Washington Books

I first met Betty McDonald when I read The Egg and I, back in high school in the Pacific Northwest in the late 1960s, and I was completely enthralled. First of all: she writes extremely well. Her sentences are terse and well-formed, and she has a knack for shaping quips of all kinds: the quick laugh, the sudden surprise laugh line, and the careful set-up gag. Most of all, though, I find myself laughing aloud (she's one of the few authors who makes me laugh aloud while reading) at the perfection of a sentence which is at the same time witty, perfectly balanced, completely appropriate, and completely unexpected.

You will find all this - in spades - in Onions in the Stew. It is a mellower book than the others, for many reasons; she was older when she wrote it - and, I think, happier in her second marriage; also, her already considerable skill at writing had grown. Her descriptions of Vashon Island in the 1940s are utterly perfect: beautiful, clever, and bittersweet all at once. Her descriptions of her husband and daughters - and others in her family - are full of warmth, and are at the same time completely clear-eyed and unsentimental.

Frankly, comparing Betty to Erma Bombeck is like comparing Julia Child to Rachael Ray. They can both cook - but, oh boy, I know whose house I'd like to visit for lunch . . .

I first read Onions in the Stew almost thirty years ago, in a Reader's Digest Condensed Books version, and I never forgot it. What a JOY to receive the complete version as a gift years later, along with The Plague and I, and Anybody Can Do Anything, when they were reissued by The Common Reader. I absolutely devoured them, passed them around among my friends & loved ones (keeping track of who had them, very uncharacteristic but they're the kind of books you never want to lose!!!!) and agree with every five-star reviewer here, especially "pony-express," that Betty is the best friend you never met. Also enjoyed the comment about how much fun heaven will be, to drink strong coffee & yak with Betty MacDonald. She is still as witty today as when she wrote her books, utterly classic and fresh, laugh-out-loud and tremendously endearing without EVER being cloying. Such a cut above. Her other books are equally wonderful, and I just wish more people were exposed to her; she's a tonic for stress, an antidote to depression. So glad there are others out there who love her as I do!

I've just finished the fourth Betty MacDonald memoir. Thank you Amazon for the access to all these out of print books!
I now know what's going to be fun in Heaven - chatting with Betty over strong cups of coffee.
These books were like discovering a new best friend. I've never been so entertained by reading. What a gal!

Having finished my previous book and waiting for Amazon's free shipping promo to buy more, I picked up this book collecting dust in my book closet. I was pleasantly surprised.

It is smart and funny and so down-to-earth that you have to instantly like Betty as your best friend. Althouhg I am not a big fan of women titles (those seems to dominate the New York Times bestsellers list these days), I laughed out loud on a plane from Washington DC to Houston on a business trip. Who knew that everyday domestic issues can be so light and funny?

Anyway, just try it. You will find it more enjoyable than you want to admit.

"The Egg and I." As I said in my review of the earlier book, although I found parts of "Egg" charming, the chapter on Indians made my part-Cherokee blood boil, and that other parts seemed rather mean-spirited as well.

There is none of the mean-spiritedness in "Onions", probably because, in spite of the various toils and tribulations of life on the island, Betty was basically happy there, as opposed to "Egg" where she was mostly miserable.

I loved the part about the small woman who loved to curl up on soft, comfy places like sofas, armchairs, and other women's husbands' laps. I wondered, though, why Betty didn't just ask her to step out into the garden and then drop-kick her across the straight to Seattle? I'm sure she could have gotten some of the other women in their circle of friends to help.

Many of the events she tells of show us that teenage girls have always been a handful, whatever they say. However, in spite of all the complaining and whining, the girls were willing to pich in; how many girls their age nowadays would have something like stuffed pork chops waiting when their parents came home from work?

While "Egg" left me wondering why anyone in their right mind would want to run a chicken farm in the middle of a howling wilderness, "Onions" made me wonder if living on an island might not be fun.

Excellent read. This is the first book that I've read from this author, but it will definitely not be the last. There are strong characters and a good history lesson. A definite page turner.

Well written. Postive african american characters in a difficult time period. The love story identifies with the time period.

I loved this historical romance story! Since reading Beverly Jenkins historical romance novels, I have been hooked and Altonya has written a great one too. Great read and informational too.

I loved the book. I bought this book becuase I am a fan of Ms. Washington and I love the historical african american romance that Beverly Jenkins has made so popular. I was not disappointed. I read this book in one day; I could not put the book down. It was so well written and the book flowed like a sheet of music. This book has chemistry, history and great secondary characters. I laughed (a lot), held my breath and cried. The love between Jacinta and Solomon is one I will not forget for a very long time. This book will certainly make my list of all-time favorites.

