Burns Books

This is a typical Earl Emerson mystery, which means it's a wowzer of a story, with plausible characterization, wry humor, good misdirection and nonstop action scenes--but this one goes even farther. Jim Swope, the firefighter hero, will become a vegetable unless he discovers an antidote for an unknown poison that he and several others handled during a highway fire, and that quest gives this novel the flavor of a near-future sci-fi medical thriller.

I love Emerson's chapter titles in his Mac Fontana and stand-alone firefighting novels, which often make references to sci-fi books or movies (like "Stephanie Gets Into Donovan's Brain" in this book), so I figure it was only a matter of time before my favorite fireman would cross the line and slip a sci-fi element into his plot! More! More!

I read this book in one night. I could not put it down. I can't wait to read his other books.

The mark of a great book for me? I have to put my hand over the page to stop from reading ahead because I'm desperate to know what's going to happen yet I want to savor every word. This is what I had to do with Into The Inferno, which I raced through in a day. The prose is some of the finest and honest I've seen from Emerson, but considering this is a writer who always surprises me, I shouldn't be surprised. Again he's created flawed characters who it's impossible not to become attached to, which makes Jim Swope's race against time all the more critical. And what a fine talent the author possesses in mixing his daily working life with the writing life.

Every Earl Emerson book is a keeper for me, but Into The Inferno goes to the top of the list.

Being cooped in up the house in this storm, I've had plenty of time to read in the evenings. A novel I just finished was Into The Inferno by Earl Emerson. Looking at the cover, it would appear to be a firefighting story of some sort, but in actuality it's a medical thriller that has a firefighter as the main character. One day they are called to an accident scene involving a number of cars and some overturned cargo from a semi. Nothing appears to be suspect in the load, and everything is cleaned up with no problems. But five months later, the members of the fire station involved in the response start dying off and/or going brain-dead over a week when they start to show symptoms of an unknown disease. The main character recognizes that the source must be from the cargo spillage, and he races to find out the killer substance that is going to render him brain-dead in seven days unless he can solve the mystery. When he finds out the true source, the question becomes whether the condition or a gun will kill him first.

A good read for something that I picked up at the library just scanning through the shelves. Pleasantly surprised and pleased, even though it wasn't the type of book I thought it would be...

Emerson is one of the best of today's thriller writers - quirky, human, entertaining - with a good sense of locale. The Mac Fontana and Thomas Black series are outstanding.

This is a piece of overwritten rubbish. The writing is simply bad - the opening pages are those of a novice not a skilled craftsman. The plot is unconvincing (to be generous). The group dynamics - which he usually excels at - are childish. But above all the characters are totally uninvolving and unconvincing. The awkward combination of self-knowing weakness and "charm" of the protagonist just make the hair curl on the back of your neck.

This is careless and lazy writing from an author who is capable of much better and needs to stop looking for the "besteller" - and thereby underestimating the taste of his readers.

Regretfully all three thunbs down.

There's nothing wrong with this book, per se, and it was a quick read but it wasn't anything special either.

The first in a series, this book introduces the main character, Jacob Burns, a writer who's married with two little boys. Jacob hangs out at Madeline's regularly to drink coffee and hang out with the town's other starving artists. When one of the town's writers gives Jacob his manuscript just before dropping dead, Jacob sees it as his responsibility to find out what the words in the notebooks mean and who might have killed him, if indeed he was killed. The book is a delight from start to finish, thanks to the talent of author Matt Witten. His sense of humor and twists and turns make for a fun read.

I bought this book because it takes place in upstate New York about an hour from where I grew up. Witten captures the feel of this part of the state and also tells a good mystery. If you are a hard boiled mystery fan and that's all you like, then you might want to skip this. However, if a light hearted well told story is what you are looking for then get this. Witten is a staff writer for Law & Order and its nice to see his versatility come through in this. I read this book on one flight to Denver and loved it. Nice start to what i hope will be an enduring series.

This was my first Jacob Burns mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As another reviewer advised: if you want high intrigue, graphic violence or language this may not be your cup of tea. If, however, you enjoy an intelligently constructed mystery presented in a very humorous and entertaining style then this is a book worth reading. Jacob is a down-to-earth guy who has had a death thrust upon him; more accurately, it is dropped at his feet. His pursuit of the truth and solution of the mystery is enhanced by descriptions of his family life and experiences. I particularly loved the fact that his two young sons have changed their names to Gretzky and Babe Ruth and that's what their parents (and others) call them. All in all this is an excellent read. I'm looking forward to my next Jacob Burns mystery. Thanks Matt!

