonesome I could cry."

How about Mansion on the Hill,Cold,Cold Heart,I saw the Light;that was Country Music at it's finest.

Escott as covered Hank with all the passion few others would be able to.I remember the New Year Hank Williams specials that lasted for four hours on radio here in Toronto hosted by Escott and Bill MacEwan and miss them as well.If you like Country Music and Hank;you'll love this book,as well as "Hank Williams Snapshots from the Lost Highway" by Escott and Kira Florita ;it is a great companion to this book.

Except for Jesus Christ and Robert E. Lee, no other person has affected the conscious and unconscious mind of the average Southerner as has Hank Williams.

Colin Escott's biography is less sentimental and more sensationalized than Roger Williams', but is it really more detailed? After all, you can only get so much material within a given number of pages. Nevertheless, every time you re-read this book, you pick up facts and suggestions you never noticed before.
Of course, this is necessarily true with such a complex man, a genius in his field, and whose life and death were mysterious.

My favorite anecdote concerning Hank is missing from both books and is related by his steel guitarist, Don Helms: Once, playing an outdoor venue, it began to rain on Hank and his band. Hank and the band retreated to a covered stage area, where they continued the show. Looking over the audience, who were getting soaked, Hank had compassion on his musical followers, and returned to the rain. "If you're good enough to listen to me in the rain, I'm good enough to play for you in the rain!" And he did.

There you have it--a man with godlike qualities but yet a complete lack of pretense and who cared for his listeners like no one ever has. This is why you should pick up a copy of this for yourself and a copy to pass down to your grandchildren. We should never let this man's memory die.

About the time you realize that you don't have a clue about what will happen next (and you can't wait to find out), you realize the song playing in your head is "What a long strange trip it's been".

Why was this book in the non-fiction section at the library? I can understand changing the names of people but counties? There is no Siletz County, Oregon. Why not make up the state too? As fiction there leaves a lot to be desired. The back jacket says"truth is stranger than fiction". Either write non-fiction with names changed to protect identities or write a compelling novel. This is neither.

i have a couple of problems with this book.but we'll get to them later.

there is an awful lot to like about this book. the characters are quirky and fun. the writing is breezy and entertaining. there are multiple twists and turns that are (usually) resolved in some outrageously funny way. and the ending was (to me)unexpected and intriguing.

a really good read for an airport or beach.

so what problems did i have? well, the first is minor. i found this book in the non-fiction section. it clearly is not that. there was an "author's note" on the copyright page that, if given a little more prominence, handled the issue. or publish as a work of fiction. either one.

the other problem is much more serious.

one anecdote intregal to the story is the "tale of the soldier who wouldn't make his bed." (strangely, it is important to the story).

it is also plagarised. in 1956, leo rosten wrote "captain neuman m.d.". chapter seven is entitled "the happiest man in the world". and is the story of colby clay, a soldier who wouldn't make his bed. now,i'm not a lawyer. i don't even play one on tv.

but i'm pretty certain that taking a chapter from someone else's work without attribution is considered a no-no in polite society.

so if you just want an entertaining couple of hours, read this book. it's fun.

if you think that plagarism is something that should be discouraged, i'd pass.

The introduction at the La Jolla bookstore said it all: cross between John Berendt and Ken Kesey, or carl Hiassen and Vince Bugliosi -- or as he put it, reminiscent of Mark Twain.

Bill Merritt has written a wonderfully entertaining fable about young lawyers learning the ropes, a delightful cast of society's castaways, buried treasure and even a little bit of science.

Because Merritt casts himself as the central character, it is necessary to remember that this is fiction - or at least Merritt says so: "Author's note: This book isn't journalism. It is filled with made-up individuals, composite characters, and descriptions that do not match anything in the real world. If you think something in here is about you, it isn't. And, if you think you are going to make a big deal out of it, I've got plenty more on you that doesn't appear in the book, so think again."

Within a few pages, of course, you'll have forgotten the warning, so compelling is Merritt's first-person narrative. The characters are compelling and believable.

