U Books

Outstanding biography of the man. Much has been written about the general, this book brings the humble father, husband and Christian man to life.

I've long considered myself a student of Southern history and the Civil War. Heck, I've been a historian at museums so I think I have a pretty good knowledge of the Civil War era. Furthermore, I live in Virginia and have been to the campus of Washington and Lee University. However, nearly every page of Charles Bracelen Flood's work on Robert E. Lee's post-war years is full of information I've never heard about. Flood has used many differing sources to pull together a wonderful, highly readable account of Lee's years after the war, how he came to be President of Washington College, and his role in the reconstruction of this country. What jumps out off the pages is that for as much as Lee has been studied and idolized for his exploits on the battlefield, his postwar years as President of the college should get just as much press. While Lee did not think defending his native state was wrong, he did wish for both North and South to reconcile as quickly as possible. After reading the book, I still do not think Lee is the god that some people hold him up to be, but he does stand out as a good man who wanted to bring the nation back together while also helping his fellow Southerners get back on their feet. While Flood's writing can be unimaginative at times and I thought he threw in little stories and vignettes that he didn't need too, the book is excellent overall and should be a must read for anyone interested in Lee. However, the book is such an easy, good read that I think almost anyone should pick it up.

Bracelen Flood clearly does extensive research in order to render this intimate and engrossing portrayal of Lee.

Lee: The Last Years was well worth reading. A must for anyone who wants to know a little more of the Rest of The Story about a fine American, though much misunderstood.

Excellent book. I have never been particulary interested in Lee despite a huge interest in the Civil War and having read numerous books. He always seemed to me to be too 'marble'. The author has done an excellent job of showing the warmth and humanity of Lee to the point one feels as if they actually know Lee. Little points like the stories of Lee's love for children and the insights into his family life. I had not realized that during the course of the Civil War with all the pressures and responsibilities of his position he had to deal with the deaths of a daughter,a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren !! Great book - a must read for Civil War buffs . Rebs and yanks.

Men To Match My Mountains is the perfect follow up to Chittenden's The American Fur Trade of The Far West. Since H. M. Chittenden covers 1800- 1840ish, this book gives you detailed history of California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado beginning with the Oregon Trail movement. It contains some very well studied hard to find details of historical events. It's sure to please the serious history buff.

What a great book as an in depth introduction to the formation of modern day California.

Everyone I know that has read this book has loved it. If you are interested in learning about settling of the west, take a chance on this book.

A Great book, that really informs the reader. Hard to put down.

First, this is not my normal genre, but came as a highly recommended book. If one wants to learn about the immigration and exploration of the west, then one can not go wrong by reading and enjoying this wonderful history lesson in story form. As the title of the book indicates, it took a special stock of men (and women) to overcome the many obstacles that the mountains (and desert) requires of one. The book takes you on this journey from the viewpoint of the true early explorers, and adventures, to just people trying to make a better life, or escaping religious persecution. Either group provides the struggles required of all and the high adventures to get where they eventually landed.

It is hard to imagine that prior to year of 1830, that there were probably less than 5,000 non-Native Indians living in the far west. Even more so that most Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Russians, (and others) that thought the far west presented far too much danger to even attempt the crossing, and once there, not much to reward your effort. This was based on some facts as the story unfolds from the Donner Party tragedy, and Indian attacks, to continued religious persecution, and vigilante groups of early settlements. All told though, there is only greed or great opportunity that can overcome a rational repugnance of such hardships to justify the costs which to overcome man's avoidance of living in such extremes. That greed comes in the form of gold and silver for many that ultimately made the effort to expand the far west.

All in, this is a page turner with both drama, color, and interwoven events to keep the story (i.e. immigration) moving along to the far west that we know today. A wonderful and educational story indeed.

This is one of many Phantom Stallion books. I would say it's my favorite one so far. The reason this is my favorite book is because I like action books, and horse books. This story has both.
This story is about a girl named Sam and her old horse the phantom(Blackie). Mr. Solcum was accusing the phantom of stealing his new filly. Sam knew that the phantom had nothing to do with it because a blue roan had come and stole her gram's horse, Sweetheart. Can Sam find Sweetheart and the other horses that are missing.
I would recommend this book to people who like horses and adventures. I wouldn't recommend this book to boy because it has a lot of girl things in it like crushes and some stuff like that.

