California Books

If you love Lt.Ellen Ripley and actress Sigourney Weaver? - you must read this book!

In the span of the twenty-five years since the release of the first Alien film in 1979, much has changes in the American culture and society and the film industry. It would be easy to write a relatively standard work analyzing the four films in the series that include Lt. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). Other than those interested scholars and, perhaps, fans engrossed with those films, such a book would be rather dull. But Gallardo C. and Smith have produced a far different, far more unexpected and powerful work. This is done through an elegant and insightful organization of the work. Each of the four major chapters deals with one of the four films (Alien, Aliens, Alien3, Alien: Resurrection). Nicely written personal forward, introduction and a conclusion surround these, but it is these four chapters that are the meat of the text.
At first glance a potential reader may imagine that these four chapters have little to do with each other, as each deals with a different film. What is so wonderful about this organization is that Gallardo C. and Smith are able to actually accomplish two things with their text. The first is a surprisingly well researched and detailed close-reading of each of the films. But the second, which would likely not be possible in any other format, is a tracing of those cultural shifts of the last twenty-five years. When the first film was released in 1979 the United States was on a cusp both culturally and politically. Second Wave feminism was reaching a crest of cultural importance, the rise of the Republican Right was beginning to be noticed, and one small decision to change a protagonist from male to female was surprising in many ways. This was a female hero that did not scream and run to her protecting male. Gallardo C. and Smith do not pull punches, though, and while they praise Alan Ladd Jr. (then the head of 20th Century Fox) for casually suggesting the change, they also point out that he gathered together secretaries from the Fox offices to view Sigourney Weaver's screen test because in the late 1970s there simply were not female executives in the film industry.
With the emergence of the Reagan-era, the defeat of the E.R.A. (Equal Rights Amendment) film in the United States changed as well. The new heroes of film in the 1980s became muscled "hard men" and Gallardo C. and Smith spend much time discussing the changes made to the character of Ripley by James Cameron as a reaction to this change. The two most general critical replies made about these first two Alien films has been that the first suggested a new type of female hero, while the second was one of two things (or perhaps a bit of both): Either it is a film about reifying the nuclear unit (in the form of Ripley as mother, Newt, a young girl as daughter, and Hicks, a marine, as father), or it is a metaphorical Vietnam film.
Gallardo C. and Smith have it both ways, emphasizing the polyphony of the texts, and the fact that multiple readings are not necessarily false readings. They become more critical of the final two films featuring Lt. Riply, but in a carefully respectful way. Blamed for the lackluster reception of the third film are mostly studio problems that led the film to essentially be the "merged" versions of two competing scripts within the studio - and that with far too little "development" time. Of the fourth they note that the film undermines much of what came before it because of the underlying ironic and postmodern nature of Alien: Resurrection.
Gallardo C. and Smith claim early that they do not intend to write a "theory book" for such a book is beyond the scope of what they intend. Any while they have not, in another way they have written a "theory book" of a certain time. The organization of their volume is such that the intellectual history (the changes in theoretical perspectives from 1979 and after) can quite easily be fished from their text. The transition from Second Wave to post-feminism (or Third Wave, or whatever term you prefer) is there. The transition of the Modernist heroes of the 1970s to the muscle-bound Sylvester and Arnold-like character of the Reagan-era (which were ironic, but few seemed to notice) to the postmodern pastiche and irony are all just under the surface, waiting to be considered.
That "just beneath the surface" level allows Alien Woman to work very nicely as both a film studies work on its topic, and as, literally, an intellectual history of one of the more profound times for change in the academy in some time. The character of Ripley has always been on that embodied a certain amount of "sex trouble," but by placing the films in their own times, Gallardo C. and Smith manage to analyze with being over critical. This isn't the type of criticism too often found in the academy, the kind I like to call "claiming Napoleon was a bad general because he never called for air support." This is the kind of critical examination that allows theoretical perspectives to exist, but doesn't think an analysis of Ulysses should spend fifty pages discussing Foucault and five with the actual text. So, when the authors make their claim that this is not a "theory book" what they seem to really mean is, "we are theoretically informed, but are dealing with our texts, not polysyllabic jargon. And it is all the better for it (this from someone who likes theory, too!).
Gallardo C. and Smith have produced a work that is developed, complex, insightful, and still maintains a readability that was so accomplished I almost felt jealous. It is a suitable for collections at colleges and universities with film programs, film studies programs, English programs that emphasize cultural studies, American studies programs, and popular culture programs. I would recommend it for upper level undergraduates, scholars of culture, feminism or speculative fiction in all its form.
I just published my first book (do not worry, I wont name drop it here!) and upon publication I approached the large dry eraser board in my office and wrote down all the possible "next book" projects I could think of and, among these was a book on the Alien films. It turns out that Ximena Gallardo C. and C. Jason Smith have already written it, and I'm scholar enough to know the did a better job than I would have. Alien Woman has my highest recommendation.

