People Books

Excellent book with that real Paris feel, a feast of classic French cityscapes and architectural heritage, a visual source of art inspiration that is both easy on the eyes and stimulating, recommended .

... then you'll love this one. For the sketches of the Parisian scenes are wonderfully well-drawn. Sometimes you'll be amazed to find out the "spots" that you didn't pay much attention on while you were there. Also, It captured all different moods..... and you feel like you are visiting Paris AGAIN!

A grand book for travelers to Paris or those already in love with the "City of Lights"!

Fabrice Moireau's watercolors and sketches bring the City of Light to life, and vividly captures the atmospheric city with its teeming cafe life, historic buildings, and new constructions. The book is divided into several segments covering the historic center, Northern Paris, Eastern Paris, Southern Paris, Western Paris, and the Gazetteer provides additional information of some of the prominent buildings featured. Moireau's paintings and sketches are accompanied by Mary Kelly's impressions of Paris, and both perspectives provide a wonderfully warm portrait of the City of Light.

A "Paris Sketchbook," captures Paris superbly. Walk again down the streets of Paris, sit in a cafe, or in a paris garden, or wonder again at Paris buildings and architecture. It is all there and captured beautifully my Mary Kelly's precise and spiritual prose, with Fabrice Moireau's water colors of Paris. The pictures and prose combine to be more like a musical piece, one reads and then "hums" like a tune from time to time. If one is looking for that special gift or souvenir of Paris, this is it. Enjoy Paris again and again, or tanalize those who plan a visit to Paris.

In this fast-paced, hectic 21st century world, too few of us pursue lives with meaning and purpose. "PeaceJam" makes you realize you CAN make a difference, one person at a time --- so what are you waiting for? A powerful, moving book.

This is the best book ever! It really helped me see what goes on in our world. I became much more aware. Peace Jam is an awsome program, and you should really read this book! 10000 stars!

This has everything stated above and more! If you're looking for information on conflict resolution, anger management, gender identity issues, gang-related violence, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or just the hardships of being a teenager in this new millenium, then this is for you. These kids have had unbelievable experiences ranging from horrific to enlightening, like meeting the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Like Michael Moore's Bowling For Columbine, this includes the shooting survivor Richard Castaldo, who shares even more of his story through PeaceJam.

I hope you too can purchase this and really enjoy the effect that it has on your life.

"PeaceJam: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities" by Darcy Gifford is an astounding look behind the lives of 5 American teens in this "Post Columbine High School" world we live in. Even the acknowledged master Michael Moore and his film "Bowling for Columbine" or even Gus van Sant's "Elephant" pale in comparison to the stories of 3 of the 5 teens in this book - the 3 were survivors of the Columbine High School shootings in 1999. They survived in varying degrees in the physical sense eg., 9 bullet holes in one young body to the surely depressing psychological state they must have experieced during and after the massacre.

NOt that the other 2 subjects in this book faired that well, either. Jes, a homeless girl trying to come to terms with her alcoholic mother and her abusing boyfriends surely felt the pain of living outside the family norm; and Rudy, the Native American gangbanger whose father died of a cocaine overdose certainly didn't have it very easy or good either. Reading this book makes you wonder what Mr. and Mrs. Klebold and Mr. and Mrs Harris did to their children to make them turn out that way... when Jes and Rudy had pretty horrible young lives in seemingly worse family unit conditions. I couldn't say my prognosis for the health and well-being of young people was in the affirmative, but after reading PeaceJam, my sense of hopefulness returned!

THese five young people transcend racism, sexism, and learn about gender identity issues, transgender issues, indigenous issues, feeding the homeless, racial intolerance, religious intolerance from some of the world's greatest leaders - all Nobel Peace Laureates - like the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Tutu, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Betty Williams, anti-nuclear proliferation leaader Sir Joseph Rotblat, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Jose Ramos-Horta and Aung San Suu Kyi.