Charleston, South Carolina, 1821, is the setting for Altonya Washington' novel Passion's Furies. The McIver family were freed blacks, who were able to do many things that blacks only dreamed of doing at that time. Jacinta McIver wanted to see all blacks free and she wanted them to be able to do the same things that she was accustomed to doing. Jacinta was also very involved in the teachings of Denmark Vesey and the discussion of an upcoming slave rebellion. Her father, Jason, tried everything to keep Jacinta away from the secret meetings and her plan to be apart of the revolt.

Solomon Dikembe, who was also a freed black, traveled to Charleston to meet Jason McIver to discuss business dealings. He did not know that he would meet a dark beauty that he had previously met. The problem - Solomon was a mulatto and no blacks wanted to trust him.

Washington's story raised some issues for this reviewer. I did not like the length of this book (it was 403 pages long). For me, at times, the story dragged in sections and I had to push myself to continue reading. However, the positives outweighed the books weaknesses. I liked the historical background. Washington gave a wonderful account of Denmark Vesey's teaching, his planning and his death. I also loved how Washington discussed the ways in which blacks discriminated against each other. Slaves were distrustful of freed blacks, freed blacks looked down on slaves and both groups did not trust mulattos or half -whites. There was also discussion of entitlement and class between the blacks. I really loved the way that Jacinta, as a freed black, took an interest in the stories of the slaves and began to record their stories. Solomon also discussed the manner in which he was mistreated and the hatred he had to overcome. In between all of that, Washington put together a wonderful love story where the characters had to overcome their prejudices in order to embrace the love they had for each other.

Wow!! Being a devoted fan of Beverly Jenkins, I was very skeptical of reading this book, but I genuinely wanted to read and embrace it. Well, I can honestly say that Ms. Jenkins will be very pleased to know that someone has stepped up and has joined the ranks of historical romance writing.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

Very interesting and great recipes

Every recipe I've tried from this cookbook has gotten raves, and considering the source, many of these recipes are terrifically easy (no specialized knowledge or equipment required). O'Connell has no fear of cream, butter, and salt, so this isn't everyday fare, but for special occasions, holidays, birthdays, and nights when you really want to impress, this book is indispensable. The Amazon price is excellent too, and the book's worth every penny. Definitely destined to become one of my favorite cookbooks (it's coffee-table pretty, but my copy is already smeared with butter and dusted with flour).

This beautifully photographed book was a vivid reminder of the unique dining experience we had at the Inn. Recipes are easy to follow and results have been great. I especially liked the "pantry" section at the back of the book. Thank You!

Not only gorgeous, but absolutley oen of the mouth taste titillating cookbooks I've ever seen (along with their first book, Inn at Little Washington Cookbook)... and everything is do-able!!

I've bought this book a few weeks ago. Prior to start selecting the recipes I usually read any cooking book like any other book. I just found out that I was putting marks in all of the pages, so I stopped doing it and instead, I started cooking each one of the recipes, choosing whether I wanted fish or meat.
Even if you replace or adjust some of the ingredients, the result it's absolutely amazing.
Try the recipe that has a picture in the cover, and you will see what you get from your family, friends, or even for your self. Don't skip the decoration, it's easy to prepare and looks stunning.
This book was for sure a very important addition to my small library of cooking books. I have slightly more than 200 cooking books.
MT-Japan

"Ours is the signal honor of being the nation's bulwark. One day we must prove ourselves worthy."

Requiem for Battleship Yamato is about sacrifice-immolation on the altar of national survival. It was written not to needlessly lionize the wanton sacrifice of combatants in order to bring to an end what one historian called "a war to establish and revive the stature of man." Instead, it was written, and properly so, as catharsis: Yoshida Mitsuru, as a 20-year old ensign on the bridge of the Yamato during its final voyage, had witnessed War, and thus wished that future generations would no longer be called upon to "prove themselves worthy," and to bear the burden of armed conflict.

Yoshida's prose satisfactorily captures the spirit on board the Yamato prior to its climactic encounter. Yet there is no way to adequately describe what the men of the Yamato went through during the ship's final hours. One author called it "a glorious way to die." Alternatively, the battle could be described as a nautical siege, a maritime battle of Troy. There is no apotheosis in death; death is merely a release from duty. During the battle, one man struggles to keep the deck clean by throwing overboard limbs severed by bomb shrapnel or machine-gun fire. Below decks, men grapple with the bodies of their comrades; once-inviting hot tubs (the Yamato has several of them, we are told) are filled to the brim with the ranks of the dead. In the bridge, officers are mowed down by machine-gun bullets. There is no sanctuary aboard the most massive dreadnought ever constructed.