Mustang Moon is probably one of my favorite PS books. It's got such a great and different story line then the others. Linc Slocum is out to get the Phantom-anyway he can. He buys this fancy appaloosa named Hotspot and then this stallion comes and starts stealing all these mares, Hotspot to name one and Sweetheart too. Sam knows it's not the Phantom but Linc tries to prove it-even posting an award for the capture of him! Sam has to prove that the Phantom is not stealing the mares!

I love all of the books except #3 because she lets a bratty girl train her horse. This book is awsome. Every book has an adventure especially number 1 "The Wild One". I love these books and I recommend them to anybody who loves horses. I recommend them to 11 and up becauseyounger children won't understand the amazingness of this book. Do not read this if you don't like horses. You don't have to love them but don't hate them or you won't understand the girl's deep love for the horses. I love horses and would have done everything she did to save them. I'm currently on number 7 and I just bought number 8. I have yet to read it.

This is a great follow-up to the original. Hammer(Diablo) is stunning and the beggining is cool. Definately one of the best books in the whole series. I would recommend it over the newer PS books. The plot is wonderful. So, check it out!

Ok, I think I've read every horse book or series in the world. Not to brag or anything. I've read Heartland, Pony Pals, The Sadlle Club, Hoofbeats, Black Beauty, National Velvet etc. I think the Phantom Stallion is better than all of those, even the classics. After reading the first book, I jut had to get my hands on the second. I have to say that Mustang Moon has one of the best storylines in the whole entire series. And that's saying something. It's about how an escaped stallion named Hammer/Diablo invades the local ranches and tries to steal tamed mares. But the problem is, everybody thinks that the Phantom Stallion is responsible and Sam must prove to the town that the phantom is innocent. But that's not it. That's what I like about these books. The plot has other things going on. Sam also has to get used to Darton High School and make new friends. So you see, this book is really good and you have to get out there and read it right now.

A wonderfull romance, exciting, fast read , romatic and very touching. I loved both Enid & Nick, would love to read the next one by Ms Reeves.

I met B.K. Reeves at the 2000 Golden Triangle Writer's Conference in Beaumont recently. Of all the author's offerings, her book, My Buffalo Soldier, is the one that will stick with me the longest. Many years ago B.K. wrote this interracial historical romance and the fact that has only now been published speaks to the shortsightedness of the publishing industry. I highly reccommend My Buffalo Soldier to men and woman alike. It is in no way a traditional Harlequin style romance. B.K. paints on a much larger canvas.

I must admit that I didn't have any expectations when I read "My Buffalo Soldier". This is a story that will get you involved without knowing it. It's fun! And, it will knock you over with it's contrast of sensitivity and brutality set against a backdrop of life in West Texas after the Civil War. And, there is always an underlying tension that is pertinent to today's society because the main characters are a black, educated Union soldier and a white Confederate widow who try to avoid falling in love. This is a story about a dangerous relationship and love is the catalyst. As the story develops you will become absorbed in the characters, the times and the underlying anticipation of the inevitable battle between good and evil. Suddenly, and without realizing it, the story has snuck up on you and absorbed you. You can't turn the pages fast enough. You can't put the book down. If you are looking for a good time and great reading I highly recommend "My Buffalo Soldier".

In the period following the Civil War, many African American males joined the Union Army in hopes of getting employment and national respect. They traveled west, as soldiers, to help the government claim Native American lands for the United States. During this same period, many non-military people also moved west, looking to begin new lives on the frontier.
In MY BUFFALO, it was in such a time and setting that Enid Jamison met Sergeant Nick Balfours. Nick, as a soldier, was no stranger to racism and near the end of his military tour. As a result of inheritance and keen business acumen, he'd amassed a small fortune. His plans were to leave the army, relocate to Paris, paint and live well.
Enid is a recent widow, the daughter of an abolitionist, and the sister of a Ku Klux Klan leader. She wants to get away, find peace and solitude. When rested, she plans to start teaching children and adults, without regard to their race, ethnicity, or culture.
It is under these diverse histories that these two people meet. They are attracted to each other, but the racial tensions and prohibitions of that time are both real and imagined.
MY BUFFALO SOLDIER is an excellent book with accurate historical references. It's fast paced with lots of action obstacles. It's a love story, but a whole lot more.

Reeves, Barbara B.K. MY BUFFALO SOLDIER. Columbus, Mississippi: Genesis Press, Inc. 2000. 265 p. Paperback: $8.95. ISBN 1-58571-013-X

My Buffalo Soldier is a compelling story of an impossible love between a man and a woman. In 1871 when Nick Balfours feels an attraction to Enid Jamison, he knows he must ignore it. Even a century later the love between a black man and a white woman will be barely tolerated.