If these 5 young people can so winningly figure out and navigate these deadly waters, you have to ask yourself: Is there any hope for adults, including the ones who have led us into a nasty vicious war that certainly has no guaranteed outcome, or if I may be so bold, a war that it won't win, all the while feeding young bodies into the war grinder? Maybe this book should not only be for youth, youth counselors, school principals, peace studies groups, or just flat out compassionate types. "PeaceJam: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities"
should be required reading for the president of the USA and his staff. That is, if they aren't so arrogant to do so. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a heart, a brain, and the guts to try to change the world. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Having seen the provocative and emotionally compelling documentary PEACEJAM ( a film that goes deeper into the lives of Columbine High School Massacre survivors Richard Castaldo, Shelby & Shannon Myers than Michael Moore's masterpiece "Bowling for Columbine" does), I didn't think that a book about the same subjects would be worth the money. I was happily surprised to find that the book "PEACEJAM: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities" offered a more in-depth view on the lives of contemporary teens than I imagined possible.

I read this book and realized that one of the biggest American lies is "We Love Our Children." Really? It seems we love youth as a marketing demographic, as sexual objects, and counter help at fast food restaurants. States and counties across this country continue to cut their educational budgets - please do tell us all how this will help the lives of our young people, Mr. Bush.

PEACEJAM has the courage to examine the blights that face youth around the world: racism, gang-infested schools, drive - by shootings, conflict resolution, gender and transgender issues, bigotry, rape, family traumas, drug and alcohol addiction, how to deal with parents, democracy building, religious intolerance, indigenous issues, poverty, sexism, feminist issues and more. Youth who participate in the PEACEJAM program benefit from the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Aung San Suu Kyi, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Dr. Oscar Arias, Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Jose Ramos-Horta, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Bishop Carlos Belo, the father of anti-nuke proliferation Sir Joseph Rotblat, Mairead Corrigan Maguire and Betty Williams. Nowhere else in the world can one find the words of these Nobel Peace Prize winners affecting so many young people to help change the world in a positive manner.

PEACEJAM is a boon to not only high school students, but also to school administrators, peace studies teachers, history teachers, high school guidance counselors, the parents of high schools students, and most anyone else trying to make sense out of a world bent out of shape by relentlessly warped media messages, instant internet hype, a government gone insane by waging war it cannot win, the lying executive branch of our own government, a lying sheriff's department in Jefferson County, Colorado, vile and violent pop music, and parents who are too busy trying to make up for their absenses in their own homes with cell phones, Lexuses, and other trivial material goods. "PEACEJAM: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities" reads like an indictment of both the 20th and 21st Centuries. If you read the last few lines in this review and happen to see yourself, BUY THIS BOOK and READ IT UNTIL YOU GET. AND THEN GIVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. The future of civilization depends on good things, Martha Stewart, like PEACEJAM.

My son is 5 and absolutely loves this book. It's a story about young boy and how he must help to care for his large Italian family that has come to America in hopes of having their dreams fulfilled. Disappointment of a father leads his young son to think his job is meager. But in the end one little boy does make a difference, for without his light the whole world is a dark place. The book just gives you a warm wonderful feeling when you finish reading it. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and give you the contact to really feel what Peppe and his family are feeling.

A young boy of modest means seeks a job to contribute to the needs of his family. Initially, his father is disappointed in the lowly responsibility that his son fulfills. The young man takes inspiration from his sister's admiration of him and finds that his job as a humble lamplighter blesses others beyond his understanding. The breath-taking illustrations span the entire two-page spread. This is a beautiful story of how everyone has their important role in life and can embrace it with excellence and passion.

There's a whole genre of picture books that examine the working class members of American society throughout history. These stories are usually based on the lives of the relatives and ancestors of the authors. "Peppe the Lamplighter" is no exception. Loosely based on the grandfather of author Elisa Bartone, the book examines one boy's occupation and his struggle be accepted in the eyes of his father.