This is a highly readable book, redolent with poignant memories, written by a man who had the courage to confront his phantoms. Through Yoshida's book, many souls who fought during the Pacific War found a voice.

"Three thousand corpses, still entombed today. What were their thoughts as they died?"

In the 1950's and 60's, Japanese memoirs of the Pacific War flooded forth from the publishers. Saburo Sakai's "Samurai", Hara's "Japanese Destroyer Captain," Mochitsura Hashimoto's "Sunk!" are just the tip of the spear. But Yoshida's "Requiem for Battleship Yamato" is simply in a class by itself. The youngest officer on board the mighty battleship, he was present when the giant was ordered on her suicide sortie. Escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser Yahagi and numerous destroyers in April 1945, Yamato's mission was sublimely ridiculous: sail down toward the Ryuku Islands (where a massive American task force was staging the invasion of Okinawa), attack the landing force, beach itself, expend all weapons and ammunition, then the surviving crew members would join the garrison in Okinawa's defense. It was no surprise that the force didn't even make it halfway before being annihilated by U.S. planes. Yoshida's book is poetic and is beautifully translated by Richard Minnear who also provides a superb introduction as well. Yoshida's account of the American air attacks which inevitably shattered the Yamato, the Yahagi and most of the escorting destroyers come off as not combat, but high slaughter. Veterans who survived idiotic orders and suicide charges will find a spiritual brother in Yoshida. Don't be surprised if you have a tear in your eye for the brave crews of these ships as you close this book for the last time.

Written as a tribute to his shipmates, "Requiem" is also a powerful anti-war book.

young, naive and inexperienced the author chronicles his one and only combat mission. relating his service on the japanese battleship 'yamato' author mitsuru gives perspective not only on what he does but on what he feels. fortunately for the reader mitsuru is an articulate writer who has had the opportunity to rewrite his recollections numerous times over the years before settling on this 'definitive' edition. the book runs as a subtle parallel of stories between the events happening around the author during war and what he thinks and feels as he faces his own mortality. an excellent perspective of man in conflict.
also worth noting is the outstanding translation and introduction by richard minear.

Although perhaps unsurprising given the scale of Japan's losses and the bitterness of defeat, the fact remains that there are relatively few accounts of the war by those who fought with the Imperial Forces, and even fewer available in English.

For this reason alone `Requiem for Battleship Yamato' would command attention even if it were only an average work. But it is not an average work; it is a classic in the truest sense of this much abused word, which must be placed alongside books such as `The Last Enemy' by Richard Hillary.

Written in a spare, almost poetic style, `Requiem' tells the story of the Yamato's last doomed sortie from the viewpoint of one of her junior officers. Alongside glimpses of life on board the great battleship, we gain an insight into the thoughts and personal lives of her crew as they prepare for what most realise will be a mission from which there will be no return.

As the tension mounts and enemy forces close in for the inevitable kill, Yoshida provides a moving commentary on the Yamato's last days and hours, with poignant vignettes of such figures as the force commander Vice Admiral Ito, who had correctly appreciated the futility of the mission yet carried out his task with calm resolution.

With the Yamato entering her final death agony, Yoshida gives us harrowing descriptions of the effects of explosives and steel on human flesh - a timely reminder in this age of glossy propaganda of the true face of battle. Then there is the homecoming, with Yoshida's personal struggle to come to terms with the meaning of his survival while so many of his comrades are dead.

No review of this book would be complete without acknowledging the outstanding work of its translator, Richard Minear, who has also provided an excellent introduction. Thanks to his efforts, this work will not only be read with profit by the military historian, but anyone who seeks to broaden his understanding of the human condition.

This book is not for readers searching for details of battle, or apologies for participating in the miltary adventure against the US. Yoshida Mitsuru was an unlikely survivor of a suicide mission.

Some of the reviewers have found this book morbid, and focused on death. Mitsuru attempts to describe his feelings and unaswered question that haunted him for the rest of his life. Why was he saved, when so many other died? Was there a purpose to his life, and the life of his dead shipmates. These are questions that all men ask to some extent, but for those caught in a war, life and death are close and constant companions.

The normal thoughts of young men towards life and the future are put aside as their ship plows forward on a suicide mission.

Do not buy or read this book if you are not prepared to think about the personal cost of war. Some have described this as an anti-war book. I do not believe that is a correct description. This book is written by someone whose education and social standing required him to enter the Navy, and go to war. I view this work as a refection of an eyewitness and wounded survivor. Such an experience at such a young age makes one an expert on the war experience, not the root causes of war or their justifications.

Most men who shared Mitsuru's experience do not write, or even disuss their experiences. For some, just the thoughts of their experience is unbearable and the reason some end their days in mental hospitals.

