Escape Books

This book isn't bad. It doesn't show the fine points that a Gracie or Machado book might show. It would have been better if he would have combined all of his books into one.

Most of the escapes I have seen and they work sometimes, not always, some require strength, some don't, Also if your fighting an experienced fighter, they probably know these, so they might not work against them. This is where his discussion about patience and not being in a rush to win is correct.

I would not recommend this book to newbies, but to intermediate/advanced students who have the benefit of some experience and an instructor. A good instructor or advanced student in Judo or JuJitsu will be able to show their students how these work.

This book is one of six books in Geoff Thompson Ground fighting series. As the title suggests, this book concentrates on chokes and strangles.

The book opens with warnings on potential lethality of the techniques if done wrong. Next Thompson handles briefly some basic stuff on ground fighting, that don?t really belong into this book but the reader needs at least the basic knowledge of in order to understand the techniques presented in this book.

The rest of the book is devoted to various chokes and strangles, grouped together based on the position they are attempted from. The techniques are quite simple and proven, and for the most part they are explained well. On some occasions either the accompanying photographs and/or the text is somewhat misleading or could have been written more clearly. There is usually one photograph for each technique, but on some occasions there are 2-3 photos, and there is an odd technique with no photos. For the most part the photos are clear enough to understand the technique.

The book itself is a very good one, but the format it is sold in is not very good. Although there are almost 100 pages in the book, the text is printed in large font and spacing. With regular sized font and layout the book would take only some 50-60 pages. Because the books of the series are sold separately instead of one large volume, they have used large font to increase the page count and the price tag of the book. If the whole ground fighting series would have been printed into one large volume of some 300-350 pages, the price of the book would have been substantially lower than what you have to buy for all of the six separate books. And because you have to buy at least some, if not all of the books of the series anyway to really get the ground fighting game, it?s not a question of saving money by buying just the books you are interested in.

To sum it up, the book is a very good one, but if the whole series would have been published as one volume, it could very well be a five-star book instead of "only" four I?m giving to this one.

This is a book about Harry Houdini. Harry Houdini grew up with four brothers and one sister. He is famous for escaping safes, handcuffs and walking on tightropes. He was introduced to magic at the age of seven. On his journey Harrry Houdini became one of the most famous magicians in the world.
Houdini performed for more than one million people in his lifetime. After his greatest trick he passed away.
I do not think this was a good book because it did not have a lot of information about Harry Houdini. Also, it did not tell when or where Harry Houdini was born. There were some confusing words. I would recommend this book as a good story but not for school use.

As most people know, Harry Houdini was one of the greatestmagicians and escape artists ever known. The author was pretty goodat telling his childhood story, yet sometimes it was confusing. Maybeit because I wasn't concentrating the whole time. Even though I didn't enjoy the whole book, I would still encourage people to read it.

An interesting book, but the frequent sexual discriptions take away from the story line. How does the main character have any energy left to fight any battles or do anything else after a night and morning with his "mates" (wifes). A 15 year old boy would find this book wonderful, but for me, it was just OK.

Tommy Atkinson has a wonderful - pull you in - writing style. Although the book does have some sexual references, it is creative and wonderfully pleasant to read. I personally have always wondered what would happen if something like a mini ice age, a huge volcanic eruption, or even a deadly virus got out of control and changed the earth drastically. Eventhough this is not necessarily what would happen if a mini ice age DID occur...for me it was enough to satisfy my curiosity for now. I can't wait for the second book! Good Job Tommy, don't stop writing!

I was charmed by this book. Author Bailey has a gift for drawing the reader in, from the opening pages, as she shares her experience (along with that of her husband and young son)of moving into a medieval monastery--in need of vast repair--in the south of France. Whether one is looking to buy a home in Europe, an enthusiast for all things French, or an armchair traveler game for a good trip, LIFE IN A POSTCARD opens a rich and memorable excursion. It's an excursion described with zest, frankness,love of language,humility, and welcome humor.

After reading many books about French Provence. I tried to find books about other parts of France so I bought this book. However, Ms. Bailey's limited French resulted in her life in the French Pyrenees mostly among the expat. To the end of the book, I still did not feel or learn something much about the French Pyrenees. Might be good for reader who like the story of the ancient monk, but not me.