Peppe lives with his sick father and seven sisters (not including the one in Naples) in the section of New York known as Little Italy. Taking place in what looks to be the 1910s, Peppe moves from store to store, attempting to find work. His father, is too sick to work himself, and all the children in the family must strive to find some kind of money. One day, old Domenico the lamplighter asks Peppe if he would light the lamps for him while he returns to Italy to fetch his wife. Peppe agrees readily and is delighted with the prospect. Delight slowly sours to shame, however, when his father is horrified by the job. Says he, "Did I come to America for my son to light the streetlamps?". As time goes by, Peppe's disenchantment with the job grows until he doesn't light the lamps at all. Only through the discovery of how important his job is to others can Peppe find the strength to return to lighting the lamps of New York City.

The pictures in this book are wonderfully rendered. Here we find the New York City tenements in all their filthy glory. At the same time, we see the strength of the people living in them. The first painting in the book shows Peppe and his family staring at the viewer as if they were posing for a formal family photograph. The light from a single latern lights them all, and illustrator Ted Lewin shows off his talents. In many ways, the book is similar to Chris K. Soentpiet's style (of "Molly Bannaky" fame). Reading this book is to actually find yourself in early New York itself. Crowds come alive and individuals display a wide range of emotions. The best picture in the whole book, to my mind, is the image of Peppe lifting his little sister so that she can light the lamp on the street herself. The light is above them, illuminating their faces with incredibly intensity. The two stare up at it, entranced.

The story itself if good, if not overwhelming. Peppe's father has a somewhat unbelievable change of heart towards the end of the tale. For a man who has harbored so much bitterness towards his son's chosen profession, he seems to come around to it mighty fast when the mood calls for it. Otherwise, it's lovely. Peppe compares the lighting of the lamps to the lighting of candles at Mass, and even goes so far as to say a small prayer for each. Small details like this truly bring the story to life.

The book celebrates one small boy who can, in his sister Assunta's words, "scare the dark away". It is a book about how every human being, if they've a mind to, can bring light into the world in their own humble fashion. Peppe may only be a lamplighter, but even his father recognizes by the end that this honest job gives safety and comfort to others. We should all be so lucky as to have jobs that do half as much.

I purchased this book for my husband for Father's Day (he's Italian American")--I didn't really think that our then 2.5 year old would really care for the book. But he loves it! It's a good story, although at times the messages can be a bit confusing for a very young child--but my son seems to enjoys the illustrations, the sounds of the Italian names, and of course the most elemental aspects of the story.

"Peppe the Lamplighter" combines a story by Elisa Bartone with illustrations by Ted Lewin. The story takes place "[a] long time ago when there was no electricity and the street lamps in Little Italy had to be lit by hand." The hero of the book is Peppe, who lives with his widowed father and sisters in a tenement. Peppe's decision to get a job as a lamplighter leads to conflict between Peppe and his father.

This is a good story that is greatly enhanced by Lewin's superb artwork. Most of the illustrations are two-page spreads that are packed full of energy and emotion. Lewin's realistic style is well-suited to capturing many colorful details: the sausages hanging in the butcher shop, a crowded street scene, the old-fashioned iron stove in Peppe's home, etc. Overall, a memorable celebration of Italian-American history.

This is a wonderful book. I am using it as a resource in leading an ILEAD class at Dartmouth.
Institute for Lifelong Education At Dartmouth

This is the kind of book I want to share with everyone I know. A "where have you been all my life?" book. It speaks to my heart in countless ways.

Two weeks ago I was struggling with the winter blues/cabin fever. It was bitter cold out, and I felt housebound and lonely. I told my partner "I have to get out." He's said "Let's go walk around Green Lake." We bundled up and drove all the way from Kirkland and began to walk. Within 5 minutes we ran into some dear friends, who had also been feeling housebound (she said she'd woken up crying that morning, and her husband had said "Let's walk around Green Lake!"). Three miles flew by, and before we knew it we were hugging goodbye. I drove home feeling a warm sense of contentment.

When we got home, I opened up Personal Village to my bookmark and began to read. It was the chapter that discusses limbic resonance. It was as if it had been written just for me on that day, as it spoke to exactly how I was feeling: I had needed a people fix!

