Black Books

Jaid Black and Lora Leigh are wonderful authors. All of their books a great. Well written, compelling and engrossing. You won't want the books to end.

Wow! I read this book in one sitting. I think both stories are real hot reads. I likes Lora Leigh's story the best. I've read alot of her books and she didn't dissapoint. It was well worth the price.

Okay, these two stories were absolutely erotic and the sex scenes sizzling, BUT....bondage stories can be written without the humiliation aspect. Tittilation without humilating the women would be preferable. I kept thinking that if a guy tried pulling that attitude on me, he would have gotten a knee in the groin, no matter how good the sex was afterward.

It kicks off with "Sins of the Father", one of my first stories by the legendary Queen of Steam, Jaid Black. Candy Morgan's family company was in trouble. Her father no longer alive to run things, Candy has been in charge, unaware that her father's former protege has been waiting in the wings, ready to take over at the first sign of weakness. James Douglas Mahoney III is ready to take out his revenge, and taking over Morgan Chemicals is just a small part of his plan. His real goal is to take over Candy, the prize that had been dangled before him years ago. This time he's not wearing rose-colored glasses - he knows exactly what he wants and he plans to get it. Unaware of Candy's innocence to his firing, or of her longtime crush on him, JD has specific ideas of Candy's new role in the company, and they involve fulfilling every fantasy he's ever had about her. Very exciting and erotic, "Sins" touches on some forbidden fantasies many women may have about being kidnapped or submission. I think the story focuses more on a woman's pleasure and not about humiliation as JD always is gentle and caring in his treatment of Candy. Definitely a must-read for fans of Jaid Black.

"Surrender" by Lora Leigh kicks off her Bound Hearts series, and was my first by her. Cole has always made Tess nervous, but she can't deny how much she wants him. But rumors of his lifestyle have kept her away from him. Now her father wants her home, so she comes back for a visit, aware that Cole will be there, but is convinced she can resist temptation. But Cole is not taking "no" for an answer this time. He wants her badly, and will have her no matter what it takes. Cole believes there is a certain special bond that exists between him and Tess, one that includes bringing another man into their bedroom to bring her the ultimate fulfillment. Not just any man - his best friend Jesse. Cole loves Tess and only wants to make her happy, to give her more pleasure than she ever dreamed. But Tess feels her desires are wrong, dirty. With Cole's love, she learns that as long as they share in this pleasure together, her fantasies are something special between them, and not anything she should be ashamed of. Instead she finds her soul mate, the man who makes her feel alive and happy.

Both stories have very strong sexual fantasies which are not for everyone. But for those who enjoy these types of fantasies, "Ties That Bind" will not disappoint. It's a book I highly recommend.

Jaid Black's Sins of the Father - Candy & James begin by making a bargain. She marries him (many stipulations in the marriage contract - including absolute obedience) and he doesn't destroy her family's finaces in a business take over. This didn't exactly come out of nowhere. He used to work for her father - deceased - until her father had fired him years ago - for no apparent reason. She agrees mostly because she's wanted him since she was a kid and she figures she'll get out of it eventually - An erotic tale that lets the characters develop.

Lora Leigh's Surrender is the story of Tess and Cole. Tess has been avoiding Cole for awhile after he made a hard pass at one of her father's parties. She was interested but put him off. She is somewhat repressed - living with her very controlling and unhappy mother. She goes to visit her father and ends up spending the week with Cole who is more then willing to fulfill her every desire (including a threesome - which seems to be LLeigh's thing).

Both stories were good. JBlack has a better understanding of how to write short stories but LLiegh's story was also good - though her characters didn't develop as much.
The book all together with both stories is still pretty short and in both stories I wished there was more to them - but enjoyable.

I found this little book to be /Inspirational/Funny/Sad/I wonder is that how God really is. Bob seems to have a much better undestanding of the "spiritual world" than most.That is why I enjoy reading his writtings so much.Thank You again Bob

I liked a lot of things about this book. It's a short read in that it's a series of statements by folks with 'answers' from God in bold below them. Each statement/answer then is a stand-alone thought that can be read and appreciated for itself. I think that God watches Judge Judy on occasion. One person says, "God, I feel like believing in you is a complete waste of my time." God answers, "I know the feeling." Another statement hit home strongly with me. A man tells God that keeping his pickup truck from starting won't stop him from going out & getting drunk that night. God tells him the truck will start after he's gone back inside to say goodbye to his mother who won't be there when he gets back from the tavern. His Mom dies in his arms, in the house, 2 hours later and the man has not had a drink since.