I liked this installment in the Kay Scarpetta series. The forensics are detailed and graphic, and by now I feel I know her characters well, both their good aspects and their faults. The only issue I have with the series is that they skip major changes in the character's lives. For example, in the last book, Benton was still at the FBI, and when this one opens, he is retired. We don't get to know what led up to that decision and how he feels about it. Lucy was last with the FBI and in the process of having her career ruined. In this book, all of a sudden that is over and she is with the ATF.

Regardless of those deficits, I still enjoy the series. Carrie Grethen is back and the book starts with a poem she writes to Kay. I won't give away spoilers, but this one has an ending that shocks, and is a heartbreaker.

If you plan to read more of the Kay Scarpetta series, don't skip this one. It is needed in my opinion to fully understand at least the next two books. (that is as far as I've gotten in the series)

The large number of reviews previously posted for Point of Origin sum up the majority of my disappointments with the book. Scarpetta is a basket case throughout the book, is totally obsessed with her niece and whines constantly about her job (why does she do it). In addition, multiple threads surface unexpectedly or are dropped without any attempt at resolution. A point that I struggled with constantly was Cornwell's apparent total lack of comprehension of how a horse farm works. With over 20 high priced horses, the farm only had one old caretaker who quit an unstated amount of time prior to the fire. The owner (an extremely busy man) has supposedly been taking care of these horses himself, but decides to take off for a few days without making any arrangements for their care. Anyone with any basic knowledge of horses would also be aware that this is as likely as leaving an infant in a crib while the parents leave for a getaway weekend. The credibility of the investigation rang totally hollow for me with this lack of research.

Although I wouldn't go as far as to say that this is the best I've read in the Scarpetta series, it is just as good as the others.

I wouldn't recommend it to those who have not read the other books though - because it refers to cases in which torsos are found (from the book before this one) & a character introduced much earlier, Carrie Grethen, plays a much bigger part in this.

There is a lot of character development in this one - especially at the begining of the book. As usual, a lot of it is about Lucy. Benton also plays a huge part.

I wont go over the plot much - because really, a lot happens. But in the end they do find thier killer, along with Carrie, who escapes from the assylum earlier on. The modus operandi is especially terrible in this case, making it all the more intriging. It isn't really spelled out in the end exactly what happened when the victims were killed - because everybody's too busy chasing the killer. But what they find in his house is what makes it all clear - although by now it's a little late. He & Carrie knew they would find it.

What's really sad in this one is the death of Benton. You feel like you knew him, & the funeral is so deppressing! But if you read the next book you'll get a surprise..

I'm not sure what really made me not like the most. Either the ending or Lucy.

The ending reminded me of a soap opera. Someone dies, however he will be resurrected... I just can't get past the ridiculous soap operatic ending. If only Lucy could have been killed too (although, then she would have to be resurrected too).

I'm sooooo very weary of Lucy (a.k.a Supergirl) the obnoxious genius has gone from computer wiz kid to a FBI agent, helicopter pilot, undercover drug agent, fire expert & the list keeps growing in future novels. Then having to constantly read about Lucy's lifestyle choice & complications. I don't care if Lucy is a lesbian.

I'm also disappoint that the escaped colt that received such big buildup was forgotten. I mean, a bunch of horses die in this fire, but one survives, why?????? Who knows it's never explained.

Cornwell's books drastically go downhill after "Point of Origin" & if you must continue to read the series, go to the Library.

Wow! I read this in 4 days! This starts with a casual feeling of vacation and ends in tradegy for Dr Kay. The web she is weaved into while unraveling this story is amazing and she is Cornwell portrays her as a strong woman, ready to seek revenge.
Cornwell's description of the scene's made me feel as if I was watching them work the case.

It's only been 8 hours and I am starting the next novel!

Even if her story were fake, it's based on real such places. There's an underground satanic church here in my city. They call it "underworld." Not everyone knows of it, of course. But a friend of mine who used to be a member, but became christian while in jail informed me that people you'd least expect are members, and that they are involved in horrible acts. Like I said, if the story's fake, at least Lauren knows what she's talking about.