I have spent my whole life looking for, and being a part of, communities, and feeling frustrated when I'm not involved in any that are currently working well for me. This book is inspiring me to put more effort into finding what I want. I have often wished I lived in Paris during the salons. This book is inspiring me to create one!

I am extremely involved in my neighborhood, and I love what Marv says about why there is value in picking up trash and caring about the people and place where we live.

His lists of books, films, and other resources are fantastic.

If you have longed for a greater sense of community in your life, or if you have felt that something is missing, read this book.

Most books about networking, dating, and making friends start at the point of contact: They assume that the user knows where to go to make friends. Thomas starts with the basics, from roaming your neighborhood to meet folks to the handy rule of thumb that it takes 7 visits to a new group for others to feel that you're one of the crowd.

I teach interpersonal communication, and this book has the best pointers I've yet read on how and how much to personally disclose to a new acquaintance, as one tests the waters and works toward building stronger ties and friendship.

Thomas avoids jargon and writes fluently in a down-to-earth, easy to read style. The book is well-organized. The chapter summaries and resources are a plus. Marvin Thomas has performed a much-needed service in offering this book to as a how-to manual for meeting and making friends in our fragmented society.

This is an excellent book. It woke me up to the importance of having people in your life. I am not a particularly outgoing person by nature, but after having read the book, I realized I already had a group of people around me that I can call my "personal village". The book made me realize how lucky I am to have these people in my life and to try harder to maintain these friendships, but also to be open to making connections with new people.

This book is so amazing. I have never written a review of a book. However, this is one that anyone that might be in the midst of "reinventing" their life as I am should read. I will soon be relocating to a new state and city and at the age of 59 that can be a little overwhelming. I am really looking forward to this new start and more than ever since reading this book and using the workbook. I have plans to start a study group after I am settled.

Pirates of the Caribbean Visual Guide is fantastic. It is beautifully illustrated and printed a fine paper. This is a great companion book to Pirates of the Caribbean. DK has always done a fine job with these types of publications. Pirates of the Caribbean and DK is a Treasure Trove. This will make a great Christmas gift.

Okay. So, I am an adult woman who bought this book so I could look at photos of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Jack Davenport as sexy swashbucklers in the privacy of my own home. And,it works. If I can't actually join them in their adventures, I can enjoy looking at them. Plus, the book has lots of fun information and other great photos from the films. If you liked the films and just want to relive them a bit, this is a great book.

Great picture book including everything needed to know about the Pirates of the Caribbean stories. Lots of information included among the pictures, not to mention the pull out poster of the Black Pearl. Great visual and fact guide!

A must have for any Johnny Depp or Pirate fan. The pictures and text are excellent. I highly recommend this book.

This book is a great purchase if you're a POTC fan. Lots of beautiful, detailed, color photographs paired with interesting info about the first two films that you might not find anywhere else. The book is neatly broken down explaining each character independently as well as each of the places the pirates hang out. There is also a very detailed map of the Black Pearl located in the center of the book and not to mention dozens of great photos of Capt. Jack! A great purchase!

PLUM CRAZZZY is the fictional story of Monique Kennedy. As a new creature in Christ, Monique attempts to depart from her old ways and walk down her newly found Christian path. Along the way, she stumbles over obstacles that she considers were a test of evil by the devil.

As a divorced mother of two children, Monique struggles to balance her family responsibilities and employment obligations while still searching for "Mr. Right," whom she feels will complete her. Instead of leaning on God's will and trusting that He will provide, Monique tempts fate by seeking out male companionship. As a result, she keeps on getting what she has always gotten - nothing.

When a pair of married friends introduce Monique to Frank, he seems too good to be true. Monique feels that at any moment someone could pinch her and wake her up out of her living fantasy because Frank is so distinctively different from anyone she has dated. In her blossoming relationship with Frank, will Monique learn to apply her Christian values? During the course of her Christian journey, we see Monique mature in her relationship with God, yet will she be able to ask for forgiveness for her past transgressions and then walk forward into the realm of happiness?