When Mitsuru wrote the first draft of this book, it fell under the authority and censorship of the American Occupation, which did not approve of the text.

Which brings up the question not posed directly by this book. What "truths" were censored during the official investigations surrounding Pearl Harbor, the Bataan Death March, and other matters that impacted on the ledgends and careers of Americans of that time?

I had put off reading this book for years because of a review I had read saying it was about a girl who wanted to be a boy. The book was actually the story of several different people and the different journeys they took to find themselves. It is wonderfully written and I am only sorry I didn't read it sooner. I highly recommend it.

Granted, a happy ending is far from what I expected when I started in on this book, nor do I normally expect happy endings from modern novels. I was somewhat apprehensive about reading another book about someone finding himself, but I'm quite glad I did. Tremain's novel unfolds quietly, without great pomp, and pulls you in through carefully-crafted characters that feel like real human beings. I found that the more I read, the more I wanted to keep reading, and it's been quite a while since an author's managed to accomplish that for me. While Mary/Marty's story is interesting, I find the "support cast" more intrigueing, potentially because Mary/Marty somehow ends up a bit hollow, a bit shallow; his only desire, as human as it may be, is to settle down with a girl.

Other characters in the novel go through ups and downs, as well, but most seem to have either arrived at a place of contentment (or, at least, contentment with their discontentment) or are portrayed as being in a transitional place. Mary/Marty probably wouldn't bother me so much if he wasn't trans. The fact that he has no real ambition and has only the most basic of desires--to find a mate--strikes a sour note into this otherwise beautifully-written novel. Just as many queer characters tend to end up with less-than-happy endings, so Mary/Marty ends up alone and content with loneliness. Perhaps I'm being a bit paranoid here, but that strikes me a bit too much like a conservative message wrapped up in what looks to be a progressive novel.

Nonetheless, the book is well worth the read, especially for the glimpse into changing views on and roles of masculinity within English culture after WWII and as industry started to take over smallholdings in rural England. I'd give it 3-1/2 stars if I could, but since that's not an option, I'll go with 4 for the smoothness of the prose, the complexity of the characters, and sociological value.

Normally books about people trying to "find themselves" do not appeal to me. I'm a reader of historical fiction - thus I discovered Rose Tremain through Music & Silence (Excellent) and Restoration (wonderful read). I purchased this book simply because of the author. When I got it and read the covers, I thought "I've been gipped, this isn't what I wanted" - However, after just a few pages, I was pulled in. Mary/Martin's struggle with gender reflects every individual's struggle to become who they think they are meant to be. Gender identity is only a tool here; it is not the focus of the book. The English farm, the repressed family, the country music scene in Nashville are a perfect backdrop for the inner struggles of characters such as Mary and Walter. The author paints such a realistic picture: Struggles are hard and probably never ending. The book also demonstrates the importance of the "one person" in someone's life who can make such a difference -- in small and often unknowing ways. I can't say I loved this book, but I can say that I am so glad I read it. The world is filled with Marys and Walters, and there is a bit of them in each of us as well. The perspective this book brings is right on target. Rose Tremain is truly a great writer.

I loved this novel. I haven't read it recently so some of the details are fuzzy but I do remember being amazed by the story and the author's writing style.

"Sacred Country" is about a young girl, Mary Ward, who, at the age of six, realizes that she should be boy. The book is a chronicle of her life from that point on. I found the detailed descriptions of the odd things that captured Mary's curiosity as a child (and as an adult, in a different way) intriguing. I won't lie, this is a very sad story at times, and is hard to read in some parts because of Mary's loneliness. The loneliness is never stated and packs a harder punch because of it. All in all, this book explained to me in stunning writing, the process of finding all of the right worlds in oneself. And, dealing with them when they don't fit or express into a manageable form to the outside world. It is a coming of age story to the self and to life. I like to read to learn - about happiness, sadness, life - this book delivered in a big way for me.

I completely agree with the five or six other reviews of this book for two reasons, one that it's an absolutely wonderful story and two that it's a shame that more people haven't reviewed it. It's one of those rare books that will capture you until you read the last page. The characters, as well as their relationships are so well crafted that you don't want them to end. It so touching and human that I can't imagine anyone would not fully enjoy it.

Buy this book and change your outlook on Nam forever. If you ever valued the boy next door, your son , or daughter you will want this book as a bed side companion to re-read again and again. Each story is a man lost, a mother in pain, a comrade who mourns . It paints the picture that we will be reliving for the men of Afganistan/Irag times. The book will be relevent for time immortal. At,6'3 and 320 lbs of old warrior ,
this book took me back and immersed me into the turbulent past times of my life. To damn up my tears , it would have been like holding back a hurricane because of the imagery in this book . This book is well worth the price. I bought it and will continue to buy it again and again until all those I know have a copy. America should emerse itself in the books wisdom about ours soldiers and society. We need to learn to drop the idea that all we are told is the truth and scrutinize our leaders more closely. Thanks Ms Palmer for this great and timely book of truth. Herb, I knew you at Lackland, I hope you have found peace.