And the Cornerstone review? I read it, but nowadays will you believe a "debunker" just because it's been christian-tagged? Come on, a similar signature means nothing! The article could have been issued as a plausible cover-up.

I read the article by Cornerstone Magazine. Just a bunch of he-said, she-said. Though they demand evidence from the author (knowing full well how satanists cover their tracks) they provide none themselves!

I saw a reviewer here saying that the book talks about filming and video taping in years before this was done outside of big movie studios. Wish he had told the page number or chapter. All I see talked about is photography.

Whether or not this story is true, how can one verify one way or another? I know the kinds of activities it describes have gone on down through the ages around the world. In addition, with all the current glorification of witchcraft, violence, and the rampant cases of child abuse, plus pornography selling more than Big Macs, it sounds totally believable, tragically. Whether this particular woman had those particular experiences - and I personally believe her - we need to pray for such victimization to end and the healing of such people, and this nation, to begin. The very least we can do is pray for them. "To one who sees good to do, and does not do it, to him it is a sin."

To the author, and all those who believed, supported and helped her, I say Thank you for being bright lights against the darkness of this present age. Ms. Stratford I so admire you for taking the moral victory away from satan and triumphing over him. Please pray for me to some day show to someone/s the love, understanding, support and compassion you were shown by Johanna & her husband (with protection for us would be wonderful, since I don't know if I would have your courage ;-) ).
In Yahushua's love...

For all those with an obvious axe to grind, intent upon completely delegitimitizing the story at hand: Why don't you use some common sense?
Sense would say that if one's life is in danger, it would be pure lunacy to advertise the location(s) of one's whereabouts. And,if past-tense is the issue at hand for "verification," for what purpose? Really, what difference does it make whether someone was at the N. Pole or in the Bronx when an event occured?

People who are Satanically inclined, or even abusive at best, do not admit or advertise that fact: Another common sense fact. What makes you think "deeply religious" people are completely honest and forthcoming?

When have you ever paid deference to the critiques of someone/those with whom you disagree? The Cornerstone article wasn't cited because clearly the people involved did not agree with Cornerstone nor see Cornerstone as any kind of authoritative voice on the matter.

Finally, if you'd been through anything even close to what the author of this book endured, you would be a little messed up too. That doesn't mean her story isn't valid.

The reports you hear about satanic cults are all to real, do not let the media(who is controlled by higher authorities)try to sugarcoat or down play the reality.I have been in D.C.(in a gay bar called La'Cage on O st.)where the guys are totally naked and walk up and down the bar!! My friend was/is gay and stripped there and I can not even remember how many married Government officials were there(with their rings on too!),I have gone to parties at their homes/hotels where drugs are passed in bowls!!!(that was a congressmans home!)They are very into perverted sex also,it was typically gay,and the younger looking the better(we were in our early 20's at the time).I was shocked at first but between the drugs,my past abuse,and the regularity of it all it became nothing to see people having freaky sex on the floor,closet,hallway,tables,etc.I began to think it was normal,and the sad thing is that it is,especially in D.C. OUR CAPITAL! We live in a twisted perverted time(and country).I know far to well that there are cults(no idea how many) in this country that are satanic in nature(if they are not of the one true God,then they are of satan!) I know this because I was in one myself! It was "loosley" formed,nothing to the degree of "Laurens" dealings,but evil and destructive in the very least. I was sexually abused and then I spiraled into occult/satan worship,so it is connected. I do not see why people find it so hard to believe? It is so common and open these days,you Christians(and thank God I am now one) better wake up and open your eyes to the things of this world!!!!Do not be blinded by the enemy! I am thankful for being in the occult for a couple reasons, first, I have seen things people would not believe as a result of satan and his demons,so it is easier for me to accept that God can do so much more in the supernatural than the weakling satan,and second I can help others who are still in its grasp. I have a hard time with my past,but know it is that,only my past,Jesus has taken it and I am new! I do have demonic harassment, but am working(with God) towards deliverance and complete freedom! It is all to real and I have no idea how it stays so hidden! There is a lot of activity in DC if you want to see for yourself! Just be careful!