All in all, PLUM CRAZZZY is a very well written example of Christian literature. The reader is taken on a journey of someone who is new within the body of Christ. The book portrays the trials and tribulations that Monique must endure and ultimately tells of spiritual growth. This tale is realistic because it addresses every day issues that a Christian may face. I offer kudos to Monique Anderson for penning an interesting story and look forward to more from this author.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Monique Anderson says her God is just a Plum Crazzzy God. That because when he tells you to do something and it does not make sense, you just think, He is just plum crazy. But, as Monique learns as she chronicles her walk with God that if you trust Him, you will reap all kind of benefits.

Monique's prayer in the beginning of the book was that she would meet a 'Christian" man and she did in the form of Mark, a deacon in the church. Monique and Mark begin a relationship, but early on it is apparent this is not a relationship condoned by God. Monique suffers spiritually and personally as a result of this relationship. Monique's friend, Linda, invites Monique and her children to her church. At this church, Monique begins to grow spiritually and as she does, her faith increases and therefore her blessings increase.

When I read this book five years ago it was a blessing because I was at the same point in my life as the author. Trying to find that Mr. Right by myself and making all the wrong choices. Now, picking up this book again, five years later, it was a blessing to me because I am at the point the author is, learning to let go and let God be my guide in a new church with a renewed determination. Full of scriptures and prayers, this is a book I will highly recommend to any single young ladies who are looking to God for a blessing.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

A family friend gave me this book for Christmas in 1998. At first I was reading it as a novel. I could relate to the early part of the book, because I had been through all that myself in previous years. However, it wasn't until the middle of the book when my life and the author's life became very similar. At the time, I was believing God for a husband. I had also decided to do courtship God's way and not have sex until marriage. At the point in the book where Monique reached the point of being sick of doing things her way and decided to do it God's way, I began to cry profusely. Her story only fed my faith that God would deliver in my life in a big way. You see, when you stand in faith - nothing wavering, not compromising - God honors your faith and delivers exceedingly abundantly more than you could ask or think. He did for the author of this book - Monique, and in 1999, He did for me. I'm now married to a wonderful man of God who fit what I asked God for to a tee! And we had a holy, God-honoring courtship with no sex until our wedding night. And guess what, God will do it for you too, once you sell out to His Will (His Word) and His Way (as described in His Word)!!! Wanna feed your faith for a Godly husband? Read this book!!!! Then, live a life that honors God, and He will not let you be put to shame but will manifest just the type of man you are dreaming about. I dare you to try it! God will come through for you, too!

I read this book in 10 hrs,it was a answer to my preyers,such a inspiration

My name is Larry Howard, and my friends mom wrote this book when we were neighbors in California, back when me and her kids were in middle school, and her book is very touching and well written. Keep on written' Ms. Monique.

After reading the first few pages of the heartwarming story,
Purple Love, one of the main messages for the book became evident. Susan Faith emphasized the deep devotion a mother has for her daughter. It was truly beautiful to see the quality time Sarah's mother shared with her. She not only was a teacher to Sarah, but a true friend. Because of their open relationship, it allowed mother and daughter to discuss a variety of difficult subjects such as life and death. As a retired educator, I saw many children suffer emotionally and academically due to the lack of parental attention. Without such a relationship, life and death issues would have been difficult to approach.
This book would be extremely useful to parents and teachers.

"You NEED to read this book, mommy!"
Janyne L.

Purple Love is a sensitive story about a loving relationship between a mother and child that allows open communication. It serves as an excellent basis for family discussions about life, death and memories. Death is a difficult subject, and this book would be very helpful as a begining point. The illustrations are lovely. Faith and Saski make a good team.

In an age that is no longer gilded, Purple Love will become a classic. As families struggle through the destruction of the WTC and the loss of countless lives, Purple Love can step in and be a source of inspiration, closure and hope.

The extraordinary illustrations of Goro Sasaki and the timeless message of Susan Faith will urge your family to take a new look at death . . . but more importantly, a closer look at the miracle of life itself. The loving, trusting relationship of Sarah and her Mother may cause parents to stop. Slow down. Think about teaching life's true lessons. Love. Trust. And, a child's place in the universe.