If you lost a loved one in Vietnam then you'll understand the poingnancy, intimacy, loss, and anguish of the writers of these letters found throughout the book. It brings out the grim and stark realization that behind every name on the Wall is a story as told by the families who suffered a loss. The most important thing though is the book is about remembering those men and women who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Do I dare to give this book a less-than-glowing review? I am inclined to do so not because of the power and dignity of the people and the stories in the book--those speak for themselves. It was Palmer (the author) that bothered me. As I was reading the book, I could not help but feel that she was trying to manipulate me, tugging at heartstrings that needed no tug to be moved by these heartfelt stories. I felt a bit patronized by her. A good book (or movie, or whatever), if it moves me, should not make me feel the push; this one did, and it left me feeling the way people usually feel when they were pushed in a direction that they would have gone anyway--irritated.

Shrapnel In the Heart is a book to be read by everyone no matter what generation they were born in. Shrapnel In The Heart is a book that has letters and rememberances left behind at the Vietnam War Memorial. Some of the letters tell the story about the people behind the letter. The stories are sad, but the courage of the men and women is a true inspiration. The people written about in this book were extrememly young (18, 19, 20) and it seems like they died in vain. But through their letters that were left behind it is easy to see that these young men knew their duty and refused to shirk from it. These men and women are true heroes.

I read this book for a college history course and until now have thought very little about war, military, or world politics. Young people today rarely understand or realize what goes with becoming a soldier. This book gives real images of the devastation war brings from the people who lived through the tragedy of losing their loved ones. It opens our eyes to things we just shouldn't close our eyes on.

Where most of us fail, Teresa somehow has found a way to put those feelings of reconnection into words. While the story of returning her friend, McKenzie, back to her wild heritage is wonderful, this book goes much deeper. Through Teresa's story we feel her returning to her own people, her own roots. More importantly to me, however, is how she puts into words the emotions of those of us who only find our peace through the natural world, a world where being safe behind closed doors is the worse kind of life there is. She tells about how in the wildness of the wilderness, freedom is not safety, but joy and sorrow more intense that the man made world most live in can ever offer.

She shows what most people struggle so hard to avoid, that one day all of us will fight for that one last breath that will never come. What we do with the breaths we have is what is important. Do we hide in our four walls while the wilderness disappears not only "out there", but in our souls as well? Or do we accept give away and live our lives to the fullest.

Teresa is not an author, but a story teller, something that has been sadly lacking in the sterile world we have created. I hope she continues to write for a long time.

I am a hiker and avid outdoors woman living in Colorado. This book created a fire in my heart to be in, love and protect the "wilderness" in our lives. It brings tears to my eyes to remember the teaching and learning between woman and wolf. I am highly recommending this book to my book club for the January read. Her writing is vivid poetry - bringing the reader into the beauty and reality of nature.

Teresa Martino, a graced author who can write and share her adventure with wolf and freedom, is a storyteller with humor, respect, and gift of art and word. It was like I was there with her as she lived this journey. Riveting, piercing, thought-provoking, pondering, and inspiring are adjectives to describe this book.

A true story of a wolf, her daughter, and woman,the author, who cross in each other's path of life. No preaching here. Beautiful physical descriptions of the land, the feelings, the sounds, the colors, the touch of wolf, and glimpses into the author's heart. I felt empathy for her questions she asked and struggled with her during her trials and vulnerabilities. The book goes beyond just another animal story to a tale of emotional questioning and searching by the author. A triumphant ending.

A MUST read. The book grows better and better with each chapter. I found myself reading so fast wanting to know how it ended.

I loved this book, the writing, the story and the spiritual adventure. I often think about having my own wolf following me on romps through the wilderness whenever I am out hiking alone. This book has some wonderful insight into the wolf mind and shows why a wolf is not a dog and wolves should not live in captivity. Alongside the wolf story is a great journey the author makes in seeking her own identity and place. I highly recommend it.

Teresa Tsimmu Martino writes a wonderful tale of her rescue of a wild wolf pup which she raises to be wild. Once old enough, Ms. Martino releases the wolf into the wilderness of Washington where it has survived and had her own litter.

Martino's writing is vivid and human and full of the emotion that courses through her veins. She is also a horse trainer and has great stories to tell of her life around horses in her most recent book.

So, buy this book; await its arrival with anticipation and then savour its story as you lose yourself in her words.