What a fun read!

I am not usually a mystery reader, but this one left me wanting more. Jacob Burns is a great character, Matt Witten is a wonderful writer, and the combination is unbeatable. Can't wait for the next one!!

Fantastic transaction. Books received were even better than described. Received my order quickly. I am looking forward to seeing more items by this seller.

I love to quilt, but don't have a whole lot of time, so this book was perfect for me. The instructions were clear and easy to read, and the pictures were great. I like that the book lies flat when opened. There are even projects that the kids can do! This is one of my favorite quilt books.

What a wonderful book. The instructions were so clear and very easy. Made 2 of the stockings the day after I received the book. Love it!!!

I recently watched the series on public TV where Eleanor demonstrated the projects that are in this book. It's great to have the patterns to browse through and there are many great projects.

I have been a fan of Eleanor Burns for years. Her directions are always clear and concise. I made my first quilt from one of her books. Christmas at Bears Paw isn't any different. I'm making the Christmas stocking and they have gone together like a breeze. Any person with a working knowledge of sewing can do these projects. The way the projects turn out make you look like a pro.

This is a book-within-a-book story of a man who goes back in time 80 million years, proving that his theory of time travel works yet living out his life absolutely isolated from human contact.

Sam Magruder lives in 2162. We first learn of his amazing adventure when slabs of stone from 80 million years ago are discovered to contain "universal Swahili" - the language of 2162 - chronicling Maguder's amazing time jump. He writes of how he figures out "when" he is, how he survives, and of his musings on his purpose now that he can't ever get back to his life in 2162.

This is a treasure of a book. I really enjoyed the descriptions of how he survived the first days, how he tried to make sense of what happened to him, and how he got through his life.

Surrounding the 8 slabs of Magruder's story is philosophical argument about his life and its meaning by the Universal Historian, the Common Man, the Pragmatist, the Ethnologist, and Pierre Precieux, discoverer of the slabs. Each represents a different philosophical viewpoint. One thing that was terribly amusing was that Magruder's discussion of his (lack of) sex life was eliminated from the general translation available to the general public, but kept, for scientific accuracy in the official text.

Surrounding the book-within-a-book, are an introduction by Arthur C. Clarke, an afterward by Stephen Jay Gould, and a memoir by Joan Simpson Burns, daughter of the author, George Gaylord Simpson. All are well thought out and interesting reads on their own.

This book was found after the author's death by his daughter. He was the preeminent paleontologist of the 20th century, and this book is, according to Clarke, Gould, and his daughter, unconsciously autobiographical and revelatory of his strengths and weaknesses.

The Dechronization Of Sam Magruder is a time traveling story by the late great George Gaylord Simpson. The introduction is by Arthur C. Clarke and with an afterword by Stephen Jay Gould. And it is brilliant!
Based very much on the style of H. G. Wells's The Time Machine Mr. Simpson writes a story about a man being sent BACKWARDS in time, about 80 million years, to find himself totally alone among the dinosaurs. The story is less about ancient life as it is about what is means to be a member of mankind. Is this fiction? Is it science? Or is it philosophy? Whatever it may be it turns out to be just plain fun.
A short story any fan of time travel needs for their library.

Loved this book. Despite begin an adherent of creation science and abhorrer of evolution, I found this a fascinating and well-written story. I enjoyed it so much I read it to my daughter at bedtime. Sam Magruder is a "time" scientist in the future who accidentally falls victim to his own experiment. Simpson's plot is compelling. At first it bothered me that I found an evolution story so interesting, until I remembered that evolution is science fiction anyway.

Stephen J. Gould notes were an interesting insight into just how philosophically-based evolution is.

This slim novella, by the late and distinguished paleontologist, was
found in his papers after his death. It's just so-so as fiction, in my
opinion, but the book is worth your attention for the two elegant essays
included. The first, by Arthur C. Clarke, outlines the history of time-travel
stories, and includes more recommendations for classic dinosaur tales.
Sir Arthur notes, with admirable succintness, that "the most convincing
argument against [real] time travel is the remarkable scarcity of [real]
time travellers."