There's Thaddeus Silk, now deceased, who hires Merritt as an associate in his small, highly suspect law office. Silk's death from natural causes brings in the police, an aggressive DA, the bar association disciplinary committee and others. Thaddeus, it seems, had long been suspected of a variety of nefarious dealings, including fencing a long rumored Spanish treasure that had been buried on Oregon's cost.

Merritt provides a fascinating recounting of the legends of Neahkahnie Mountain where, it is said, a treasure is buried. Along the way, Merritt also provides an unexpected explanation of trade winds and the history of Spanish trade a few centuries ago. Utterly unexpected, these facts provide both elements of the main plot and an unusual backstory. Good work, indeed.

When Thaddeus Silk shuffles off the mortal coil, Merritt is left the task of picking up the pieces of his mentor's practice. There's Grady Jackson, seemingly a harmlessly befuddled treasure hunter who, in his youth, had been a heroic soldier. Jolene, the office receptionist, was hired by Thaddeus on a work-release program after Thaddeus had bungled her case. Her boyfriend Tail Pipe lives largely on another planet. Abby Birdsong is an aging hippy with a marijuana possession charge against her that just keeps getting bigger.

Soon Merritt himself is facing indictment by an aggressive DA.

The story has plenty of twists and turns as Merritt, still a young and inexperienced lawyer, makes his way through one predicament after another. In terms of handling humor, Merritt is an ace. His storytelling flows smoothly, anchoring your sympathy to Merritt as the subject and eliciting boos and catcalls for the evil guys (who really aren't all that evil: just kind of dumb).

It would be unfair to detail the story to any extent. Take my word for it: there's not a dull page in the book. There's also no sex, no immediate gore, no cliffhangers: just out-of-the-ordinary situations with some pretty oddball characters.

Summer's almost here; the weather's getting nicer: this is the perfect beach read.

Jerry

I liked the coverage, and felt the book was of practical value.
It wasn't just a lecture, teaching generic terms, it explained how to use the concepts and what to avoid.

Plan ahead. What can go wrong that I can do something about, and plan for that well in advance. Concentrate on 7-10 things that can be managed.

I really tuned into the title "Proactive" Risk Management -- expecting to learn some new and valuable risk management techniques, and I relied heavily on other reviewer's comments; unfortunately, my take on this book is quite different from theirs -- and that's why I'm writing -- so that others won't be misled, as I was.

I was quite disappointed in this book; I feel like I wasted my money. Normally I read such books very carefully; highlighting interesting and/or important points, and take lots of notes; however, this book is almost un-marked, and I took no notes.

As a PMP-certified project manager, I like to see books such as this relate their material to the Project Management Institute (PMI)'s PMBOK.

The authors made passing reference to the PMBOK early in Chapter 1, but that was about it; they didn't specifically relate their content to PMI's PMBOK, and given PMI's stature as industry standard, I consider that to be a significant omission.

If you're new to the area of risk management, and want an easy-to-read "How-To," you might enjoy this book.

However, if you're an experienced project/risk manager, I'd recommend you buy something else.

As for me, I'll put it on my bookshelf, where it will probably simply gather dust. I found this book to be merely a "re-hash" of other material, with little information that that I didn't already know, i.e., "lightweight," a beginner's introductory "Reader".

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time on the important topic of risk management. The treatment of the standard risk model is complete, easy to follow, and very practical. Some of the other bonuses include organization/facilitation tips for risk identification workshops, and proposals for tools and reporting formats. The material will quickly lend itself to practical applications in the work place for those who are interested in improving the risk identification and management practices in their organizations.
Possible improvements to the book could include more technical examples related to product development (the book uses the risk of `heart attack' as an example throughout the book), and a CD with electronic versions of the tools and reports that are proposed.

Over the years, I have encountered nearly every kind of risk in software projects. I found the suggestions in this book for risk analysis and risk management to be simple, clear, and actionable.

If you're a project manager or a team leader, you need to read this book or one very much like it. Otherwise, you're likely to lead a project without knowing or controlling its risks.

If you are not in a leadership position, use the concepts in this book to evaluate your leaders. That way, you can find out early how things are likely to turn out.