About a two weeks ago, my husband bought this book, and we have been notified that it will be on its way soon. I'm saying this because for some reason Amazon delayed the delivery, and if it happens to you, it's worth the wait. I know it's worth it because I borrowed a colleague's copy.

But to the review: Having watched the first three movies only once when they were released in theaters, I found that ALIEN WOMAN helped me remember many, many scenes I had forgotten. I believe that this is one of the book's strengths: the authors deal with the movies in their entirety, as opposed to dealing just with selected scenes that "prove" their points and ignoring the rest.

Another strength is how easy and fun this book is to read! No cumbersome quotes, no "academese" to muddle through-a book as entertaining as the movies, and even more exciting sometimes. Where else will you find an academic text that describes Ripley's spacing of the Alien Queen as "bitch-slapping the Alien into space"?

ALIEN WOMAN does have an agenda. It centers on Ripley more than the monster, and it does reveal how hard it is for actresses to find a role different from "babe," "mom," and "old lady" (and I'm old enough to remember what few roles women had before ALIEN was released). It is the book's contention that Ripley manages to escape this mold, and so, that she's a somewhat unique female hero in sci-fi cinema-and more than just a dragon slayer.

All in all, ALIEN WOMAN was good enough to make me want a copy of my own, and to make me rent ALIEN RESURRECTION, which appeared to be too violent and silly in the ads for me to care about watching it before I read this book.

Alien Woman is one of those books that works to find the proper context for an aesthetic product. Gallardo and Smith read the Alien films in the context of gender theory and feminism (and the way gender theory and feminism fit into the very different cultural moments of the films: 1979, 1986, 1992, 1998). For them, the films unevenly chart such themes as the primacy of the body, the breakdown of the rationalist-humanist white male subject, the fear of woman and the feminine, the identification of the monstrous and horrific with the feminine and with sexuality, and the emergence of philosophical post-humanism as an alternative to Renaissance humanism. Though they do not put it in these terms they essentially track the consequences of a Hegelian-style equation: the split "Man vs. Alien" is merely the reflection of a split within category "Man (human)" itself, "Man vs. Woman." In other words, the fight between Man and Alien is really the gender trouble within humanity itself.

The authors have an admirable sense of focus: outside of an introduction and an afterword, the book devotes one chapter to each film analysis: no novel or comic book spin-offs, no video games, no parodies, no fan-fiction. Gallardo and Smith know these films backwards, forwards and sideways. Heavy theory is relegated to the footnotes (making the whole thing easy to read), but their knowledge of Freud, Jung, Foucault, and Butler shows in the pages. And for several years Gallardo and Smith have chaired the science fiction section of one of the largest academic popular culture conferences in the world: Alien Woman is particularly strengthened by their almost encyclopedic knowledge of science fiction movies good and bad; the reader benefits from their sitting through these often awful films (Ice Pirates, anyone?), and connecting them to the Alien series. The book also hits every substantial piece of Alien criticism: future scholars will start reading about the films here, and then follow the bibliography.

Gallardo & Smith have written a work that *will be* one of *the* most important books ever for scholars AND fans of the Aliens series of films. This serious and thought-provoking, clearly-written work is immanently readable at the same time as it is insightful and rigorously scholarly. It will promote greater academic understanding of science-fiction and feminism (together and as discrete studies) and those who read it will want to own it, reference it, and read it for sheer pleasure again and again.