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A Guide to my Book Rating System:

1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.

Great book and some good insight to the people who make the Pike Place Fish store so great. Simple written and inspiring. I would definitely recommend this to others!

This is one of the most inspiring things I have ever read. The best part was hearing how one of the fishmongers used this 'fish philosophy' in dealing with a brain tumor. His attitude was admirable and all of the guys' stories were so neat. They really seem to live what they speak about. In visiting the market last year I was able to see that they not only have fun, play, make your day, and are 'there' but also have great fish. Check out the book and order some great fresh fish while you are at it from www.pikeplacefish.com

While author Cyndi Crother acknowledges that another wildly successful business book about this fish market preceded her, she has insights to offer based on time she spent with the free-wheeling, fish-throwing denizens of Seattle's World Famous Pike Place Fish. Her book picks up on the spirit of past coverage, but she adds the fishmongers' philosophical ruminations to her own slightly mushy, eclectic New Age managerial wisdom. This is not for strictly business readers, but it will ring a chord with those who seek to balance life and work. It's about warmth, and treating people with sensitivity, and creating your own reality by aligning your thoughts and actions with your intentions. It is also about workplace comradeship, customer service and how to sell the heck out of fish all day long. It's all pretty entertaining, given the lively background of the fish market. We suggest you throw a line in the water; you might just hook something you can really use

I don't know about you, but when I think about working in a fish shop, all I can think is; I'll never get that smell off my hands. I was in Seattle about 16 years ago and went to Pike Place Market. I don't remember seeing that particular fish market, but the whole market is pretty cool. This is a fantastic book. The thought of the motley crew of guys pictured in the book getting along and having fun is nothing short of amazing. The shop is proof that you can have fun, learn, and make a lot of money doing just about anything, if certain rules are observed. One of the main secrets of their success is the ability to be taught. So many people, especially after working in the same occupation for a number of years, or reaching a certain age feel like they know it all, and are not willing to try anything new. These employees each essentially 'own' a piece of the business. With ownership it's easier to accept responsibility and get a feeling of success and euphoria. This company also holds biweekly meetings, as well as huddles at the start and end of each day. The stories of each employee as portrayed inspired me, even if they were embellished by the author. The author did an exemplary job writing this book, and I would recommend it to anyone working for themselves or for an employer, after all, we are all working for ourselves anyway.

If this book does not inspire you to come alive and get going with your life, nothing will. And it is not some philosoper's old boring stuff; it is real life from ordinary fish mongers. It is down-to-earth information that is easily read, easily undetstood, and easy to apply to your own life. I plan to reread this little book several times a year to remind me what any person can easily do to become "great."

The whole idea of the Pike Place Fish Market is inspirational. If you have ever been to the market in Seattle, you will be quite inspired and maybe even a happier person right away because if it. The people who work there are inspirational. They are succeeding personally and as part of a team. They are very happy to be working where they are. They have a formula for success that is really working, and working for ordinary people. This is why they sell tons of fish on the Internet. This is why they perform training programs all over the country. This is why they sell so many books and videos and T-shirts.

If you do not check into this source of inspiriation you are losing out. I'm so glad I know about Fish!

In order to create the fictional town of Steven Falls, the author has created an alternate world where the political boundaries and political organization are different, two towns have disappeared (replaced by the fictional town in a different location), the state police have taken over the county courthouse, and the sheriff's office is no longer in the county seat. Readers familiar with the real location may have problems with the novel. For people from outside the Puget Sound/ Olympic Peninsula area, it might be an interesting cops and robbers tale.

Seattle PI Leo Waterman has a friend who has acquired property to start a small resort and work as a fishing guide. He is an outsider in a small town, where locals have their own ideas for the property. Conflicts with the local red necks and power brokers turn lethal. Leo brings in an assortment of street people, thieves, and shadowy individuals to exact retribution. Leo is not a nice guy when you get on his wrong side.

The novel starts out on a different case before getting to the main plot, and meanders at some points. It is hard to say if anyone wins in the end as everyone, including Leo, gets banged up, and we seem to be left with a trail of broken bodies and shattered dreams. At best, the story would have a PG-13 rating.

I love the Leo Waterman series. Everyone of them has been great. But I think I can safely say that this is my favorite yet.

Leo and his live in girlfriend visit some freinds who have bought some property in hopes of opening a resort. Beautiful little town, perfect location on the water. But things feel a little weird. After returning home, a few weeks later they discover the husband is dead. Leo being who he is wants to know why.

It turns into almost a caper from there on. Leo bringing in people who can do specific jobs for him to help nail those responsible.

A whole lot of fun to read, and And I would highly recommend this series, but this book in particular.