I found this book to be the most approachable, and day to day useful text on risk, currrently available. The authors make it easy to understand, provide a progressive example that builds on the model presented, and they provide a useful risk management toolkit.
As a trainer, I found the concepts easy to get across to students. They were also able to retain these concepts because they made so much sense.
Buy it!

Fannie Farmer was a favored ikon during my growing-up years in Ithaca. Later, I inherited her revered & well-worn cookbook, and after copying a few choice recipes such as my brother's favorite Snow Pudding, passed it on to an interested daughter.

Now there are other editions to choose from: Penguin published a mini version you might be able to locate on e-bay. It has the chocolate cake of my childhood that must have been concocted in Fannie Farmer's kitchen but I am still not sure if the directions in this 'mini' sampler match my mother's celebrated dessert. Of course, the great treat then was to lick the spoon - - nowadays that fun is spoiled by warnings that even a smidgen of raw egg will bring on an early death. Well! Whichever version of Fannie Farmer's cookbook you explore, you will have great fun reading how things were 'in the good old days'.

REVIEWER mcHAIKU urges you to read Deborah Hopkinson's amusing story "Fannie in the Kitchen" (isbn: 068981965x). These two books could be paired for a memorable shower OR holiday gift. Don't miss either one!

I LOVE THIS COOKBOOK! My Grandmother owned this book and bought my mom a copy when she was married in 1937. When my grandmother died i got her copy. Now my daughter is 19 and moving away from home. I am buying myself a new copy as I am passing on my grandmothers original book to her. It provides all the basic down to earth information that a new cook needs and is not found in most modern day cookbooks.

My favorite Maud Hart Lovelace book is Betsy's Wedding and I was very happy to find a recipe for Lady Baltimore Cake. I don't think that I will be making any of these recipes and I am not sure it was worth ten dollars but it's nice to know that pre-gadgetry, cakes were being churned out; that eases my baking anxiety.

My original copy of Fanny Farmer's Cookbook has no cover, pages behave as falling leaves unless handled with care, but I would not give it up for a new one, never never. What would I do without my years of scribbled notes in the margins? The copies I am buying now are for two granddaughters who are college frosh this year. They will get Fanny, Miss Manners, New College dictionary, etc. to start their own home libraries. Every home need Fanny Farmer because it is basic, easy to read and understand and calls for ingredients readily available - if not on the home shelf then at any grocery. FYI, when the grandson goes off to college he will also get a copy of Fanny to take with him, along with his microwave and a covered frying pan.

I clearly remember the day about 40 years ago when I talked my mother into buying a bottle of Final Touch fabric softener, a product she didn't even use, simply because it came with this free cookbook. I was 10 then, and dozens of cookbooks later, this is the one I turn to most often. The pages are brown and brittle, and began falling out years ago. I kept the book together with a rubber band, and now use a Ziploc bag. I want to make sure our family's favorite recipes are available to my 3 sons, so I'm buying this edition now. But I won't throw out my original copy with all its happy memories. Beyond all that nostalgia, the cookbook is phenomenal for all its practical, thorough explanations of food selection and cooking techniques. Outstanding value for the new or experienced cook/baker.

Before I review this book, I think it's important to advise the potential reader to be sure to check out the editorial reviews for this book. The reason being: this book is not a "I gave my life to Jesus because of how awful the JWs are" run of the mill treatment you've come to expect. If you read the editorial reviews (not the customer reviews, the editorial reviews just under the photo of the book cover) you will know what this book is and isn't. It's not a "faith builder" or even a critique of Watchtower teachings per se. It's a very personal and intense account of one persons descent into Watchtower hell and the resulting madness. One reader gave this book one star because she obviously did not have a clue what this book was about before she bought it. The she castigated the author for not having written a book that met her preconceived notions,

I loved this book for several reasons. The first being that I too have been involved in cults: the Mormons and the Seventh Day Adventists. While those two cults are not nearly as extreme as the Jehovah's Witnesses, nonetheless they too feature many of the same mind control and life-control tactics and teachings. So, I can relate to this book.

I enjoyed the gritty honesty and realism of this book, as it enabled me to peek inside the mind of a typical hormone-crazed teenage boy and see what it's like to have your life dominated by said hormones.