In "Purple Love" Sarah learns that the cycle of life does indeed go on. As adults, we learn to contemplate a different message to confront the inevitable task of helping our children understand death. Purple Love is just that refreshing vehicle to offer alternatives in discussing life's most difficult subject, with hope and love at the center.

Purple Love is a story that provides comfort to those in mourning by embracing death in the celebration of the circle of life. Susan Faith cultivates the concept of a perpetuating energy that transforms with the passing away of one life form, but dissipates to support and inspire many others. This is a concept deeply rooted in current scientific theory while incorporating Faith's own healing and spiritual thought. A wonderful book that allows the reader grieve, but also provides a spiritual outlet in which to proceed and prosper.

Another favorite by author P.K. Hallinan. As always the illustrations are beautiful & help to tell the story. Teaches children how to welcome others into their lives along with their differences.

This book is powerful because of its simplicity. I can not give this book enough praise! Since our family discovered this gem a few years ago, P.K. Hallinan (who does his own illustrations) has become one of our favorites. The subtitle on earlier editions was "A Book to Celebrate Diversity". Hallinan subtly covers many aspects of diversity through his rhyming words and colorful illustrations. This book is not preachy nor is it cheesy. I like that the book does not just focus on ethnicity, disability and differences. A Rainbow of Friends touches on views, interests, dress, strengths and weaknesses; it emphasizes acceptance, understanding, friendship and working together! A great book for all ages! Our family has donated copies of this book to the school library, given copies to each student in my son's class at school and distributed the book at community events. Heartprints (board book edition)Heartprints is Hallinan's best known book; I think A Rainbow of Friends is one of his best. I would also recommend How Do I Love You.

I am a preschool teacher and wanted books to help the children feel better about being at school that first week. It worked!! It was child friendly and the childen enjoyed the story.

I love this book, but the first time I saw it the book was hardcovered. As a child I always liked my hardcovered books. I was disappointed to find that this book is no longer available in hardcover. I think kids and adults handle a hardcover with more care. The message of this book is excellent. I wonder if the publisher would consider making a hardcover version again.

This is a wonderful book about how we can be friends with all types of people--no matter what! :) It is a book I use every year in my kindergarten class!

This is one of the most honest portraits of a human being you will ever find.. I would recommend this along with Charles Mingus' 'Beneath the underdog' for a taste of the 'jazz life'. It is amazing what these guys lived through - and still created such beautiful music!

This was the first jazz biography I have read. Hawes does a great job of portraying the terrible effects of heroin addiction. I knew some jazz musicians were busted for heroin use in his time. But I didn't understand how rampant heroin use was in the industry. This book gives great insight into the life of a wonderfully talented jazz pianist. But more importantly, it gives insight into the tumultuous life of a drug addict. Initially, the piano seems to be Hawes' only love. But then there is the realization that heroin is his real love. It is his only motivation to even play the piano.

I enjoyed reading this book very much.

It is first of all Hampton Hawes biography of his life as a jazz musician. It tellls us of his way from being a little boy attending his father's church on Sundays to a highly acclaimed jazz pianist, his downfall because of his heroin addiction, his 10-year jail sentence (which was reduced to six after Hawes had written to John Kennedy!), his way back up on the European market, his love relationship with Jackie, and his new found love after separating from Jackie after almost two decades. The very last sentence of the book speaks about his ex-wife Jackie - and it is very touching and shows that Hawes indeed must have been a nice man.

There is only one really dumb remark in the book that I felt was disgusting. (Find it for yourself... ;-))

Hawes repeatedly talks about Black issues. I personally feel that those statements are very intelligent, and can therefore recommend this book not only to those of you interested in jazz, but also to anyone into Black issues.

This book is all of these things and more. This is the story of an essentially decent person fighting his own demons. A beautifully crafted book written in the subjects own idiom. A must have for anybody wanting to get inside jazz during the be bop era.