Jon Jordan

A great addition to the Leo saga - jumps right into action on a sordid case of sexploitation, then changes gears into a small-town conspiracy mystery. Plenty of laughs and plenty of action. A real page-turner.

Do not read this book while sitting in the lunchroom at work! It looks very unprofessional to be laughing out loud when you are sitting at a table by yourself. Leo Waterman's unique view of how the system works, and how to work the system makes for a delightful read.

Leo & Rebecca are at it again. This is the sixth book in the series and one of the best. Leo makes some new friends and revisits some old while untangling the circumstances around the death of an aquaintence. The scheming he uncovers leads him to some scheming of his own as only he can scheme. The 'Boys' new home is a riot, and the plot is involved enough to keep you guessing. This is a fun read, although there are a couple of darker undertones and some changes that will make Leo a different person when we meet him next. G.M. Ford has done it again!

Reviewed by AJ Cooper for Reader Views (11/07)

John Cann, a senior associate for the law office of Loring, Matsen, and Gould, has just witnessed a horrific video of humiliation, torture and finally execution. His good friend, mentor and boss has asked him defend a man who was possibly responsible for the torture and killing of these Muslim people from the Balkans. The hearing for extradition will be held at an international tribunal in Germany. Other countries also have an interest in this man and they want him extradited to their country to stand before a court and answer for his crimes.

Of course John will follow the instructions of his boss and head to Germany to defend Dubran Mribic. His only request is to visit his friend Janie at her rehabilitation center in Georgia. Janie is recovering from almost life-threatening torture that she had received a couple of years ago because of her relationship with Cann. Cann and Matsen took it upon themselves to ensure Janie had the best care and also had themselves assigned as co-guardians with the approval of her family. Janie had come far as had been recovering fairly well considering she had been left for dead. The torture affected every aspect of her life and being able to function.

John hesitantly flies to Germany to defend someone he may not even be able to tolerate. When he arrives and starts to deal with the tribunal and Mribic, everything is not as it seems. Numerous attempts are made on John's life, yet there is another group that follows him and protects him. He discovers the nature of crimes committed by his defendant as well as crimes that had been committed against Mribic's people. No one seems innocent and nothing rings true. Then the unthinkable happens and Mribic is allowed to escape.

Back at home things go from good to bad for Janie at the rehabilitation center. She has a new doctor that has some unique and unusual forms of treatment. Matsen does not want to let on to John what has happened with Janie. He has his firm investigate the doctor and what they find is very disturbing. The law firm must now try and get Janie out of the rehabilitation center. Their only means is to kidnap her from the center and then fight the doctor through the courts. This takes all of Matsen's resolve and determination. Before Matsen is able to tell John about the troubles he has been facing with Janie, John is kidnapped.

Everything comes to a head in Europe and Matsen is forced to travel to Germany to rescue John. Old memories and horrors are brought to the forefront when Matsen returns to Europe. He served as an intelligence officer and became involved in the Balkans. Mribic really wanted Matsen, and not John, so he had to find a way to trick Matsen into returning to Europe.

I truly enjoyed the intertwining of both stories. I did not expect or figure out what could possibly happen next. I could not put the book down. This is a true thriller from the start that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This brief view into the atrocities of war and the hope for justice for the victims was very interesting. The good side of people can really shine through even in the direst of situations. I would recommend "A Grave Breach" to anyone.

Reviewed by Maria Elmvang

What is the gravest breach? Is it a breach of national security? A breach of peace? A breach of contract? Or a breach of confidentiality, of trust?

That is one of the things that James Macomber explores in his third John Cann book and newest novel, A Grave Breach.

John Cann would never have agreed to defend a war criminal in a court of law, especially not after seeing the atrocities he performed during the Balkan war, if it hadn't been for one thing: Arthur Matsen - his boss and a man whom he respects and loves as his own father - asked him to. Forced to find the blurred boundaries between his trust in Matsen and his own impression of his client, Cann travels to Europe and tries to get to the bottom of things and find out why Matsen asked him to take on this case.

Meanwhile, back in the USA Cann's colleague Katherine Price discovers that all is not as it ought to be at the facilities where Cann's ward, Janie is staying. When it is discovered that Janie is subjected to dangerous psychiatric experiments, only a desperate action will protect her.

Giving away any more of the plot would be a shame for others. James Macomber managed to keep me at the edge of my seat through the various twists and turns of the book until its final conclusion. Unfortunately by combining two unrelated plotlines, Macomber sometimes neglects one in favour of the other, and not all threads are properly tied up, leaving me with unresolved issues and burning questions.

It is an advantage, but not a necessity, to have read the two first John Cann books before reading A Grave Breach. I hadn't, but as all references to earlier books are well explained, it allows it to stand on its own without any problems.