I enjoyed this book for taking me inside the authors mind as he experienced life inside the JW cult, and the wild ride it resulted in as Nate Merritt both embraced and fought against the Watchtower hierarchy at the Kingdom Hall level. Few people have lived such an adventurous life in such a short span of time as did the author, or have experienced such hellish results in four short years of involvement with a cult.

The ending is very upbeat, very life-affirming, without being a predictable journey into Jesus World Incorporated as so many books written by former JWs are. I Was A Teenage Jehovah's Witness is a roller coaster ride for the mind and spirit and will make you laugh, cry, gasp, and laugh again.

I would love to see this book made into a movie, or at least read a sequel. Five stars and two thumbs way up.

KA

I found this book to be very boring because the author was hung up on his sexual urges and that became very boring after awhile. The author came from a dysfunctional family to begin with (they were not Jehovah's Witness) and I believe the book is misleading because he was not raised as a Jehovah's Witness and when he left or was disfellowshipped, he had family and friends to return to. Those teenagers and young people who suffer the same fate (disfellowshipped) are left with no one to turn to when they have been raised in the Watchtower religion. During my years in the Watchtower religion, I knew so many pitiful young people who were raised in this cult and then cast out and I could not find any sympathy for this author and I believe he was the cause of most of his problems. In the first place, he wasn't really interested in religion when he got involved - he was merely following his raging hormones. In summary, the book was very disappointing.

This review is from my good friend, Didier Fougeras, in Belle-Eglise France. Unfortunately, he does not have an Amazon reviewers account, so I am posting this review on his behalf:

"Nate is a great writer, with a remarkable sense of narrative structure in addition to devastatingly racy style. The result is a both exhilarating and heartbreaking, continuously thrilling story you are eager to come back to (if you don't read it in one night as 'justsomedude' did). No need to repeat the excellent summary in VM44's post. But one thought that came to my mind quite a few times while reading is: you cannot be faithful to your memories unless you dare reinventing them. This, I think, is just what Nate did, and brilliantly so. Instead of merely recounting "objective facts" -- or, even worse perhaps, assessing them in the deceiving light of later "mature" judgement -- he recreates the on-the-spot emotions, thoughts, fantasies and daydreams of the sensitive teenage prankster he was, embarking you on a breathtaking subjective ride he must first have lived as a writer -- a perspective way more fascinating than that of the fly on the wall we often wish to be as far as "history" is concerned. On the JW side, his neophyte enthusiasm, his nearly immediate disillusionments, his flip-floppings he really shares, with blunt creative honesty. This is well worth a couple of possible factual mistakes. This book will probably never make it into most churches' and other anti-cult libraries -- just too hard, in more than one sense. And it sure may scare the prudish or the faint-hearted. But it will delight many JWD posters, and probably enlighten many more lurkers. Just forget about the JWD posting guidelines when you get into it." -Didier Fougeras

I Was a Teenage Jehovah's Witness is not a work of fiction; it's the true story of a boy, who liked a girl on the bus, and--oops! ended up in a brainwashing cult. A sort of slip, banana-peel style, into a pit of cosmic slime. Truth is always stranger than fiction. Nathan's descent into the network of fear and lies that are the bedrock of the JW's drafting policy, is a gripping tale of teenage angst like none you've read before.

As you make the painful journey with the author, from troubled teen to gun weilding maniac, you will laugh, cry, and become extremely nervous about groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses.

The book illustrates how cults can use the vulnerability, intelligence, and natural curiosity of a teenager as a springboard for their own selfish designs. The way the JW's insinuated themselves into the author's life and mind is very disturbing, and the fact that much duplicity was involved will evoke a strong sense of injustice from the reader.

I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who has had experience in freeing themselves from the bondage of a religious cult (and who love a hell of an adventure story).