I pastor a church in Dallas Texas, and my wife was a witch before coming to know Christ. This book is well written and does an amazing job of exposing satan's kingdom. Little wonder it is coming under so much attack. The slander the book is undergoing in these other reviews was the reason I read the book, and I am glad I did. I highly recommend it as a must read for Christians in these end times we are living. I assure you this book, Rebecca Brown's books, and Mike Warnke's books are credible sources and contain important insight into spiritual warfare and deliverance for all Christians.

It was difficult to give this book a balanced review since some chapters were fantastic and others bordered on totally useless and, to be honest with you, grated on me over time.

First the positive: Dr. Fieve knows his stuff when it comes to Bipolar illness, but what is more important, he has the ability to take complex information and simplify it for the average reader. This is a big plus, in my opinion, as some of the theories in the biochemical can be way over the heads of the typical reader. His explanations of Bipolar I, Bipolar II and Bipolar(B) are terrific. I think even the readers who are usually challenged by medical books written by doctors will be pleasantly surprised. I like the concept that Bipolar II may be beneficial to some individuals and to our society in general. I was surprised to learn that Bipolar II individuals have a higer rate of suicide than Bipolar I individuals. For me, this is where the positives end.

I would like to present the negatives in an outline form and if any readers have comments about them I would love to read them as I'm still confused about many factors of this illness and the treatments available.

(1.) Dr. Fieve points out, the cause of Bipolar tends to be based in "theory" about chemicals, etc. etc., etc. What branch of medicine gives patients prescriptions based on theory? If you answered psychiatry, you'd be right. Some of the things that are done defies the basic principles of logic. For example, we don't really know what causes it, but lithium will not harm you. If they have no absolute cause, how do they know what lithium really does in the short or long term?

(2.) Dr. Fieve tells his clients to get support from AA for their drinking issues related to Bipolar, or other self-help groups for drug abuse. But if the alcohol or drug abuse is caused by the Bipolar illness and you still need to go to AA, doesn't this mean that the treatment for Bipolar is failing due to the need to self-medicate?

(3.) Why does Dr. Fieve, or anybody else for that matter, feel they have the authority to tell others how to live and even when to live? In my opinion, as long as you are not a danger to others, I say rock-on! Notice how I left out a danger to self... To me, if you can't go on, who am I to tell you what to do, even worse have the state tell you what to do. Really now, taking a metal (lithium) into your body because a doctor or the state tells you to so your behavior will conform to their thinking. That is really crazy.

I was a bit annoyed by the doctor's reminders of the social status of his patients, but I guess if you are a leading authority on this disease and your office is in Manhattan, that's the segment of society you'll be working with. In the section on sexual promiscuity and Bipolar, all of his examples were women (men should be included here too).

I recommend this book to understand current theories on Bipolar and the differences within the divisions of the disease, as well as the differences of Bipolar from other mental health problems. If you really want to read a good book on being Bipolar, I highly recommend Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness by Patty Duke.

THIS BOOK IS PROBABLY THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ON THE TOPIC OF BIPOLAR II MOOD DISORDER. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT FOR THE PATIENT AND ESPECIALLY FAMILY MEMBERS SEEKING UNDERSTANDING AND INFORMATION.Moodswing: Dr. Fieve on Depression: The Eminent Psychiatrist Who Pioneered the Use of Lithium in America Reveals a Revolutionary New Way to Prevent Depression

For family, friends, and those that suffer from one of the various forms of mood disorder, sometimes finding informational resources is almost as challenging as dealing with the condition itself. Most books as well as our health care workers tend to talk above us. We tend to leave the experience feeling overwhelmed and without much of an idea of what was actually said. Understanding what we can do to help or trying to integrate this information into our lives is often an exercise in futility.

Bipolar II neither talks down to its readers nor dumbs down the information it presents. After reading this book, the reader will have a good understanding of the various types of mood disorders and how to differentiate between them. This is incredibly important information to have when going to see your doctor as often people don't mention (or remember) maniac periods and are erroneously given a diagnosis of depression. The problem is that medications for treating depression are completely different and often cause further complications for those individuals actually suffering from bipolar conditions.

Definitely pick this book up if you or anyone you know and love has any form of mood disorder. It will arm you with knowledge and allow you some aspect of control in a situation that might seem very overwhelming and chaotic.