Stephen Jay Gould was a student of Simpson's, and contributes a
graceful and elegaic essay on Simpson's novella, career and life --
which, I must say, I enjoyed more than the story. An exceptional
piece, not to be missed if you have any interest in Gould or Simpson.

Simpson's novella does have its charms -- it has a nice mock-
Victorian club-story opening, not unlike Clarke's Tales from the
White Hart, and is oddly compelling despite the amateurish writing.
Sam Magruder, a chronologist in 2162, is accidentally "dechronized"
into the late Cretaceous, with no possibility of rescue, and spends the
rest of his life evading, eating and studying dinosaurs. It's certainly
not "the best time travel story since HG Wells" as the cover blurb
avers, but it's worth a look. Sadly, the story's paleontology is
now quite out of date.

Peter D. Tillman
Consulting Geologist, Tucson & Santa Fe (USA)
(Review first published in the Arizona Geological Society newsletter, 1-02)

I love time travel and I loved this book. Incredibly it was way too short, but a masterpiece for its genre.

This book has many virtues, but is overrated here.

First the virtues. Haack usually displays sound judgment overall. She wisely steers a course between extremists of all varieties. The book provides a good survey of the current state of thinking about science and the widely varying positions that have been espoused on this hot topic. These are not small virtues. Given that there has been a lot of foolishness published, a guide who has her wits about her is to be valued.

Weaknesses. The book has no substantive new contributions to the core philosophical problems of epistemology. At times it seems as if Haack is appealing to "common sense" to avoid having to frame a philosophical problem in its most challenging form and then seriously grapple with it. This will be popular, but is not likely to be pivotal. It is easy to find straw men in this world, and she does so unhesitatingly. Fortunately even a casual reader will be alerted to areas where are arguments are on thin ice. The rise in her polemical rhetoric functions as an alarm bell.

In summary, sound but not deep.

This book by philosopher of science Susan Haack focuses itself around a metaphor - a good metaphor. Many have already resorted to metaphor to describe and encapsualate science - for Popper it was biological evolution; for Kuhn it was the paradigm; for Feyerabend it was anarchy; for Haack it is the crossword puzzle. Along with Popper's 'evolutionary' model, I think Haack's is neck-and-neck for the best metaphor. Every essay herein, though not exclusively concerned with it mentions this metaphor.

I want to come back to the metaphor in a bit; first, a synopsis of the book. Haack is one of the few brave souls willing to take the middle position in the science wars (which, by the way, no one is really fighting anymore). Her middle position concedes to the scientists that facts are facts, not constructions, that the scientific process is, when used properly, as objective a method as one can get, and that science has achieved overwhelming success in discovering true things rather than simply inventing or constructing them. To the skeptics - the relativists, postmodernists, etc. - she concedes that science can too easily be led by background assumptions that are not objective, that there is no 'one thing' that is the scientific method, and that science is a much messier and stranger affair than many scientists want to admit, leaving much room for misstep. These essays explore these concessions as they apply to natural and social sciences. What do we mean when we say 'the scientific method' (remembering that Haack is skeptical that there is 'one')? Why have the social sciences been less successful than the natural and are they still sciences (to the latter question she answers 'yes')? Are religion and science actually compatible (though she is not as extreme as, say, Dawkins, she answers a loud 'no')? Will there be an end to science?

Now back to the crossword metaphor, which is quite significant to the book. It is currently fashionable amongst reductionists to see a unidirectional approach in science. When you explain the lower stuff, you can then explain the higher stuff. Science, it is said, has as its goal to discover the lower stuff which leads in a chain to the higher stuff. Haack's method looks a tad different (though she is sympathetic to a degree to this). Rather, some questions (entries) may partially help with other quetions (intersecting entries). Sommetimes one answer turning out to be false (a wrongly filled in entry) misleads scientists on others (as the wrong entry provides a wrong 'clue' to the other). Scientists must then backtrack to figure out how much of the 'puzzle' has been filled in correctly and how much can be left as is.

The important thing is that science, in Haack's metaphor, is not a linear pattern per se, but an amalgomation of scattered entries that assist with and are assisted by intersecting entries. Kuhn, Feyearabend, Popper, Lakatos, Peirce, and a plethora of other thinkers were right and wrong: they all expressed ASPECTS of what science did, but each ignored other aspects. This is why Haack comes to the conclusion that while science is definitely a discipline worth pursuing, there is no one method that can encapsulate it. The worried reader may be getting the impression that this is a throwback to Feyerabendian relativism. So as to keep this brief, it is not. Haack is as objective as can be.