If there was ever a book that exposes both the deep scars of fundamentalist Christianity and the deep existential angst of teens in America this is it. Through a dark humorous eye, Nate reveals his journey through his younger years in the Midwest, traveling through all valleys and almost no peaks. At one turn there is the confusion and rage of maturing in a modern society, at another there is his escapism into either drugs or the drug of the Jehovah Witness Cult. In between, Nate deals with the usual demons of a dysfunctional family, the confusion of young love, and the constant bad decision-making of adolescents. Yet this is not a dark book, for it is seasoned with irony, the small victories we all taste in life and some very touching moments of clarity. In the end, it's a lesson about how nothing that glitters is truly gold except the inner shine of one's perseverance and the brilliance of loyal friends.

Oh, and a lesson about staying away from Christian cults.

Abraxas

Knightfall: Knight Ridder And How The Erosion Of Newspaper Journalism Is Putting Democracy At Risk is more than a survey of one company's rise and fall: it draws important links between democratic free speech and free press issues and Knight Ridder's development. Chapters consider the financial reality of newspaper business, methods for remaining profitable, and the effects on democracy of newspaper corporate strategies and concerns.

It's not about David Haselhoff in 'Knight Rider.' Too bad -- he's a good singer; I had his CD but gave it to a 'friend' and wish I still had it! This book pushes the First Amendment concerning the freedom of the press. Funny, I thought it was all about freedom of speech. I have invoked it on more than one occasion. Jim Batten was CEO of Knight Ridder until his death in 1999. Now, they have a medal in his memory. Tony Ridder became CEO and his brother, Peter, is in charge of the TRIBUNE.

Greed may do what radio, television, or the iNternt weren't able to do in the demise of newspapers. Readers don't have respect now as they are not given the full story. Newspapers "compromise" on what they will print and use mainly what will sell papers for t hem. They are not in the business of public service but for a "for profit at any cost" not caring how omissions can cause distress to those left out. This single-minded pursuit of profit in the media game as "watering down" of newspaper journalism.

Local t.v. stations are the opposite, constantly adding more newscasts; the public can't get enough. The latest was a 4 p.m. addition on one station (8) to compensate an "older" female anchor so they could get by with hiring a younger one who sounds like a kid in the early morning slot. They teamed the transient one with a sports reporter, and it works. They compete with a younger couple on Channel 10 who have a full hour of local news and events. At 5 p.m. Channel 6 gets into the fray. They are number one. Eight is on again at 5:30 and 7 p.m. with different anchors. All three are on the air at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Daily newspapers (most are not locally owned) are harming the public they are meant to inform. This "complete" flow which we all need to "govern" ourselves is on the brink of drying up. Knight Ridder is the second-largest news company after Scripps Howard which owns the News-Sentinel in my hometown. This is the paper which doen't like to admit they have made an error; they refused to admit they need to correct a lapse in full coverage. In fact, they hired the old guy who left out the decade of the '50s in the coverage of the Tennessee Theater.

In 1974 (the year my last child was born), Knight merges with Ridder Publications. Since then, things have gone from bad to worse. Our "rights" are being limited as certain facts or matters are dropped for financial reasons. Buzz is right "on target" by informing the public about this situation.

His newspaper career spanned forty years and he was Senior Editor of 'The Wichita Eagle' when he retired in 1999. He's not the only former newsman to take on the big syndicates, but he tells the stories (facts) in a way we can understand. After all, journalism is on a third grade level. Fifty years ago, many adults didn't get past 3rd grade but in 2005 we have more PhDs and lesser college grads floating around out there -- trying to figure out why there's so little "news" in the local daily paper.

He feels that "the kind of journalism" which "gave rise to -- and preserves -- our democracy will disappear. Many people are unhappy and starting to let the press know how bad it is to let Morgan Stanley take over a "free press." One spectacular thing about the book is the larger print. Man, it is hard to read the newspapers these days, not just because the print is so small some folks have to use a magnifier -- the quality of recycled paper is a disgrace. On a 'note of caution' about the results of Buzz's research, contact your local daily paper and COMPLAIN. It probably won't make much difference but, at least, you'll feel better for getting your right to make a statement.

The theme of this book, written by a former editor of The Wichita Eagle is that over the past few decades, the business of making newspapers has changed from a business unlike any other to a business just like all others, and we are not well served by this change.