I think that it is irresponsible for Dr Fieve to extoll the blessings of hypomania.
This book addresses a small percentage of Bipolar II patients. It leaves the rest of us feeling cheated for not getting the wonderfully creative Bipolar IIB.

After reading the the negative reviews on Amazon, I bought this book anyway. There are few books that I've found on Bipolar II. I thought it was great. Yes, it goes into a lot of textbook-type information on this disease, but I appreciated that. If you are Bipolar II, you can read this book, feel informed, and accept your diagnosis much easier than before you read it.

I truly enjoyed the book and believed it to be one of his better books. I liked how there was rich character development and how the story was not so similar to his other books. The father/son relationships in the book really touched me. Its an interesting and tragic tale of love, betrayal and redemption.

THREE GENERATIONS ARE INVOLVED IN A FAMILY OWNED PUBLISHING HOUSE. FROM JOHN CAREY WHO KEEPS HIS TWO SONS IN CONFLICT RE WHO WILL INHERIT THE BUSINESS (JOHN OR PHILIP) TO GRANDSON PETER WE LIVE THRU THEIR QUARRELS AND PLOTS RIGHT UP TO THE END. BY GIVING CHARLES 51% OF THE FIRM. JOHN SETS PHILIP INTO A DEEP PLOT TO OBTAIN PETER'S 51% SHARE. AFTER A FATAL ACCIDENT TO CHARLES, PHILIP IS TRUSTEE FOR PETER UNTIL HE REACHES AGE 30 YRS. ALL SORTS OF CREEPY CHARACTERS ARE INVOLVED WITH PHIL TO KEEP PETER FROM REACHING 30. PETER AND HIS WIFE-TO-BE GO THRU ALL SORTS OF HELL AND DAMNATION TO SURVIVE BUT PETER'S WORST ENEMY IS THE AMNESIA AND NIGHTMARES HE HAS HAD SINCE THE ACCIDENT WHEN HE WAS 5 YRS. OLD.THERE ARE SO MANY CHARACTERS AND CONVERSATIONS GOING ON JUST ON ONE PAGE THAT IT BECOMES DIFFICULT TOUNDERSTAND EACH PERSON'S AGENDA AND THE ROLE THEY PLAY IN A COMPLICATEDPLOT. BLACKMAIL, CIA, HUAC ARE ALL INVOLVED. THE END OF THE NOVEL DOESN'T SATISFY THE READER BECAUSE THE BOOK IS JUST TOO LONG AND DETAILED, AND DRAWN OUT UNTIL YOU FEEL LIKE TOSSING IT. BUT OVERALL IT RATES A 31/2 T0 4 STAR READ. I JUST HOPE HIS NEXT BOOK IS BETTER WHICH FOR ME IS "EYES OF A CHILD" WRITTEN 1O YRS. LATER.IF YOU WANT TO START READING THE BOOKS BY THIS FABULOUS WRITER, DON'T START WITH THIS ONE!

This book had an interesting and complicated plot but the writing was often confusing and, in my opinion did not flow. The ending was exciting but to read 270 slow pages before it grabs you is not worth the time. I have read 5 other novels by this author that I really enjoyed. This one is definitely the weakest.

This is my first Patterson book and overall I find it to be a very well-written, if complex, and stylish thriller. The novel opens in the early 1950's and we meet the Carey family, impossibly hard-hearted father John; brothers Charles and Phillip; the self-centered, somewhat demented Allie; and the charming little boy, Peter, who grows up to be the focal point of the novel. The first section has a lot of information in it, and though sometimes hard to digest or keep the many plot mechanizations in context, it sets a very sad and lethal plot for the remainder of the book.
Grown up Peter, having amnesia after the accident that claims his parents' lives, now must face the sale of his father's company and fend off some mysterious and deadly pursuers.
What makes this book work so well is Patterson's handling of the psyche of Peter, and the difficult time he has trusting people. Several key characters are introduced including his girlfriend, Noelle; the crazed killer Martin; two psychiatrists, one a longtime friend of his father; and Ruth Levy, the mistress of his deceased father and also the sister of his psychiatrist.
The plot thickens, secrets are hidden and revealed, and the novel ends in a blazing finish that is more than satisfactory.
Not by any means a brilliant classic, "Escape the Night" is a well-written study in suspense and terror.
RECOMMENDED.