Fighting his heart Nick refuses to allow Enid to teach in a black school at Fort Clark. "A white teacher, young and delectable, beautiful and blonde, standing up before all those horny black soldiers" was unthinkable.

When Enid's racist brother, Paul, discovers she is teaching ignorant black soldiers, he threatens to confine her to an asylum. Enid recognizes her own attraction to Nick. Both struggle to hide their longings for each other. Nick attempts to save them both from the many opposing villians, knowing he has no business wanting a white woman.

Just when true love seems to have conquered all, Enid's brother brings his gang of cutthroats to wreak vengence on those who would love enough to defy customs.

The prejudice and bigotry of the Reconstruction South almost defeat the love of a black Buffalo soldier for a white Confederate widow.

B.K. Reeves writes western, science fiction, contemporary, and historical novels. She teaches novel and short story at San Jacinto College. My Buffalo Soldier is BK's sixth published novel.

This is an awesome book. I laughed and cried. It's heartbreaking and uplifting. I highly reccommend this for all US citizens - whether you are associated with the military or not. It gives an understanding of what the military members and their families deal with, and who they are.

This book was very moving. I laughed and I cried. There were sad stories and poignant stories and many positive stories. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a real look at how the military and their families feel about going through these deployments. I also recomment it for families going through the deployments now. I have learned a lot about what my son may be going through and may not be willing to share with us right now.

This book really gives you a taste for how it is in Iraq...I think everyone should read it...especially Pres. Bush.

I am a military wife. My young daughter and I survived 12 months while my husband served in Iraq. This book was absolutely amazing. I cannot come up with the words to describe how much this book meant to me. I don't know about other spouses, but no matter how much my husband and I talk, it is not easy for him to communicate his thoughts or feelings on his service in Iraq. It was even difficult for him to describe his life over there when asked directly. I think a lot of it is him trying to protect me, but also, his brain does not work that way. He was there, he did what he had to do as a soldier, end of story. This book brought me insight into my husband. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me sick. It made me angry. It made me happy. It made me joyful. It made me all of these things at the same time. I am so thankful to the organization(whose name escapes me right now) that made this book possible. It is a book that touched my heart and soul. I will never be the same, and I am greatful for that. It is in know way a "light" read. I read it quickly, as I do everything, but because I was hungry to read more, to know more, to feel more. Do not read it without a box of tissues next to you.

I am a NCO in the army and have been to Iraq 4 times and this book sent chills through my bodie many times with the pure honest look at war. Most of the stories are reflections of events that any service member will identifie with. Then there are some events told in this book only a select few will truely grasp. This is a must read if you would like a insight into the mind of a Military member who has been deployed. I cant recomend this book more then just get it read it and prepair to get choked up. I know i did

From the title of this book, I was expecting mostly ghost stories. However, this book is unique in its genre, and I was very pleasantly surprised! Although this book is mostly legend and lore, of which I am not usually a fan, this author's ability as a raconteur quickly overcomes the boundaries of time. These tales are superbly told by a master at his game. Joseph Citro, in his own words, claims to be an "anthologizer." That is exactly what he does here, and he does it well.

The author's ability to narrate a captivating tale is the epitome of the classic New England story-teller, wry humor included. His prose breathes invigorating life into these stories, most of which are "off the beaten path." He will at times make you shiver, and at other times scratch your head. Gathered for your inspection are some of the most creepy, bizarre, and, in some cases, well-documented strange happenings from across the region. Joseph Citro has set himself apart as a top-notch investigator of the paranormal and unsolved mysteries. I am especially a fan of the stories about the sightings of the "Yankee Bigfoot." There were some pages I couldn't turn fast enough.

This collection peeks into lots of New England's nooks and crannies, and should be included in any ghost story, folklore, or mystery-filled library. These strange tales, recounted with this narrator's story-telling ability, are engrossing, well varied, and unique. I would love to sit down with the author over a roaring campfire, late at night, with only the forest winds howling . . .