In conclusion, this is a great book by one (and this is rare) who refuses to get pissy about the science wars. She gives each 'side' their due, explains how each side has misunderstood pieces of the other (perhaps in order to make their side look better) and delineates one of the best metaphors ever to be uttered in how science works.

Classical philosophy of science attempted to demonstrate that the scientific method was a, or perhaps the only, means to attain truth concerning objective reality. Scientists liked this approach, bu it failed--not that scientists really cared one way or another. What followed, with interesting intermediaries such as Kuhn and Lakatos, was the emergence of social constructivism, a post-modern attack on science that held that what scientists do is, in principle, no different from what any group does when it creates culture and attempts to validate and defend this culture against the claims of other groups. Scientists hated this approach, which has, thankfully, been beaten back somewhat in recent years.

Haack's work seems to me to be a new stage. I call it New Age because it reminds me of New Age music, which avoids the Sturm und Drang of classical music, the intense intellectuality of Jazz, and the raw beastiality of popular music, erecting in their place a refuge for the poor, beknighted soul, devoid of sharp edges but also not likely to jar or annoy. I think this is a great accomplishment, especially after going several rounds with Popper, the Vienna Circle, or abominable post-Kuhnian social constructivists. Everything Haack says makes sense, and is soothing to the psyche.

The problem with New Age is that it lacks depth, and this is the case for Haack as well. There are many burning issues in the philosophy of science today, including (a) science and religion; (b) science and the liberal arts; (c) the imperialism of science in evaluating non-scientific cultural practices; (d) the unity of the sciences; (e) natural vs. behavioral/social science; (f) public participation in science; (g) governmental control of scientific research. Whenever Haack confronts issues such as these, she finds a soothing middle ground, whereas often others find the material for pitched battle and vitriolic words. Soothing is nice, but may simply be a way of avoiding the difficult issues.

I have always defended science against its bitter critics, most of which have come from the political left (I come from the political left, myself). With the decline of the left, there has been a decline of the traditional criticism of science, and the rise of various reactionary criticisms of science, in the form of Creationism (aka Intelligent Design). I can't stand the Creationists, but I do like their willingness to Question Authority. They are wrong, in my view, but they beat the New Age mentality of basing one's life on the results of the most recent medical study of behavior and longevity. Give me the Science Wars of yore any time.

Susan Haack is a great write rof accessible philosophical texts. I first encounterd here Philosophy of Logics several decades back and was impressed with its breadth, which is what I needed at the tie, but not its depth (which is what I needed later). In many ways, this book exhibits the same strengths and limitations. First of all, there is a competent tour around contemporary pro and anti-scientism positions. Let's face it, this is a quite a task in itself. Secondly, there is the critique of the various positions. This is where the limitations are found. The book really does not add anything new to the debate, nor turnover the ground in novel ways. For instance, the chapers on the law and science and univeristy capitalism and science could have been much condensed - and more cogent material is available in some of the priamry sources. The overall thesis of the work is that common sense has some cultuer dependencies, some knowledge dependencies and some practice (or pragmatic in the technology sense) dependencies. Hard and fast judgements are therefore defeasible and opend to revisions, but the overall success of science in explaining and predicting a range of phenomena lends it a substantial objectivity - in terms of there being a body of knowledge. Most readers will agree with this position but arguing the epistemological nitty gritty is entirely different when it is looked over with the eye of a professional sceptic. It is at this level that the book begins to fade, falling back on appeals to value laden ideas about success and common sense. The argument is reminiscient of Hao Wang's support for what he called 'substantial factualism' - an appealing common sense thesis but difficult to justify philosophically without begging the question. Unfortunately the admirable breadth of the book is not matched in depth on this point.

In a series of essays that combine clarity with humor, careful argument with accessible examples, and philosophical acumen with broad literary and scientific knowledge, Susan Haack disentangles a vast "bramble-bush" (to borrow the term she borrows from Carl Llewellyn) of issues surrounding the role of science in society and the role of society in science. I cannot think of another book in philosophy of science that manages so successfully to address the complexities of actual scientific practice, nor one that connects both theory and practice so engagingly with those questions of deepest concern to most of us: the way science relates to the law, to religion, to literature, even to corporate interests.