The study examines the entire story arc of four movies that made us gasp and wonder, and made us re-examine science fiction not only as more than just "bug eyed monsters against the good GUYS" but also as reflections of the historical era from which each film arose. This seriously well-researched and well documented work traces the history of the movie's compelling images, (for example, giving us "ah ha" moments about the inspiration for the films' artwork, facts that I know I never knew about the reason for the Aliens' form). It gives us intricate close-readings of each film, examining scene after scene with insight and depth, and helps us understand the metaphors of Corporate space and humanity in a post-human era.

One of my favorite parts is the close-reading of Ripley's suicidal leap in Aliens 3, and I had to gloat as Gallardo & Smith reveal the background meanings and imagery of her strongly compelling act of grasping the newborn alien bursting from her chest. I was delighted when I realized that my own feelings watching the film for the first time were right (I knew it!) and had that comfortable feeling you get when having a great conversation with people who share your passion for interesting works of cultural significance.

Never a "publish or perish," jargon-laden ivory-tower read, this work is compelling and fun, at the same time that it contributes important scholarship to a pivotal science fiction franchise and science fiction studies in general. If you are a fan of the series, but not an academic, you will still love this book, and learn something new and worthwhile about your favorite sci-fi. If you are an academic looking for rigorous critical interpretation, you will also find what you are looking for.

A must read for fans, scholars, and anyone interested in the "post-human" subject and Ripley's compelling character. Plus, a heck of a lot of fun and hard to put down.

I very much enjoyed this book for many reasons, not just that it provides information you will never find anywhere else. The book covers many sites that I was familiar with and many that I have heard of and didn't know were accessible and many that I have never heard of. I will definitely take it with me on my upcoming trip, my 18th to London.

I like the style of the book, just casual enough to let you know the authors are real people (and have really been to the sites), but not overdone, which can get annoying with other authors. In fact, I skimmed through the entire book at one sitting, reading many parts entirely, as I found it interesting.

I have a few minor criticisms. (I'm still giving a five-star rating, especially since there is no other book quite like this, so invaluable.)

A few things people should know in advance: there is one general map at the beginning -- the authors state you need to pick up a map in London as this is not an easy city to navigate (I use London A-Z) -- and there are no floor plans of the sites. This is good (smaller size and price) and bad (toting and flipping from book to book or purchasing high-priced on-site guides). I'm sure it would be impossible to locate a floor plan for some of the more obscure buildings, so really can't blame the authors.

My main complaint (not major) is there is not a rating system, formal or informal, for sites. I know a lot of what is "worth seeing" depends on a person's individual interest, but, well, just because a site exists doesn't mean it's worth taking time out for if you just have a week or so in London. There's a big difference between "don't miss this hidden treasure" and "seek this out if you are in the neighborhood" or "best for those with a special interest in Edward IV, or stained glass windows, or gothic arches, or whatever."

Once again let me state that a major plus is the feeling that the authors have really been there and know what they are talking about.

By comparison, many years ago I bought a guide to London by a very well known guidebook publisher. I made a bed-and-breakfast booking on their recommendation of a charming hotel with a bright, cheery breakfast room. I won't tell you the full horrors of the place, other than to mention the tiny rooms with plywood walls and door, and the very dark basement breakfast room done up like a dungeon, complete with instruments of torture on the walls. And one shared toilet per floor, which sometimes actually flushed. I didn't just check out -- I escaped. It was very obvious that the authors of that other book had never set foot in the place, and I have more or less ignored mass-produced guidebooks ever since.

I've never known a lot about medieval and Tudor history, but a friend gave this book to me to help me plan a trip to England. Now I can't wait to see the places described in the book. These authors have a fan in me.

I've never known a lot about medieval and Tudor history, but a friend gave this book to me to help me plan a trip to England. Now I can't wait to see the places described in the book. These authors have a fan in me.