Unfortunately, for me personally, there are several examples of answers from 'God' that perpetuate the 'fire and brimstone,' "You're going to burn in Hell forever" God that turned me off to Him years ago. Fundamentalist Christians will love them but I tend to take that kind of statement with a grain of salt and look for the loving message that I know underlies it if it's really from God. I highly recommend this book as something to have handy for a quick pick-me-up since you can open it almost anywhere and find a useful inspiration of some kind. Even the ones I disagree with make me think and that's not all bad. It was worth the price to me.

I am an avid reader.Having read many books through the years Christian and Non-Christian.I have been helped and blessed by some,entertained by others,but I found this book to be Inspired.I could give this to my teenaged grandsons,best friends,or my mother and all would be able to enjoy and relate to it. It is refreshing and insightful.It will allow you to chuckle,touch your heart and your soul.Give you peace of mind and spirit. Each home would profit by having this book accessible to family members and friends.Its message is profound and I would recommend it as a wonderful gift .

A friend knowing my feelings about God, sent me this book. Be it a real or an imaginary God in this book, it is a God I can believe in. It feels good not hating television evangelist. It was the first time anyone had laid it out so clearly.

There are advantages of being a fulltime pastor for forty-three years. Then there are the disadvantages. I try as best I can not to dwell on the disadvantages. But the one that did bother me the most, was not being able to answer the questions of children. Adults seldom ask really hard to answer questions, like, “What is God’s favorite color?” or “Are their toys in heaven?” or “Why is everything that is fun to do a sin?” I remember this one well, “Why did God choose the Jews instead of us?” Forty-three years I have been talking about God, only to learn that I knew very little about Him. This book is The Spirit at work. A Minister who has not read this book is unlearned regardless of their education.

Hotep, I'm halfway through this book. I know brothers from PKV and am generally a regular attendee at their lectures in the D.C. area. I believe that this work is very crticial. As I watch the DVD's its becoming more crystal clear that this has an inordinate effect on our race and culture. Why have traditional black leaders have not looked into this menace. I've learned this weekend that a Pedophile has infiltrated a Rites of Passage program. If we think that these HOMO/BI/Pedophiles which are the SAME are not destroying our community then we have to wake up. I would like to know though how can the so called Christian right think that this is not a part of European Culture when everything that they believe in at the highest levels that is the highest goal? From a political position I'm tying to understand why so called Democrats are seen as the party that supports Gay rights and while Republicans do not, i.e. appearingly? The new website is up on this book. Check it out!!

War on the Horizon is the most compelling and currently relevant book I've read in 2007. The detriments that homosexuality has on our community are being covered and shown through smoky lenses. This book is the "20/20 vision" to help you see the system clearly. This book should be past down for generations.

I started reading this book this morning; I finished it this evening - this book kept me locked in position. Now that I am finished, I can only imagine how many Black people don't have clue that our culture... our very peoplehood is being wipeout by homosexuality and other tools of racism white supremacy. The Irritated Genie has done a phenomenal job researching the origins of homosexuality and explaining its impact on Black people. We are battling for our minds, our souls, our lives. The Irritated Genie is calling us to action. Thanks to this brother for bringing this information to the people.

This book, hands down is the read of the year...the read of a life time. The Irritated Geni(us) tackles the suddenly taboo topic of so-called homosexuality head on. He confirms what most Black people are thinking: so-called homosexuality is unnatural destructive misbehavior. The author does a superb job of the analysis of so-called homosexuality and its role in racism-white supremacy, providing both current and historical documentation to support his accurate analysis. In a time of mass deception and confusion, War on the Horizon - Black Resistance to the white-sex Assault serves as a beacon of Truth to light th path of Black Liberation. It is imperative for you to read this book for clarity, and true enlightenment.

This book compels every Black person to confront our history and removes the lies that we have been force fed for hundreds of years. The author's research is accurate and eye-opening; he uncovers the most heinous acts of racism white supremancy commited against Black people. The Irritated Genie deserves praise for bringing this information to the forefront.