Haack argues that scientific inquiry is continuous with empirical inquiry more generally, though remarkable in its success for important reasons. Moving effortlessly from abstract theoretical and metaphysical questions to particular scientific investigations, Haack carves a middle path between extreme scientism and radical cynicism that should be welcome to anyone who possesses some of that Common Sense of which Haack has long been an eloquent and convincing advocate.

By the end of this book you'll know much more than when you began--about philosophy, scientific instrumentation, the discovery of DNA, legal battles over expert testimony, sociology and rhetoric of science, etc.--and you'll have enjoyed every minute of it.

First Degree Burn takes New York fire inspector Eddie Burke through a stunning, sizzling roller coaster of plot as he investigates fires set for money, for vengeance, and to cover up secrets of the past. Tensions build and explode, both inside and outside the investigation, as Eddie and art historian Caroline Drexel face the killers who hunt them and the memories that haunt them. I've recommended this book to many friends, all of whom loved it. Why? The smart plot, well-realized characters, and smoldering sex. Can't wait to see what Peter Lance comes up with next.

As a firefighter and cause and origin investigator hopeful, I collect arson fiction. I was pleased to find this book by a new author, and began to read with interest. The story grabbed me, and kept me reading. Fire Marshal Eddie Burke is not perfect, and it is his weaknesses that make him a more believable hero. The historical angle, about WPA projects and the power of suspicion in that era, was educational and intriguing. Since finding this book last year, I have been looking for the next installment in what could be a wonderful series, and was pleased to hear that the next Eddie Burke mystery, and perhaps a trip to the big screen, is on the way. First Degree Burn is definately a book worth taking on vacation with you.

"I was in L.A. last week and tried to post this review,but it never showed up. I am a native of Oklahoma and a Navyveteran. I now live in Newport, R.I. where I run a bed & breakfast inn and charter boat service. I don't have time to read many novels, but I recently found FIRST DEGREE BURN, which one of the guests had left. I have to say that it was a total page turner. One of the best novels I've read in years. I looked at your reviews and noted that most of the people have given it five stars, except for the last two. Oscar Davis and Mark Pierce. Are these guys for real? FIRST DEGREE BURN is outstanding. I learned so much from it about fire investigation and WPA art. The characters are great. I went to the author's website...and noticed that the book had received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly. What do they know that Davis and Pierce don't? All I can say is that I am a real person and I loved this book. I can't wait for the next Eddie Burke mystery. Feel free to contact me at tyler@edgenet.net"

Harlan Tyler Newport, R.I.

Loved that Eddie Burke Jr! I couldn't put the book down, and found myself at the last page 36 hours later. The story is intelligent with a huge amount of integrity. I found the characters to be fresh and crisp. Writer Peter Lance carefully leads you down each path with Eddie Burke, sometimes with such colorful detail that you can actually feel the heat of the fire. My only disappointment is that there isn't a sequel yet. Come on Mr Lance, what the heck are you waiting for? This book is a GREAT ride!

First Degree Burn is a riveting page turner. Lance is thorough in his historical and factual references about New York City, the WPA and fire investigation. As an ex-New Yorker and fellow journalist, Lance is right on the button. The Eddie Burke character is captivating and believeable. Lance is an excellent writer and story-teller. I strongly recommend this novel and look forward to reading the next Eddie Burke thriller...a movie would be sensational!

I enjoy reading almost anything about antique autos,the early days of the US auto industry, old car trips and stories about the history of early automobile travel in the United States. This is a wonderful companion to the PBS series video on the first successful United States transcontinental auto trip from California to NYC. Great olde tyme photos and a well presented memoir of the adventure. Of course you cannot "just" read the book...the video is a must!