Another collection of the incredibly bizarre and truly creepifying true tales of New England from Joe Citro. Not only are these tales so weird, so full of the Yankee spirit, so very scary, but Citro imbues them with the clever, dry-wit of the twinkle-eyed New England storyteller. This book was fantastic. Part of it might be that these places are very familiar to me and it isn't hard to imagine these weird, magical, creepy things occurring in the depths of old New England. Also, these tales are so absolutely bizarre that not even New England's best storytellers (from Nathaniel Hawthorne to Steven King) could have imagined them. I couldn't put this book down, and yet, I couldn't read it at night. Wonderful, scary, and fascinating collection. Grade: A+

the book was interesting,not the type of book to read on a cold
dark rainy night.some of the tales were dated,but still of interest to me since i have lived in new england all my life

What you'll love about this book is that Citro spins a good yarn. His storytelling style reads well, and your eyes effotlessly flow over the words. As for whether these stories are true, he includes some fantastically compelling reasons why they could possible be more than simple legend or folklore. Documentation, methodical investigations by qualified skeptics, law enforcement sightings, journalists, and witness-upon-witnesses, all shared in a non-overbearing fashion. He's not trying to prove anything, he's just tickling our thoughts -- and it works!

The stories themselves are either interesting, quirky, terrifying (or all of the above), and all of them -- I mean all of them -- are utterly unique. Just stuff you couldn't have made up on your own even if you were using hallucinogens!

If you're a skeptic it will challenge you. If you're a person of faith it will make you rethink your pre-assumed theologies. But ultimately this book succeeds because at its heart they're just well-told stories that will chill you to the bone and make you think at the same time.

A great, scary read. I had read none of these stories before and enjoyed every one of them. Very well written and quite entertaining. Read this alone on a stormy autumn night! Guaranteed to give you chills.

great for the price and wow very fast shipping very easy to use. If you travel alot get this atlas.

This is a road atlas that has everything I was looking for. I'm glad I bought it and know I will use it for years to come.

Best map of USA I have ever seen. Very up-to-date. Tons of information. This map is a must have for USA trips...

You won't need to worry about getting lost with this in your car!! Wonderful detail. We went from NH to Florida and back without any problems!

This isn't your father's road atlas! This one has RADICAL streets, AWESOME rivers, and COOOOL lakes represented in TOTALLY TUBULAR drop-down 2-D! I should warn you that you may LITERALLY BURST INTO FLAMES when you note the 6 - 6!!!! - main thoroughfares out of Gettysburg, PA. That is but one moment of potential spontaneous human combustion in the Northeast. Do not look at panel A-4 on the Vermont map, WHATEVER YOU DO!!!!

The perfect size to place in your rucksack in your cross-country trek, the Rand McNally Road Atlas will give you much "G Love". By which I mean that you will be grody to the max and will blind multiple people with science. Science. The sweet science of geography.

Over 350 bird species are represented in this set (3 CDs, 99 tracks per CD, some tracks having more than one species). I find it to be very complete; it even includes several species that only occur as accidentals in the east region.

The recordings usually include several vocalizations for each species (songs, warning calls, imitations of other birds, or chip notes). Most samples are about 35 seconds long.

The short introductory track, in which the Stokes demonstrate reading from a script, is laughably bad, but fortunately that is not the point.

I have enjoyed birding for years and am familiar with a wide range of calls, and I am finding this set very useful for reinforcement of the ones I know and for learning the ones that I only hear for several weeks a year, such as transient species of warblers. I recommend it.

About 300 species represented on 3 CDs. Good quality recordings. Ready to rip to an MP3 player for birding and bird photography outings. If you use iPod, the iTunes software makes it easy to chose a start time for each track, thus removing the 2 - 2.5 second baritone: "Great Blue Heron," etc. See my review of Kensington portable MP3 speakers - something similar with a bit more volume would be ideal.

This is the only CD that provides a complete repetoire per bird. Other CD's provide only one type of sound per bird- a call, alarm or song. You need to have a sampling of all in order to accurately identify unseen birds. I live in an important migratory bird path and until now it was frustrating trying to identify those birds in dense foliage or in flight when I could hear them much better than see them. Since I am familiar with birds most likely to visit my area, it makes identification even quicker since I first scroll to the species I suspect. I have both the Eastern and Western Field Guides since they both apply to me in Texas.

This is a great product. Some of the bird calls I wouldn't have identified as coming from a bird! The bird is named before the call. Very clear sounds.