With his subtle, yet powerful, words, Oglesby has effectively delivered tangible guidelines by which to pattern our lives. While reading, I realized that the author has truly discovered the secret to the success of the Black man in America: Success begins with how we feel about ourselves, how we think about the world, and how we act upon those thoughts. With so much negativity being attached to who "we" are, it was a great pleasure to read such positive and insightful comments about what "we" can be. The book's easy flow is a testament to Oglesby's obvious commitment to integrity and genuineness; unlike many authors who like to flaunt their pseudo-intellect, Oglesby's motives are seemingly clear. I felt that he wanted the reader to gain and benefit from the knowledge that he was presenting.
This was an excellent read. Furthermore, I will definitely continue to recommend this book to my friends, family and work associates.

J. Hunter, National Association to Broaden and Enhance Images, Inc.

This book is right on time for the man of the new millennium--we need to know how to live better and do better. Wish something like it had been written when I was young and careless about life a few short years ago. I'm 52, and I enjoyed it from cover to cover, and highly recommend it for men and women alike (and their MATURE teenage sons and daughters) to read. You, nor the old or young man you buy it for, will NOT be disappointed--I guarantee you!

"What Black Men Should Do Now" is an essential guide-to-life that reverberates with enlightenment and encouragement. Oglesby presents sage advice in a tone that is firm but fraternal, much like an older brother warning you of the bumps that lie ahead on life's road. While acknowledging life's complexities, the book outlines 100 truths, ideas and concepts with such simplicity that any man (whether successful professional or struggling student) can glean practical solutions to the daily dilemmas that face us all. The author even includes "action steps" for the proactively-challenged. Black men should buy this book now and study it at least 100 times.

This is an outstanding book for men!! It covers just about every aspect of being a man in today's society and utilizing the information to be a positive apsect in their community. From penis size to smoking, making love to reading magazines, and health issues. The preface by Tavis Smiley is very good and straight-forward especially on the "endangered species" aspect. This book is easy to read and the type is a decent size. The format is extremely solid and a definite page turner!! I highly recommend this book to all men!!!

I have to say, this is the book that is going to set a lot of brothers free from feeling they have to play the unrealistic role society has told them they must play. I read the hardback version of this book last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave a copy to my father, and he did too. But this updated edition is even better. It includes a great deal more information on men staying healthy, dealing with their emotions, staying faithful to their wives or girlfriends, and being a real man in 21st century. And a whole lot more.

The principles in this book are amazing. The author tells it like it is, and he doesn't hold back. Man, he is a bold brother. (It is not for the faint at heart!) It is well written, and is a got-to-read for black men and women. Even a lot of our young African-American boys growing up today will get a lot out of it (if they read it). It will prepare them for true manhood as they grow into adult men. It just needs to get into their hands.

This book will change its reader's life. I suggest if you want to change your life, buy it here and read it, because it will make you look honestly at yourself and your life, and will inspire you to change it for the better.

Highly recommend it!

Excellent and well written. A collection item for university level instruction and home library.

William H. Watkins writes about the power of education and how it "can be used both to oppress and to liberate." (pg.1) Watkins shares with us how research and science in the last century validated the belief that Whites were the superior race. This belief has played a great role in the development of the school system and curriculum we have today in America. The "White Architects" have used the school system to keep races of people oppressed. He clearly defines who the architects were and the role they played in orchestrating the school system we have today.

I believe that in order to see more success among minority students in schools today we have to restructure the whole school system. Watkins book strengthens my belief. He states "public education was product of historically, politically, and socially constructed ideas." These ideas need to be updated and remade to include all races equally.

Mr. Watkins walks us through an historical and turbulent era of education that continues to have ramifications in our present educational system. Watkins journey through the maze of black education exposes the political and socioeconomic influences of the dominnant and affluent white culture of the north. He reveals to the reader the influences of the corporate magnets of the north who wanted cheap labor and subserivent workers. They used their philanthropy and the educational system to imposed their own philosophy of education on the black population;while promoting subserivent lifestyles for those who participated. Mr Watkins is able to convince the reader about the political and economic hold that the corporate world imposes on the black population and the disregard these men had for how the black population wanted their education to progress.
Mr. Watkins continues to show us the need for continued political and socieconomic justice for all people and warns us of the continued influence that corporate America has on all of us.