I think the most important quote from the book is this:

With a handful of exceptions, American newspapers are being eroded, their traditional values subverted, their journalistic resources stripped away, their dedication to public service and local communities hallowed out, leaving a thin shell of public relations gimmicks that pretend to be public service and entertainment that pretends to be news.

Newspapers are important. They provide the common set of information that we, as a democracy, can use to work through the issues that face us. Although most people now get news from television and Internet sources, the basis for much of this news content is newspapers.

How is newspaper journalism different from journalism that happens to be in a newspaper? The answer is that newspaper journalism is "not shaped by a limiting technology," such as a television broadcast; it values completeness over immediacy, it is lengthier and deeper than other sources of journalism, its goal is relevance rather than entertainment, and opinion and analysis is presented separately from news.

What has changed?

External changes have worked against newspapers. The baby boomer generation has not read newspapers with the same frequency as their parents. The fact that most newspapers are now publicly owned means that Wall Street pushes for ever-increasing profits. Newspapers, Mr. Merritt says, are a long-term investment and don't fare well in today's short-term investment climate. Technology changes, including the Internet, have been difficult for newspapers to adapt to.

Internal changes have occurred, too. The "creeping corporatism" of the national chains such as Knight Ridder has distanced newspapers from their local communities. The rise of Management By Objective (MBO) in the newsroom has caused editors to make journalistically unwise decisions. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the wall that has separated the journalism side from the business side of the newspaper business has all but crumbled.

Is there a solution on the horizon that will bring back the great tradition of newspaper journalism across America? Mr. Merritt presents several possible solutions, but I have the sense that he doesn't place much hope that any will succeed in the near future.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand newspapers and their important role in our country.

Reading this book has helped me understand why our local newspaper is the way it is, which is to say I understand why it so poorly serves our community. It also reinforces my belief that I should spend less time watching television news and spend more time reading the important newspapers of our country: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The Christian Science Monitor. All these newspapers place their content on the Internet through their web sites. The Wall Street Journal costs $6.95 monthly, but the other newspapers are free to read, although you may have to register.

Since I'm the periphery of the print advertising industry, the future of the newspaper industry is asked a lot. Every corporate decision above me has this in mind. Can the newspaper industry be saved? Or will it go become something more like letter writing - a lost art that is rarely used anymore.

This is the story of Knight-Ridder from the editor of a Wichita editor from inside the beast. Davis "Buzz" Merritt believes that the newspaper industry has survived radio, television, and Internet and survived. All these things are supposed to be the death knell of newspapers but they continue to trudge forward. Merritt laments that it's the short-term thinking of profit for shareholders and "suits" that have ruined the quality of journalism.

In the "golden age" of newspapers, there was a wall between advertisers and journalists. Communication was minimized to discourage any tainting of the journalistic endeavors. The jobs of journalists were to find the truth, report it and not worry about how much it cost. Journalists were NOT supposed to write what people wanted ... or newspaper would be all fluff. There was honor in journalism to ask the hard questions.

This book was written by a (somewhat) disgruntled editor that thinks that restoring the wall and giving journalists and editors to research and write (not balance budgets) at the expense of profits will eventually save the industry in the long-term. Though radio, television, 24 hour news channels, direct mail, and Internet did not kill newspapers, they slowly have eroded the readership base. The mini-monopoly of newspapers is losing ground every year.

There is a strong resentment toward Wall Street's insistence that profits and revenues grow every quarter. It makes me wonder what the rest of the story is when profit margins are increased and applauded by Wall Street.

Improving the quality of the newspaper will not save the industry. The newspaper industry will not disappear overnight but there are more than a few grey hairs on its head.

I recommend that you read this book if you read or at one point regularly read a lot of any newspaper.

Davis Merritt is a retired reporter and upfront mentions his background and association with the organization he is writing about. In this book he examines the trend of media outlets to dismiss public service obligations in favor of entertaining the public in favor of entertaining the public and profit. He analyzes the 1974 merger of Knight Newspapers and Ridder Publications, Inc., as an example of journalistic decline and discusses consequent broader societal implications. This book is worth reading and should be required reading for all journalism students.