For anybody who wants to know more about the history of places they want to see in England, this is the guide book for them. I learned alot of interesting things and had alot of fun reading this book. I like the authors' style very much. They make the history easy to read and understand.

Travellers on the trail of history in London know how frustrating it can be to locate Tudor and medieval places still in existence in that busy, crowded, vibrant, thoroughly modern city. Last year we spent a week with this guide in hand, feeling a bit Sherlockian in our quest. Even with the detailed directions provided by the authors, finding most of these hidden, nearly forgotten sites was a challenge. But with persistence and patience, our efforts were rewarded. What fun! Couldn't have done it without this guide. But if you aren't particularly interested in the places, the era, and the difficult pursuit, better not bother.

This is a great detailed book featuring many of the beloved American Character dolls! It has helped me tremendously with my doll collection.

Very nice book & lots of information i have been looking for these past few years.

A most comprehensive and well-researched book! Having contributed to the Tressy section of the book (look for pics from my collection!), I must say that this guide is a must have for Tressy collectors as well as for those who collect other American character dolls.

You can order an autographed copy directly from Judith by going to: www.americancharacterdolls.com

You cannot buy an autographed copy through Amazon.

Judith Izen has written another wonderful book! For collectors of American Character dolls, it's a book that needs to be on your bookshelf. It's well written and researched with great photographs. We can only hope that Ms. Izen will continue to share her love and knowledge of dolls with more books.

I have enjoyed reading this well written book and learning about the scientists and volunteers who are working to restore the species. Science got a little short shrift, which is probably nice for many readers. I learned a lot anyway. Though I did not always agree with the author's opinions, I think this is an important book and may help reduce the general ignorance about the fate of the American Chestnut, something everyone really ought to know about.

I have read a number of books in the genre of environmental science or nature that missed the mark for me when it came to explaining the science of the problem. This book was perfect. Some books spend too much time on personalities - again perfect and seemingly balanced. My only minor complaint was that I didn't need so much preaching about why I should care about the chestnut. I do! This book exceeded my expectations and I truly learned something from it.

I work in plant pathology which sparked my interest in this topic. This book is written by a non-scientist and it is very well researched and full of interesting stories of many of the people affected by, and dedicated to saving the American Chestnut. I would recommend it to anyone interested in US history or biology or just looking for a good read.

As a biologist with an intense avocational interest in the American Chestnut, I planted nearly a hundred seeds on my property in PA way back in 1972. After 8 years of beautiful growth, the blight hit them. I joined the American Chestnut Foundation and discovered a hypovirulent chestnut on my property that I shared with professionals studying the blight fungus. But my interest in chestnuts waned, in part because of the ACF's backcrossing program, until I read Susan Freinkel's marvelous book! The people I knew only as names became personalities--Burnham, Rutter, Hebard--and she introduced me to others, such as Gary and Lucille Griffen, whose work she described finally explained to me why the hypovirulent inoculants I applied to my chestnuts back in 1980 didn't help at all. It's the combination of genetic resistance with hypovirulence that is needed. What an eye opener and what a fantastic book she has written, one that has rekindled my youthful interest in restoring the role of the American Chestnut. Her book supports the huge role natural history plays in producing good science. Passion for a species is a natural element in knowing it.

As an avid amateur botanist, it is rare when an informative AND interesting book on plants is published. But this the case here. Freinkel speaks with an informative and lyrical voice, making one ponder the tragedy of the loss of this truly magnificent tree. I'm very glad to see this lovely book published, and hope more writers follow Freinkel's example.

This book is not just a mega dose of good news, but is a resource rich exposé on where the good news is being generated.

Reading "And Now for the Good News", you are made aware of the limits of corporate media coverage and informed on projects and people who are making positive change, and then empowered to get involved. This book allows all of its readers to be a part of the solution.

Simple energy,small passions,life.We manifest it.Know that our needs are ONE,not few.At a time when our good graces seem under continual assault,this author reminds us of everyday fulfillment.You most likely do these tasks within your own life.But then,that's the GOOD NEWS.I have been able to share this information with friends,associates,and,children in need of a jumpstart in goodness.