William H. Watkins is subtle in his story of the "white architects" who developed Black education beginning in 1865, just at the end of the Civil War. Watkins shocks you with his "scientific racism" platform that he explains "presented human difference as the rational for inequality" and that it "can be understood as an ideological and political issue" (pg. 39). The reader senses a calm attitude about the author as he speaks of the Philanthropists, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, Sr, who was most concerned about "shaping the new industrial social order" (pg. 133) than he was for providing a useful education. "The Rockefeller group demonstrated how gift giving could shape education and public policy" (pg. 134). In their support of Black education, by 1964,the General Education Board (GEB) spent more than $3.2 million dollars in gifts to support Black education. This captivating book begins with a forward written by Robin D.G. Kelley who reflects that she learned one lesson from Watkins, "If we are to create new models of pedagogy and intellectual work and become architects of our own education, then we cannot simply repair the structures that have been passed down to us. We need to dismantle the old architecture so that we might begin anew" (pg. xiii). Why don't the school reformers who mandate educational laws experience such an awakening?

William Watkins pointedly and proudly explains how people other than the African Americans have guided the principles of Black education in the United States from the Reconstruction era to post World War II. Whether these people acting philanthropically as John D. Rockefeller or as "evil geniuses" (Chapter 6), they have shaped Black education then and some would argue for all time.

In his writing, Watkins shows that there is a view of the history of American education that does not come from the larger culture. Watkins view is from the "other side of the fence" that is not written by the victors but rather a survivor. This view is equally important as it establishes the fact there are always two sides to every story. "History is made by people in struggle" (p.179).

Generalizations tend to pervade Watkins' writings as the use of the words "few" and "many" are consistent. But this is understandable considering little or no empirical research was being conducted regarding Black education during this time period.

Pointing to the past for blaming is not the purpose of Watkins in his book, but rather an enlightenment of the history presented by a survivor of slavery, segregation and racial inequalities that have existed for generations. Truly, Watkins has offered a view of history in which we can reflect upon and use to help guide a new generation of architects.

Runoko Rashida, Wayne Chandler and Co. put together a fine work illustrating the Asiatic hereditary connections with so called "black" people, especially the Shang Dynasty. They also touch on the influence of the mysterious order of the Hashimiyyah & the Knights Templar. As always the text is accompanied by top rated images supporting the text itself. This book continues a standard of excellence, in the field of knowledge of Self.

There's a wealth of knowledge in this book. What illustrates the effectiveness of the book are the pictures, as well as the words. It's one thing to say that there are black people in India, who were the founders of civilization, there. It's another thing to actually show the descendents of those people, clearly black people, living in India. The book is impressive.

Dr. Rashidi and Dr. Van Sertima are esteemed scholars who have changed my life for the better. They have given me a wealth of knowledge about my Afrikan heritage, which spans worldwide.

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING IT PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT IS BOTH TRUE AND OF EXTREME VALUE. THE AFRICAN PRESENCE IN EARLY ASIA COVERS MIGRATION FROM AFRICA TO ASIA DATING BACK FROM OVER 100,000 YEARS AGO. IT ALSO COVERS THE REVOLT OF THE ZANJ, WERE EAST AFRICAN SLAVES REVOLTED IN IRAQ AND IRAN. CAUSING NUMEROUS DEFEATS UPON THEIR OPPRESSORS AND SERIOUS ECONOMIC DAMAGE TO THE EMPIRE OF THEIR OPPESSORS. IT ALSO COVERS NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF AFRICAN PERSONALITIES AND PEOPLE IN ASIA. SUCH AS UTHMAN IBN BAHR AL-JAHIZ, MALIK AMBAR, LOKMAN, BILAL, ANTARA: THE LION AND MANY OTHERS. THE AFRICAN DIASPORA IN ASIA WAS MAINLY BY MIGRATION, BUT SLAVERY WAS ALSO AN EXAMPLE OF THESE MASSIVE AFRICAN POPULATIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN ARABIA, YEMEN, SOUTHERN IRAQ, KUWATI, SOUTHERN IRAN, AND SOME PARTS OF INDIA. HISTORICAL MIGRATIONS INCLUDED SAUDI ARABIA AND YEMEN ALSO. AS WELL AS INDIA HAS AN EXTREMLY LARGE AFRICOID POPULATION KNOWN AS THE "THE BLACK UNTOUCHABLES OF INDIA" WHO ARE THE INDIGENOUS INHABITERS OF INDIA AND THE CREATORS OF THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATION. THERE ARE ALSO AFRICAN POPULATIONS IN MALAYSIA, SOUTHERN CHINA, ANDAMEN ISLANDS, SRI LANKA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS. THIS BOOK IS OF GREAT SIGNIFIGANCE ON THE UNEXPLORED HISTORY OF AFRICAN PEOPLE IN ASIA. OTHER BOOKS RECOMENDED IS AFRICANS AT THE CROSSROAD: NOTES ON AN AFRICAN WORLD REVOLUTION, INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS, THE DESTRUCTION OF A BLACK CIVILIZATION, AND THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF CIVILIZATION