I have enjoyed RNP's legal thrillers and looked forward to this one. However, my disappointment matches that of the other reviewers.

I had to assign myself fifty pages a day to complete this one. In a word it was a task. Confusing, way too dark, no sympathetic characters, boring and tedious.

Mr. Patterson is capable of much better, so I kept reading hoping for the enjoyment to begin...it never happened for me. I was just relieved to finish.

Someone once told me that "life is too short for a bad book." I think he had this book in mind.

This book did not keep my interest. it is a tragic story, but the author is lacking in writing skills.

This book could have been so much better. The story had such rich potential but reads like a poorly written paper. The editors of this book did not do Jennifer's story justice by any means. I can understand the desire to keep things in her own words, but publishing it with misspellings, grammatical errors, and inconsistency in the names of the children (in statements Jeffrey is referred to as Jamie, etc.) is just bad form and drastically detracts from the story.

The book really has (had) potential, but I would have liked to see more detail and much less court transcription. It was very distracting to see all the typos. You need to fire your proofreader! Pleae re-write it in an orderly fashion with names and ages of incidens. I would love to read it again!

This book had such possibilities but fell short. Constant references to police reports and rehashing of the same lines over and over again made this story not only boring but irritating.

It was an interesting book, however the author repeated a lot of the same information over and over. Didn't stay in one time period, jumped back and forth from past to present, often found it distracting due to this.

As other reviewers have mentioned this book is short and the story is mirrors the brevity of the pages. I might have been more engaged if the author had provided more information on the protagnists.

Overall, this book is a cute romance. However, the author could have developed the plot and the characters a lot more. The premise was great but I didn't like the Brady Bunch treatment of the story. The challenges and conflicts faced by the two protagonists were resolved too easily and much too quickly. Not bad if you're looking for a quick read that won't make you think too much.

It is not the length of this book that is the problem, it's the quality. The premise was interesting, but the writing was full of holes and stale.
This is the first and last book of this writer that I'll waste my time reading.

The text from the back cover isn't currently on this page, so I'm including it in this review...

"Kaitlan Davis has one big rule; never get involved with your boss. But, when her new boss turns out to be stunning and mysterious Cynthia Perry, Kaitlan finds that rules can be very hard to live by...

Kaitlan has moved back to Seattle, Washington to take an executive job at a manufacturing facility. Glad to put behind the remnants of a twelve year relationship that ended eight months before with her discovery that her lover had emptied their house and moved to another state with Kaitlan's best friend, Kaitlan is eager to throw herself into her new position.

When she meets her new boss, Vice President of accounts Cynthia Perry, Kaitlan knows she's in trouble. Stunning and self-assured, Cynthia's apparent flirtations with Kaitlan leave her in a quandry. But even though Kaitlan tries very hard to live by her rule of never getting involved with co-workers, Cynthia seems intent on getting to know her a lot better.

Finally giving in to her own desires, Kaitlan finds a love that she had thought she would never discover. But just when it seems her new life is perfect, her ex-lover shows up expecting to be taken back with open arms, and willing to do anything to keep Kaitlan all to herself."

This was an enjoyable read, but was only slightly longer than the description on the back cover. Unlike many books, the cover description actually describes the story very well. The only questionable part is the last sentence of the last paragraph -- it describes something much more dramatic than what actually happens.

If you're looking for something light to tide you over on a short plane ride, this isn't a poor choice of reading material. However, if you're looking for something deep and meaningful... something that will stick with you for days... try something else like a book by Radclyffe or Dunne.

Even though the reviews say the book is short I still couldn't believe HOW short. This is a novella, a one-issue story without any real depth. Even so, shortness is no reason to have shallow characters (a 3-page short story can present a fully-realized, engaging character) and these two women were shallow. They had no complexity at all in their thought processes beyond "She's beautiful! Oh, I'm in love!"

I didn't want to know them and most romance novels make me yearn to meet the characters. I wouldn't recommend this at all. If you like shorter reads with more emotional depth, I'd recommend Peggy Herring.