And Now for the Good News... is a nonfiction testimony presented to counterbalance the seemingly unending torrent of dismal news that pours from television, newspaper, and internet sources day in and day out. Good news ranges from a major new study (the 2005 Human Security Report) revealing that political violence has sharply declined worldwide since the early 1990s, to the record high life expectancy rate found in the U.S. (77.9 years), to a decline in illegal drug use among U.S. teens (down 23.3% in the last five years with reductions in every drug, including alcohol and cigarettes), and much more. An intellectually, emotionally and spiritually uplifting testimony featuring meticulously documented sources, highly recommended as an antidote to CNN depression.

And Now for the Good News in a society mostly focused on bad news, is news, indeed. Badly needed news at that. What Al Gore does with his video on healing our planet, Sue Ray does with this book to bring into balance our distorted world view. As she says in her book, "how we frame the issue matters." Citing examples of what has already been accomplished gives us the heart and impetus of wanting to do the same. Words are worlds. Instead of focusing on the word `fight' in "the fight against global warming," let us focus on the words `help' and `healing' in "help our planet heal itself." Read this book. It will restore your faith in humanity.

What resonates with me is the conscious creation / law of
attraction aspect of this inspiring book. We get what we focus on, so it
makes sense that what we chose to pay attention to on the news
affects each of us on many levels. Why not pay more attention to the
positive events and people in the world? This book is a great reminder that there are many people in this world creating positive change that benefits us all.

A considerable amount of history during the early Middle Ages was written by Middle Easterners, and their scholarship should be taken seriously, as shown in this book. There is a lot of information appropriate to the issues in the region even now. See other reviews in the resource library at civilsociety dot seedwiki

As other reviewers have noted, this book is an engrossing, highly informative text, that is (generally) quite an easy read. It can be gory and propagandistic at times, as some have noted. Overall, it's a very good digest of Muslim narratives of several key events.

The main drawback is that I would not consider this a stand-alone book, particularly on a lot of the convoluted political arrangements - I'd suggest Wasserman's "Templars & the Assassins: The Militia of Heaven" for that - and I really don't think one can get the full understanding of the Muslim mentality in fighting the Crusaders from it. For that I'd suggest al-Sulami's "Way of Sufi Chivalry" (for those on a budget) or preferably Sabzawari's "Royal Book of Spiritual Chivalry" (for those who aren't) to get into the mindset of the Muslim warriors. For while "Arab Historians" includes a lot personal commentary from the authors, these last two books were written as guides for the emirs and warriors, and once reading them one gets the feeling that "Arab Historians" was written by some military public relations officer.

Still a highly recommended, enjoyable read, though.

Once you've read the popular histories of the Crusades, and your appetite for the original source materials has been whetted by the excerpts in Payne, Runciman, etc., you will want this book. It's THE source reader for the Arab perspectives, better in many ways than The Crusades Through Arab Eyes (Maalouf). You get the flavor of the culture as well as their particular slant on the events and personalities. And the snarky footnotes can be delicious!

A very good source, especially for those who have read about the Crusades and understand the context of the writings. This book is not an overview of the crusades or of a single crusade; it is selections from the writings of Arabic historians placed in a chronological order. Easy to read, detailed and engrossing; both useful and enjoyable.

A good book. It has many parallels with accounts of the original Muslim invasions and subsequent 700 year occupation of most of the Iberian (Spain/Portugal) Penninsula. Due to this initial Muslim invasion and occupation of Christian Europe, the Christian Crusades were launched into Spain and the Holy Land. Same story in the Balkans and Anatolia with the Seljuk and Ottoman Turk invasions of those Christian lands. First hand accounts of events always make for good reading. A good book, unfortunately I lost it.

I found this book to be incredibly helpful in understanding ADHD and how art therapy can be especially effective in treating this disorder. I recommend it very highly, especially if you or someone you know has an ADHD child in their family.

I found this book to be incredibly helpful in understanding what my child was going through -- it really helped me better communicate with my child and we are now working through her issues together. It also helped me better understand and work with her therapist. All in all, I found this book to be extremely helpful and recommend it very highly, especially if you or someone you know has an ADHD child.