This book has made it clear that the inhabitant of this earth is GOD in all forms. There is nothing else to be said on this subject. This book and others like it, has opened the door for many to become what they truly are...GOD.

Rashidi and Van Sertima are shaping the world of future scholarship with this book. To realize that the Sumerians, Elamites, Dravidians, Harrapans, and the Sabaeans were all black, adds more honor to the "misplaced" History of the African people. This affects those rascist who try and make the beggining dates of Egypt, closer to those of the Tigres, and the Euphrates. Still even by doing so, the beggining of each were "Christmas Coal Black". This book provides much evidence of this fact! Also interesting, and something most unknown, is the images of Buddah, and Krishna, at first had African features. For those who haven't read Kersey Graves "16 Crucified Saviors" the myths of Buddah, Krishna, Christ, as well many others is almost exactly the same. What is even more interesting is Buddah , Krishna, and Christ, all have a 600 year split between their virgin births, and all there first graven images had African features, before they were tampered with. In the end this is a book that should be read by all, scholars, and common people a like, because it helps you to understand, and appreciate the role of the African people throughout history. This book has intense evidence, regardless if you choose to accept it or not.

I heard the 3 CDs and immediately I started using his methods on improving memory. His methods have helped me to increased my memory in all aspects right away. The exercises are easy to follow and the applications practical. I recommend this book/CDs to anyone who wants to improve his memory.

This is a great book. I notice I'm not forgetting things as readily as I did. I can now tell you my safe deposit box number, my drivers license number, my car plates, and various phone numbers. It's also helped me to remember people's names. Great buy. Other programs want hundred(s) of bucks to improve your memory and prevent altzimer's. This does the same thing.

Leah Levitt

I had read a Harry Lorayne book as a teenager many many years ago and found the techniques useful then.

This book allowed me to revisit his lessons as an elder retired physician and is helping me to cope with the usual senior moments that we all encounter.

Highly recommended.

a marvelous and fun book by Harry Lorayne. I would recommend it for everone. All ages will take something good and beneficial from this book and in many cases it is potentially life changing.
Thanks Harry

I have many of Harry's books, and love him! He is such a sincere person and gives his all to us the reader.
Naturally if you have ordered this book, you are in a situation that you may be feeling concerned that your mind is feeling fuzzy, or that you want to keep your brain young and vibrant. You will not be dissapointed in this book at all.
I especially liked how positive the books overall feeling is. That our brains shouldn't be deteriorating and actually should be sharper than ever. I have tried the techniques in the book, and as long as I apply them, I have noticed an improvement! I now know my Bible books forwards, and backwards. Have memorized several scriptures, and am partially thru the Sermon on The Mount.
Our brains are wonderfully made, and we should take care of it. So go ahead, whatever you decide to memorize, it will help you in middle age and beyond. Thanks Harry for the encouragment and help to sharpen up!

This is story telling and American history at its combined best. Of course, it should be required reading for all highschool and college students. But it should be top of the list, too, for anyone who, like me, thinks that there has never been a greater need for heroes. I cannot recall ever having seen a more inspiring collection of them. Long may this book wave! JEFFREY ROBINSON

There are not many pieces of work detailing the African American's contribution in the military, but Ms Buckley's work "American Patriots" is good. As an ex-military that served during Desert Storm, it did me proud to read how we as a people served, sometimes in the most terrible and racist of conditions, and give their best to a nation that didn't treat them favorably in return. I am sorry that there were some mistakes in there(human error) I didn't know, but am glad someone took the time to give proper credit. Despite of it, I wouldn't dismiss the whole work as revisionist. Someone took the time to tell the story of how we served admirably for this country, and we can read it. I agree that it should be in the schools for our children to read and every library within this country's paremeters should own a copy.