I bought this set at the same time as "Birding by Ear: Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)" and am quite happy with the combination. The Stokes CDs have (nearly) all the birds in separate tracks making it easier to play just the ones I want to work with. I'm new at bird songs, so I dumped the disks to my PC and made a subdirectory of "seen" birds. Then I copied to that directory all the birds that I've visually identified in the neighborhood so I can work on learning those to start. I've copied them to my PDA and MP3 player as well to play in the car and sitting at appointments and such. The individual tracks carry not just a bird's primary song but also its different calls if it has any.

The Petersen set takes a different approach. It's a good set of disks that groups bird songs by some feature of similarity. I never knew, for instance, that robins and scarlet tanagers sound so similar. The disks are quite good for helping you learn the differences between similar-sounding species. Keep after it and you will learn to distinguish Carolina from black-capped chickadees.

Mind you, having the disks does not guarantee species identification. At this moment I'm sitting at the PC with the window to my suburban back yard open, listening to a low "chuck-chuck-chuck-chuck-chuck" that I canNOT find on either set of disks!

I can add little to what others have said, other than to contribute one more five-star ranking. It may be hard to believe that anyone at this late date could offer anything new about the Battle of the Little Bighorn, but Donovan does and he does it well--covering both sides, which is in itself unique in this overcharged area of writing.

Personally, I don't believe Custer walked on water as the author would led us to believe. Also from my extensive research, the author's description of the characters involved was very misleading and inaccurate. For instance, Capt. Benteen knew the difference between a lousy commander and a good one, which explains his mistrust and dislike of Custer. Also for every historical source that stated Custer was popular with his troops, there are ten other sources that states the opposite. Moreover, much of Custer's glorified military record during the Civil War was contrived at best. Let's face it, Custer was very apt at blowing his own horn, while kissing up to his superiors. Generally, I was hoping for a more balanced account, which wasn't forthcoming.

Did you know that Custer was at Gettysburgh? I didn't. Did you know he was one of the top calvary generals of the civil war? I didn't either, but I learned these and many other facts about his life leading up to the battle of Little Big Horn. This is a very well told, very read-able tale of Custer's life. This is a very interesting history book, I learned a lot and enjoyed reading it very much.

This ably written popular history of the U. S. Army's 1876 campaign against the Sioux and Cheyanne clearly targets the general reader more than readers familiar with the wars against the Plains Indians. This is shown by the author's provision of considerable background material designed to familiarize the reader with the situation facing the combatants in 1876. This includes summaries of the careers of the main personalities on both sides, the history of the unceasing pressure on the Sioux and other tribes from the 1860's on, the Indian way of life and method of fighting (and the US military's contemptuous lack of understanding of the same), the lack of training and experience among US soldiers, the frequently poor quality of the soldiers themselves, the often bitter dislikes and rivalries among the Army's officers and the high degree of racism and greed that fueled the Plains wars. Much of this can only be sketched because a single volume of 401 pages of text prevents detailed exposition of this general background (interested readers can find more detailed information on these subjects relatively easily). All of this material and more will be familiar to readers knowledgeable about the destruction of the Plains tribes.

The book is a narrative of the facts much more than an analysis of the events, although Donovan does comment on some factors such as Reno's failures both in the valley and on the hill and Custer's repeated splitting of his 660 man force in the face of greatly superior numbers. Donovan does a good job of evaluating the often conflicting factual evidence. In the end, he cannot fully solve the mystery of why Custer did what he did for the simple reason that neither Custer nor any of the key officers who accompanied him on his last foray were around to explain their actions. Donovan does occasionally make some educated guesses on the "whys" that are reasonably insightful and he is good at providing information and letting the reader draw his own conclusions. For example he discusses the success that US foces had enjoyed against Plains tribes although often fighting greatly superior numbers, notes the Army's lack of understanding of how the Indians fought (particularly their reluctance to "stand and fight" to the end with the heavy losses entailed thereby, a tactic that demographics made impossible for the tribes but that the soldiers often mistook for cowardice) and explains the elementary tactics that had so often brought the Army success.

Donovan is particularly good in discussing Reno's conduct during his badly handled attack in the valley and later in the makeshift position on the hill. He carefully weighs the evidence but, aside from showing that Reno was probably drinking heavily throughout the engagements, pretty much lets the reader evaluate the facts for himself. These fights had plenty of survivors, many of whom had strong opinions (mostly hostile to Reno and laudatory of Benteen). Most were willing to share them with fiends and Army cronies but were not willing to speak frankly for official purposes. Some were concerned about their own conduct, some feared making professional enemies and all were concerned about the image of the regiment and the Army generally. The Army brass also wanted to look good. All concerned were only too willing to participate in a whitewash at the Reno Court of Inquiry, although they continued to blister Reno privately for many years after. The Army set up the dead Custer as the scapegoat, calling him rash, overly aggressive, a glory hunter and accusing him of failing to follow orders. Custer certainly made mistakes (plenty) but so did many others, including his superiors. None of the senior campaign leaders (Crook, Gibbon and Terry) performed particularly well in the campaign and much could arguably be laid at their respective doors. In context, Custer's blunders are understandable if, in the end, perhaps not forgiveable.