This book should fall into the hands of professionals and families whose lives have been affected by contact with this illness.

The methodology of art therapy is an insight not only to expose repressed feelings as well as helping to define the perspectives of those with antisocial behavior patterns.

The clarity of this easily read book and the dedication of the author's efforts should give impetus to new hope for those who have struggled with this neurological problem.

This reviewer's first hand encounters with the symptoms of ADand HD,hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsivity which evoked only a loving empathy found the contents of the book a hope-filled horizon.

By teaching and giving vent through physical expression in art forms many more senses are engaged leading to awakenings, the author encourages, thereby moving all concerned to more pragmatic and redeeming stages of self regard and social responsibility.

Ms. Safran's studies and conclusions may well repave many paths filled with frustrations and heartbreak for families while providing a seemingly simple method to self discovery for the
ADandHD affected.....at any age.

This is a very good resource for therapists working with children with AD/HD, families with AD/HD and adults with AD/HD. Written in a down to earth style the book briefly reviews the history of AD/HD,tells how to assess children,families and adults and suggests appropriate assessment tools to use. Though the book is not geared to individual work, it coaches the reader in how to set up groups for children, families and adults. In addition, the book includes an excellent resource appendix for the therapist and parent education.

In this book, Diane Safran clearly demonstrates her knowledge and skill as a highly qualified art therapist. More importantly, in this work she brilliantly demonstrates the efficacy of this discipline in diagnosing and treating this disorder.
What is most impressive is her sensitivity to and the awareness of the pervasive impact this disorder has on the whole family. Regardless of whether the patient is a child or an adult, once the diagnosis is made, Safran and her team are prepared to address individual, family and environmental issues impacting on future progress of the patient.
The text is well written, the format easy to follow and the case studies and illustrations excellent.
As a pioneer in the field of art therapy education, I recommend this book not only to those teachers and mental health professionals working with ADHD populations, but to students in all fields of mental health who need to be informed about the value of this discipline as an adjunct to their practice and as a significant modality that may be a treatment of choice.

The word artificial originally meant "artful, crafty." That's an apt description of ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION, which blends art, craft, and wit into a narrative that teaches us life lessons that we did not knew we knew.
-- Richard Lederer, author of Anguished English

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2JQ1EBHV3YOR6 Great book, nice splash of humor--high quality photos! I specially like the love story at the end.

Here are some links to photo posters and calendars from the book and promotional T-shirts:
Scenic City and Boat Photo Poster
University of Washington Photo Poster
Seattle Secenic Sunset Photograph
Seattle Secenic Photograph
Thonging At the Beach
San Francisco Scenic Union Square Photo Poster
Pike Place Market Photo Print
Beach Hotties Poster

This book transcends genre -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musings.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! one can feel a touch of his bitter-sweet experiences but one is encouraged by his ability to find humor everywhere.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1CJDZRIOJJIFN Kalpanik's writing is down to earth, funny, witty and smart. He chronicles his journey of self-discovery with an amazing detail and humor. His coverage of the various places he has been to--UC Davis, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and Nashville-- was informative and enjoyable, and so were his jokes around them. I recommend this book to anyone looking for light reading, specially busy professionals who do not have time to read a whole book in one straight session but want to read one entertaining a chapter at a time.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3T5IX83S8N7DX Light reading, but very engaging! Entertaining and excellent for busy professionals since you can read it chapter at a time and still enjoy it!

The word artificial originally meant "artful, crafty." That's an apt description of ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION, which blends art, craft, and wit into a narrative that teaches us life lessons that we did not knew we knew.
-- Richard Lederer, author of Anguished English

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3MNQP39J0TE6R Great book, will make you laugh, smile, giggle, chuckle, giggle, crack up, guffaw and generally have a good time. Extremely nice photos. And it is actually very thoughtful, one can quickly see through the pretended thoughtlessness. Here are some posters and calendars with the high resolution versions of the book:
Scenic City and Boat Photo Poster
University of Washington Photo Poster
Seattle Secenic Sunset Photograph
San Francisco Scenic Union Square Photo Poster
Nashville Tug Boat on Cumberland River Photo Poster
Pike Place Market Photo Print
"Playing Guitar" Photo Poster
San Diego Scenic Waterfront Poster