Amazing document about a time in American history when there were only 150 miles of paved roads in the entire country. In 1903, an adenturous 31 year old Doctor from Vermont, now retired and living happily with his weathy young wife (on her funds), decided he'd attempt to be the first to man cross the continent via the latest technological gadget: the automobile. Being a non-mechanic, he hired an equally spirited 21 year old former bicycle racer who had been working as a mechanic in a gasoline-engine factory in California to accompany him. Most roads were little more than muddy wagon paths, and when those stopped the travellers could only follow along railroad tracks or trust in their sense of direction as they set out across the vast plains and desert. Nevertheless, they made the trek successfully.Equally amazing, his beloved wife condoned his folly and waited anxiously at home. They wrote letters to each other regularly, and these (preserved) letters were the author's primary source of information about his daily successes and frustrations along his cross-country 'expedition'.This book, a companion to the PBS documentary film (available on DVD) is filled with rare vintage photos. Few would attempt such a journey today, even with modern GPS equipped 4x4 vehicles, and the book and DVD are both splendid inspirations for anyone who loves to share in the triumphs of those few individuals who would fearlessly challenge what has never been done simply because they believe they can succeed.I only wish there had been more more detailed excerpts from the original correspondences included in this book. Still, a splendid addition to your library... and your education!

Having recently read the "Lincoln Highway", I was interested in learning more about the earliest travel across the country by automobile. I opted for the audio CD so we could listen to the story while in the car.

Often, my mind wanders when listening to audio books. However, that wasn't true for this audio book. The story of this historic trip, as well as the narration by various individuals, has retained both my interest and attention.

I would recommend that anyone not familiar with the means of travel at that time and road conditions, become familiar with it before beginning with the audio CD... Next, I plan on watching the video DVD of Horatio's Drive.

I had it in my head that this was going to be the audio from the wonderful PBS show but I was mistaken. It is a reading of the book. I should've looked more closely. The story, however, is wonderful. The voices from the narrative on the PBS show were more engaging and lively that those on this CD but the story remains just as good.

This is a brief account of the first cross country automobile trip, sprinkled with photographs taken by the "automobilist" as he traversed the nation's dirt roads just after the turn of the last century. Horation Nelson Jackson bet someone $50 in a club in San Francisco that he could cross the country in an automobile he had just bought, and do it in less than 90 days. He spent over $8,000 winning his bet (though he never collected the money).

The car (something called a Winton) had numerous breakdowns. After each one, Jackson would write his wife and advise her that "the worst is over now" after which the car would inevitably break down again. Jackson and his mechanic, Sewall Crocker, spent endless days waiting for parts and jury-rigging parts for the car. After Jackson and Crocker left San Francisco, two other cars, each with its own pair of intrepid motorists, left there also, all three headed to New York City. In spite of a number of hindrances, Jackson's Winton beat out the Packard and the Oldsmobile. Jackson even picked out a dog, named Bud, who wore goggles and rode in the front seat for most of the adventure.

This is a rather short book. It took me perhaps an hour and a half to read. It's full of illustrations and has a map showing the route Jackson took. It's also very interesting, covering a part of American history that I imagine many people had never heard before. I recommend it.

Don't start a Mckinzie novel unless you have plenty of time or you don't mind being up all night. This is, by far, the best series out there in my opinion. I have read the series more than once and am dying for a sixth installment! Antonio Burns is a tough cop with a chip on his shoulder and a fine sense of justice. I believe he attracts female as well as male readers. He has a sensitive side and a need to make things right, no matter what the cost. I adore the development of his character and also love his brother, Roberto. Each is complex and interesting. The best thing about all the novels in this series though are the mysteries. Always a good plot and much suspense, plenty of action. I have nothing bad to say about Badwater. A kid drowns and the town wants someone to pay, it involves dirty politics and some shady characters. Antonio digs for the truth, even though it isn't pretty. GREAT READ!!! I would hope he has hit the bestseller list. He smokes authors such as James Patterson or Lee Childs. If you have'nt read any McKinzie, I suggest starting at the beginning with "The Edge of Justice".

I really liked the book. So much in fact that I was unable to put it down. The story is well written, the characters vivid and it has a very suspenseful plot. I disliked the ending because it seemed almost too commercial fiction (in that it wrapped everything up a little too neatly) in nature for such a great piece of writing, but still worth the read.

this book is as good as the others ! I highly recommend it !

The main character is a very conflicted Wyoming state drug enforcement officer, trying to stay out of trouble, but always being in the middle of the turmoil. Climbing is his release but also an integral part of the story line. The books are well written with interesting plot twists, and he writes about climbing so well that you are with him on every pitch.

Once again Antonio Burns has found a way to the dark side, where rules, procedures and politics clash with the right thing to do. And once again, Antonio is ready to risk it all, slide down that rope of despair as his reputation, job and liberty are threatened, all because he's doing the right thing. Poor guy, just can't get a break.