Extremely informative historical piece of writing laid out in an interesting and chronilogically easy to follow format. Excellent book that was well researched with lot of cross references to historical events, places and figures. Writer Gail Buckley did outstanding job of providing historical contexts to her research with the more "infamous" figures in our country's history. This is the type of history book that I painfully missed in my education of our country and military. A must read for anyone wanting a more expansive and "complete" view of the "forgotten american's" contributions to our military's history/success, fight for personal democracy, justice and equality.

Gail Buckley's extensively researched and lengthy book flows from page to page as it chronicles the Black soldier from the earliest beginnings of the Colonial era to the frontlines of Viet Nam to the dusty corridors of the Persian Gulf. Names, familiar and unknown, are introduced and profiled with ease by the author. The prejudices and biases endured by these gallant men and women make their respective stories an inspirational journey into the human spirit and willingness to overcome.

A few photographs are found mid-length and provide the reader with a view of the heroes/heroines mentioned in the text. This is a book for the history/sociology buff as well as those that have an interest in the American military.

I find it a shame that more have not read or reviewed it. If one more can be inspired to purchase the book, then I, as a reviewer, have done my job.

Here is a subject that is not as widely appreciated as it should be. Hopefully, this book gets as much popular acclaim as Brokaw's "Greatest Generation." "American Patriots" has many strengths, but its few weaknesses prevent its getting an outstanding review.

Keep in mind that there are two agendas at work in this subject: African American history and military history. It is rare to read studies that are compiled with equal passion and competence on both subjects. I suspect that the author's (and the editor's) competencies were stronger on the African American studies side of the equation, but having said that, let me add that this book's treatment of miltary, political, and social histories are usually well-researched and presented.

The positives: The text is tremendously readable. The reader is transported chronologically through over 225 years of American history, with broad, scene-setting discussions of culture and politics that form the backdrop for individual's stories. Great effort was made to properly cite facts. An unexpected plus is the inclusion of new information (having nothing to do with African Americans) that are not commonplace in "traditional" history-- one example is the apparent conflict over the use of Nationalist Chinese troops in the Korean War.

The negatives are few but troublesome. Not once, but twice, Buckley refers to Gen. Jimmy Doolittle as commander of the Flying Tigers (in fact: Gen. Claire Chennault commanded the Flying Tigers; Doolittle commanded the carrier-launched B-25 raid on Tokyo in April 1942). Also, Fred V. Cherry's Korean War fighter plane is described as a "F89G" (in fact: a Republic F-84G). Occasional errors in equipment designations are forgivable, but the mis-read on Doolittle is something that even casual military historians will catch. When such basic errors exist, it casts doubt on the "new" information that this book presents.

My concern is that unsympathetic reviewers will use the innaccuracies as an excuse to dismiss this volume as "revisionist history." The actual history, which this book takes great strides to portray, does not deserve that. Discipline and excellence, the qualities that which Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. expected from his subordinates, are what this subject's research and presentation deserve.

I am a professor of finance at the University of Puerto Rico. Timothy's book was recommended to me by Professor Steve Mann at the University of South Carolina, where I obtained my Ph.D. in finance, as "simply the best book out there on option pricing." What I found when I assigned the book in my MBA class on Futures and Options is that the students all remarked at how incredibly understandable and thorough the book is even though it is clearly useful at the doctoral level as well. This is certainly what I would expect from an MIT Ph.D. where its nearly impossible to get accepted into the doctoral finance program and even harder to get out!

If you really want to understand option pricing get this book...there simply isn't anything else like it out there on the market!

I like the text because it gives many aspects of the Black-Scholes model that I have not found elsewhere. One may feel that Black-Scholes is an "old" model, but it is the genesis of option pricing and understanding its intuition is the key to understanding more complex models. In addition, the text is very readable, but I think even more satisfying if the reader already has some options background.

Tremendously valuable book for its selection and excellent treatment of many rarely addressed aspects of financial derivatives and the care with which intuition for these aspects is developed.