I love this book. Remember, back then when you played this music, it wasn't exactly a sweet world for the musicians (Black ones). I'm glad he let everyone know how hard it was out there. Drugs took this Bad Boy out the game and the world passed him by. Musicians like Brother Hawes, will never be acknowledged for their great playing in the U.S.A.

If there was a dumb remark in this book, I didn't see it. Again, think back to the times he was living in. He talked about Jimmy Rushing and the way he thought about things. Jimmy Rushing came out of a different era, yet Some of his thoughts were not far behind. When he described Black people, some were light skninned, some were black... The book is not dated, it's just good.

What makes this book so compelling is that you get to hear the perspective of the actual prosecutor in the cases described. Through Marissa Batt's words, you get a virtual tour of the way the Los Angeles legal system works, or in some cases doesn't work. You are introduced to characters that actually inhabit Los Angeles, who actually went through the situations described - cases that are so intense and bizarre, they seem unbelievable. Through it all, you get a comprehensive version of the legal system mirroring human lives and decisions, as seen through the eyes of a person who does their job with integrity, intensity, and strength of character. READ THIS BOOK! It is a thorougly enjoyable read though shocking and extremely upsetting at times.

Marissa is erudite, quick, fun, funny, committed to social justice and truth, and and an acute observer of human behavior. Her friend Johnnie Cochran describes her (in the introduction!) as "a prosecutor's prosecutor. She is full of zeal for her profession and possesses an insider's knowledge of the criminal justice system." She's also devoted herself to Buddhism for over 30 years, as well as to the mastery of the culinary arts. All of these elements figure in her very unusual book.

Besides telling three compelling and hair-raising tales, Marissa shares aloud the unspoken rules of the courtroom, and offers appreciative and insightful looks into the lives of law enforcement professionals, and denizens of South Central LA and the gay demimonde of Hollywood.

As a skillful storyteller, she is compassionate without becoming maudlin, and righteous without losing her sense of humor.

I am looking forward to her next book, which I understand is under way!

Marissa has the heart of a warrior. Her stories are classic story telling with spell binding revelations of what the truth is when it comes to crimes and the criminal mind. Her attention to detail, coupled with a sense of the world of the victim, allows the reader to be a prosecutor seeking justice for the people. The criminal procedural aspects of the criminal courts are cleanly explained with no chance of misunderstanding that lawyering is still an art when done with a heart. Marissa injects the calmness of her buddhist philosophy into the psyche of the reader to allow a deeper appreciation of the law and the victim equation.

As a criminal defense attorney, I usually avoid "true accounts" written by prosecutors as they tend to be one-sided, self-serving renditions of cases that could be won by a first year law student. The usual story involves a clear cut case where the District Attorney is representing the forces of right (the good people of the State) while the defense is usually some bad dude who deserves a long vacation in Prison. Of course the good guys prevail and the prosecutor is the hero. Good and Evil, Right and Wrong are clearly defined and everybody leaves happy. Not so with Ms. Batt's book. Besides her personal disappointment at the result of one of her cases, she manages to show that all is not black and white - urban life and particularly the criminal justice system present a myriad of situations where the lines become blurred. Her cases are interesting in that there are victims - individuals who by virtue of their own life choices are often viewed as not deserving of protection by the law and the system. Besides showing the underside of life, Batt also manages to forcefully demonstrate the maxim that "no man is above the law and no man is below it."
A great read, colorful, fast paced and real...I loved it.

...of the L.A. justice system. I won't repeat the other reviews, but two or three things deserve note. First, Johnnie Cochran wrote the introduction...high praise indeed. Second, the appendix - "Twenty-five rules for giving effective testimony" - is interesting reading in itself. Overall, the book is not compelling reading, not forcing you to read it in one sitting, but it's interesting and varied. I consumed it in three sittings if memory serves. The pace is generally good, although I felt the Buddhism dragged a bit, but that was only a couple of instances. So - recommended - *especially* if you are a fan of mysteries set in Los Angeles! I await Marissa Batt's next work with more than a little interest.