Armchair Interviews says: An excellent suspense novel that definitely will leave you wanting to read more of Macomber's work.

Studded with a cast of memorable characters, "A Grave Breach" is an international legal thriller by James Macomber, a true master of this popular action/adventure/suspense genre. John Cann is asked to defend someone charged with war crimes by his trusted friend, mentor and colleague Arthur Matsen. Then there is Janie Reston, a young American college girl savagely brutalized left for dead because of her connection to Cann. The girl is under threat by Nathan Fredrich, an unscrupulous psychiatrist intent on exploiting her horrendous ordeal to capitalize on his questionable theories concerning repressed memories. With a complex and engaging plot involving diverse post-war legal, moral, and ethical dilemmas in Europe, compounded by strong emotional ties and vulnerabilities among the principle characters, "A Grave Breach" is a compelling, superbly crafted, totally engaging read from beginning to end that can be wholeheartedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library fiction collections.

Author James Macomber has set himself a tricky task in creating another thriller with two unrelated plots as part of his John Cann series of international legal thrillers with his recent tome, A Grave Breach.

Set against the backdrop of "ethnic cleansing" that transpired in the Balkans, Macomber has authored a poised and polished novel that unfolds when John Cann, a senior associate in the Washington law firm of Loring, Matsen and Gould is asked by the senior partner, Arthur Matsen to defend a war criminal, Dubran Mribic, after he watches a horrendous video tape that had been sent to Matsen.

It seems that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has now indicted Mribic for a variety of hideous war crimes committed against Muslims and he has now requested Arthur Matsen to represent him in any and all legal proceedings. We also learn in the opening pages that the law firm of Loring, Matsen and Gould are more than just attorneys as they are connected to the CIA, having developed a deep and lasting connection to the intelligence community since the creation of the firm. Why would the USA or for that matter Matsen be interested in defending a repugnant and repulsive war criminal who is now being held in Germany?

In addition to the main plot, Macomber includes a secondary plot involving a young woman, Janie Reston, who is now residing in a rehabilitation center as a result of a brutal crime committed against her by several terrorists. Apparently, two years prior to the happening of this atrocious crime, Cann had taken a sabbatical from his law firm and was a visiting lecturer at Charleston University Law School where he was the faculty adviser to Janie. Unfortunately, a connection between Cann and Janie was established in some minds-including the members of a terrorist cell within the Middle East Studies Department of the University, which in fact there had been no connection, however the terrorists didn't know that and they considered him and whomever was connected to him the enemy. The terrorists kidnapped Janie and what they did to her was beyond comprehension leaving her looking like a broken doll. The beastly criminals never stood trial as Cann made sure they were eradicated.

Cann and Matsen had taken it upon themselves to ensure that Janie received the best of treatment at the Whispering Marsh Rehabilitation Center, where, unfortunately, she nevertheless had fallen under the care of an unscrupulous staff psychiatrist, Dr. Nathan Frederich, who wanted to use her as a guinea pig in testing some of his far-fetched theories.

When Cann eventually meets up with Mribic and listens to the latter's side of the story, nothing seems to be as cut and dry as he anticipated. Moreover, when the legal proceedings commence before the tribunal, it appears that all cards are stacked up against his client. Cann also learns of some very interesting details concerning Matsen and his connection to Mribic, who turns out to be quite a devious fellow and who really wanted Matsen to show up and not Cann as he had some unfinished business to settle with him. If this is not enough to keep you turning the pages, various attempts at Cann's life are made by one group of thugs while there exists another group, who unknown to Cann, are his protectors.

Macomber is a great story- teller and he has concocted an interesting plot effectively negotiating the past and the present, east and west, young and old. Right up to the end he teases his readers with red herrings and unresolved questions such as why did he incorporate two distinct plots with very little links between them? It would have been nice if there were more of a connection rather than leaving this up in the air? I also found the complexity of the principal story quite confusing as I tried to keep track of the cast of characters and their past and present activities. Nonetheless, A Grave Breach did keep me reading well into the night and if you can endure some of the hideous scenes, it is still a great read.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures

Absorbing and horrifying, James Macomber's novel A GRAVE BREACH sets a story of revenge against the backdrop of the fierce ethnic conflicts in the Balkans. A Washington law firm is tasked with defending a soldier charged with war crimes, and even within the defense team, secret motivations exist, spanning decades. A videotape depicting the crime is the bait in the mousetrap, set by a brutal villain with a grudge against one of the lawyers. Soon, the lawyers, all of whom have ties to the intelligence community, are forced to use every weapon in their considerable arsenal to foil the plot and stay alive. This was a solid read for fans of real-world thrillers.