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R27056TEI8N6A9 his book transcends genre -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musings.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! one can feel a touch of his bitter-sweet experiences but one is encouraged by his ability to find humor everywhere.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3HI11PJUYIZVJ Kalpanik's writing is down to earth, funny, witty and smart. He chronicles his journey of self-discovery with an amazing detail and humor. His coverage of the various places he has been to--UC Davis, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and Nashville-- was informative and enjoyable, and so were his jokes around them. I recommend this book to anyone looking for light reading, specially busy professionals who do not have time to read a whole book in one straight session but want to read one entertaining a chapter at a time.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2K9BD305H2ISE Very entertaining and engaging. Author is able to take a relatively mundane topic and make it interesting. Excellent for busy professionals looking for light reading since you can read it a chapter at a time and not lose the thread.

Now in an updated second edition, B. S. Detecting: The Flip Side of Success-Possible Communicating is a treasury of information everybody needs to know about how language (and other forms of communication, but language in particular) can be abused and misused, whether intentionally or obliviously. A simple color-coding of different types of speech (silver = verifiable facts, black = demands and orders, white = important truths that are left out, red = emotionally angry speech, brown = plain old B.S., etc.) is the precursor to an in-depth, layman's terms guide to language abuses ranging from misunderstandings to manipulations to pathological behavior. B. S. Detecting is more than simply learning to beware the high-pressure salesman threatening to take away the "limited-time" deal or the Isolator who lures new people into his group by excluding and villifying others (the worst Isolators include drug pushers and cult leaders); it also includes ways to focus on communication problems, and know when to make overtures or when to recognize that an individual is simply too disturbed to deal with. B. S. Detecting especially mentions solid advice for discerning whether a person will be a compatible and trustworthy mate (hint: if he won't give you verifiable details about his address, phone number, family, or job he's probably a con man or worse) but also applies to sifting through lies, manipulative dogma, and half-truths in every aspect of life. And when one is dealing with an honest person, B. S. Detecting gives practical tools to mediate disagreements - especially Operational Definitions (clarifying the initial definitions both parties are working from) and Anecdotal Reporting (a meticulous description of a series of actions, comments, and responses in order to discover patterns). B. S. Detecting is quite literally a self-help manual for dealing with the complexities of human beings. In a world where increasingly savvy con artists cannot be identified by their appearance or mannerisms, B. S. Detecting gives the reader need-to-know information to sift the truth from a line, and warns that no one can B. S. you as thoroughly as you can B. S. yourself. Unless you are a hermit with zero contact with any and all other human beings, B. S. Detecting is an absolute "must-read".

This is a defense manual for everyday life! The book's interactive, with each chapter's method of detecting and coping with words clearly and vividly explained. The concepts in it provide skills that empower the reader, and can improve your life!

To get us out of the "error messages and gobbledygook" we so often fall into, this book gives clear, practical, fun-to-read
specific guides to communicating more effectively. Among the 17
chapters, "What do you mean, he loves you?" "Says Who?" and "Who
started the fight?" Valuable reading for everyone! Highly
recommended.
Leon Fletcher, author of How to Speak Like a Pro,and How to Design and Deliver Speeches.

I purchased this book as a graduation gift for my granddaughter. Of course, I had to read it first, just to check it out. ;)

I wish I'd known before what this book reveals. Mz Thompson's behind-the-scenes knowledge of the ad industry, how to use and misuse words to entice us to "buy" what someone is selling, whether it's a product or just some B.S. was enlightening.

I hope she writes another one. I'd purchase that one too.

If you know a parent struggling with communicating with teenagers or preteens, this book would be a real help. And any
married couple would find it helpful in discussing decisions or disagreements without loss of harmony.
The book would also be a boon to a youngster. Remember all the difficult situations when you weren't sure what to say, or what to make of what was said to you? Imagine having a book that could tell you how to use words to help you progress in life, and how to deal with verbal abuse!