Financial mathematics exists at the intersection of many different fields, yielding many possible perspectives from which to teach and learn about this discipline. Many of these perspectives bog down in the rigor of their respective fields. Such approaches render it difficult to absorb and apply core concepts without spending a great deal of time in first learning topics such as advanced probability theory and stochastic calculus.

Dr. Crack's approach seems to be to develop the intuition as a framework for understanding further advanced study, should it be warranted by the reader. At the same time, he includes many aspects of the underlying science to help bridge the gap between the academic world and the world of trading.

For example, his derivation of the solution to the Black-Scholes equation and subsequent analysis of the components of the solution leaves the reader fully prepared to quickly and intelligently grasp the impact of changes in assumptions. This is in contrast to many treatments that seem to stop at the solution, leaving the reader feeling as though the Black-Scholes solution is simply a black-box with no intuitive connection to the real world.

Crack's two books, Basic Black-Scholes and Heard On The Street,
are masterpieces of condensed ,focused instruction for those who need to know. There is also an atmosphere of scintillating competence projected on the reader. Some of the anecdotes in Heard On The Street are hilarious; add to this the requirement that you must keep your wits about you at all times when reading
these primers and overall you get a feeling of a happy learning experience. Remarkable.

I was generally familiar with options pricing and read this book after the Hull's book on derivatives. I felt that this text definitely provided a lot of good intuition and different perspectives that I have not see anywhere else.

This text helped me systemize my knowledge of options and develop a more intuitive feel for their behavior. Definitely, a good addition to the classics on option pricing.

The young protagonist is jailed without benefit of counsel and detained and tortured. It's good to know nothing like this could happen in the U.S. Seriously, though, The Bathhouse is compelling, and for days after reading it (in one day), I thought about the resilency of the human spirit.

While the premise of the story setup for a gripping tale, suprisingly little was revealed to the reader beyond the confines of the bathhouse. Nothing about the revolution, the government, the counter-revolutionaries. I also find it annoying the way the author enables her narrator to totally disassociate herself from the pains of the tortures she was going through. She would be eavesdropping to the serenade of the toads or musing over the beautiful stars while being punished at night. At most, she'd say that her face is numbed from the beating. The narrative is very straight forward, the story is mostly driven by its events. There were two glaring misspelling of the word "waste" as "waist". In conclusion, the book is definitly a page turner but the author failed to go beyond the intiguing setting of the story.

Once in a while a book comes along that you start to read and you can't put down until you finish reading it. This is one such book. The naive school girl who is taken to a horrible political prison starts out as any young, innocent and naive teenager who is not interested or involved in politics. But once there, she witnesses and experiences what is happening to political prisoners, in this case women prisoners, behind the prison walls all in the name of God and all because they do not agree with the ideology of the ruling class. This is not a story limited to a country or conflict. It is a universal story that can happen, has happened and is happening in many countries. But, Farnoosh Moshiri somehow takes us along with her young protagonist through the events of this book so that it is as if we are experiencing them with her. The writing is powerful yet natural and flowing and you just can't stop reading until the end. And, when you close the book, it is as if you have matured along side the protagonist, all in the short span of a month for her and just hours for you, but the lessons will stay with you for a lifetime. I recommend this book to everyone, especially to young women.

What a fantastic book. Very insightful and informative. What one should take away from this book as well as Mrs. Moshiri's other novel "At The Wall of The Almighty" is how introspective Iranians are about their lives before and after the revolution. I believe that through these books, people in the west can come to a better understanding of this society and culture. We hear so much about war, terrorism, and the development of weapons programs that we overlook that the Iranians have a rich and beautiful culture and so much to offer us in the form of literature.

When a teenage girl is arrested by Iranian authorities, it's more like an accidental abduction. Her brother dabbles in politics forbidden by the fundamentalist ruling regime, but the girl is innocent.

Only there is no innocence in The Bathhouse. If you have been apprehended, you must have committed a crime. If you have committed a crime, you must be punished. The girl finds herself in a living hell, where torture is an art form. She - and all those around her - suffers in an accelerating cycle of pain and humiliation limited only by the imagination of her captors. And yet the girl finds, and creates, sparks of humanity in this most ihhuman setting.

The Bathhouse might be an attempt to measure the depths of institutionalized evil. In spite of being forced to contemplate so much unrestrained cruelty and violence, I could not make myself look away. And I could not put this book down until I finished it.