The book then traces the aftermath in summary form to and including the 7th Cav's Wounded Knee attack on surrendering Indians and the events surrounding it. This part of the book again covers a lot of ground, including Libbie Custer,s efforts to remedy what she saw as the injustices to her dead husband and the subsequent careers of some of the main survivors. Again this is done briefly, probably again for reasons of space.

In short, James Donovan tries to provide the general reader with all he needs to know about the 1876 campaign, its culminating disaster and its aftermath. Overall he does a good job. He has pursued the evidence and evaluated it well with no unfair axes to grind. He is especially good at using the evidence of lower ranking officers, common soldiers and Indian witnesses (including those serving with the US Army). His writing is clear and readable. This is an excellent overview for anyone wanting basic facts and knowledge and it provides an excellent start for those interested enough to want to pursue the issues themselves.

I hate to sound like a hackneyed reviewer, but I've just finished James Donovan's book, and that's the (inadequate) phrase that springs to mind.

The research is stunning and the comparative analysis truly important. The narrative is handled deftly, with great confidence, and more than a little elegance. Donovan is a helluva writer.

This is a topic I knew little about beyond the myths we all grew up with and a handful of books read over the years. But this book draws one in quickly and refuses to let go. The characters come alive, the events unfold with a cinematic sweep, and beneath it all, the deep research reassures that the only agenda at work here is to tell a fascinating story with balance and a strict adherence to the knowable truth.

And the last line is a killer.

I took the Microsoft exam 70-216 for network infrastructure today and all I can say is AMAZING! How did the writers know what was on the exam? There is so much obscure stuff on the exam that no other book I read covered the questons on the exam. But this one did. So much of the test was troubleshooting the network, so I guess a TCP/IP troubleshooting book would be the right one. But the similarity of this book to the test is amazing.

This book was good to read too and I am using it at my job and fixing some of the problems we've had with WINS and VPN based on what I learned. Great book and best study guide for the test.

This book is heads and tails above any other TCP/IP book I've read or own. Finally understand how DNS works, the RAS section helped me put together my Win2k VPN. Get this is you wnat to understand some of the weird stuff in Win2k TCP/IP.

We are in the process of moving from NT to Win2k and my boss made me the project manager. I had to get on top of Win2k networking fast. I bought this book on the recommendation of several of my co workers. Glad I got it. The book is informative and detailed in explanations and examples. A must have for the busy guy like me.

OK, I admit it. I learned my TCP/IP for Windows NT exams from reading Exam Cram. Needless to say, I passed the Windows NT TCP/IP test, but couldn't tell a subnet from a supernet. Now I have a job in the industry and I needed to actually learn TCP/IP, especially since we are moving up to Windows 2000 in our shop.

This book is unreal in how good things are explained. Great detail in describing RRAS, WINS, DNS, and the TCP stack. Using the information in the book I am now up to speed on TCP/IP. Enough to pass the 70-216 test! Not bad for a NT MCSE!

For Real, this book helped a lot. I owe the author's a beer on this one.

This book is fresh air to someone like myself who has read at least a dozen Windows 2000 books. I get the impression that a lot of the Windows 2000 books were written by people who write books and don't work with the technology. This book doesn't fall into that class. It was great to read this book, because it renewed my faith that a tech book could be written in a way that doesn't put me to sleep.

They cover Windows 2000 TCP/IP from top to bottom. WINS, DNS, DHCP, RRAS, IIS, routing and network devices. Its all there, and its filled with little known factoids that makes me want to keep reading and have another "aha!" experience.

This book also was the major reason I passed the Microsoft 216 exam so easily. Although I didn't buy it to pass the exam, they seem to cover all the material that the exam covered. A nice bonus. I wish they made the book longer, because I'm sure they could have said a lot more that I would like to read about.

This book isn't for beginners, but neither is Windows 2000. I think once the reader is ready to manage Windows 2000, they'll be ready to get the most out of this exceptional book.