Antonio's not one to mess with, especially when he feels he's on a mission. He meets his challenges head-on: "QuickDraw" fits him.

But everything has turned to dust in Antonio's life: his brother's a cripple; he's lost the respect of his mentor and boss; he's being investigated by the DEA for a drug lord's disappearance in Mexico; his fiance's left him; his new baby cries when he visits, and his latest love has betrayed him.

Poor guy just can't get a break.

And now he's got steroid junkies and tweakers on his trail, and an innocent kid is being railroaded to a life term. Worse yet, Antonio's about to be fired.

So why not get away from it all? Go scale an impossible mountain. Commit suicide by rock. Rip yourself to shreds on outcroppings or sling yourself into granite. Or gaze at the Wyoming sky.

And then make things right...

Clinton McKinzie has scored again with this, his fifth Antonio Burns story. Antonio may be out of work and lacking friends, but he's still my guy. Bravo! Can't wait for the next adventure.

It's grueling work caring for victims who wind up in a burn unit: work author Barbara Ravage examines as she follows the Mass General health team working in the hospital's burn unit. Here are touching stories of victims severely burned, medical teams which care for them through a difficult recovery process, and insights into the latest advances in rehabilitation and treatment. The many case histories personalize the entire experience.

I'll start out here by saying that I am a medical non-fic junkie. I have read just about every medical narrative non-fiction book to come out in the last five years, and I am simply intrigued with the behind the scenes look at what goes on in hospitals and in the minds of doctors and nurses. I was in the hospital a lot as a teen and I think that is where my interest started.

So I am not coming from a place of particular interest in burns, more from a general medical interest standpoint. If you are specifically interested in learning about what goes on in a burn unit or what goes on in a patient's body after they are burned, then this is an amazing book. It is very informative. The author talks about historical fires and how they contributed to medical knowledge about burns, the physiological changes that occur in a human's body after becoming burned, and the medical treatment. She also personalizes the burn unit by showing actual people who suffered a burn and showing their progress.

But for me, coming from the perspective of wanting a thrilling and informative non-fiction read about the medical field (like Hot Lights, Cold Steel by Collins), this didn't fit the bill. The historical and informative parts that told us about advances in the burn field and what happens physiologically were too dry to hold my attention without having any specific reason to learn about them, and the people she profiled didn't capture my heart and interest.

So, if you are looking for a general interest read that will capture your attention even with no particular interest in the field, look elsewhere, but if you have experiences with burns or are a doctor, then this is a really interesting and informative read. It is gory in parts, so be warned.

This book is exceptional. It goes into details and explains what happens to the burn victim's body and why it happens. I would recommend this book to medical students...but is also a good read to those not in the medical field. It has a story like flow and is presented in a very interesting way that captures your attention.

Before reading this,I knew very little about burns and burn care, other than they were messy, smelly, painful and left terrible scars. This book covers the burn treatment floor, Bigelow 13, at Mass General, one of the best burn units in the country. Very informative, if a little boring in places. At times, the author goes into long biological speeches about layers of skin and how they regrow and blah blah blah blah blah . It can read like a high school anatomy book- not exactly something that captures one's attention for long periods of time. But the rest of it- the explanation of procedures, case histories and daily routines of a burn unit- was fascinating.

Recommended, but get some coffee for the slow parts, and DO NOT eat while reading this book.

On August 3, my wife was burned in central Anatolia. On August 15, we med-vaced her to the United States. On September 1, I bought this book. On September 20, I received the book. I was so rapt by the writing that I finished this book in two days. Understand, my wife was in the hospital at the time. Reading was not a priority. I visited my wife daily while I ran a family and my own business.

Sometimes a writer's capabilities can so overwhelm the topic. A good writer can make the worst topics readable. Burns, sores, sepsis, pain, and scars are what I neither care to read about nor wish others to read about. The sterile black ink on the white pages cannot deliver the sensations to you of the stench associated with the dead skin, nor show you the grotesque complexity of the red and yellow skin which bleeds easily and often.

I no more would ask a person to experience what my family has lived the past few months, than I would ask them to clean my plumbing. Burns are a horrible topic which Ms. Ravage has managed to make less horrible.

I used this book for something more than enjoyment. The doctors' mouths, often as clasped as the arteries of their surgical patients, tell little to the patients' family, and when they speak, the language is too often cliched with inexplicables and nondeterminatives. This book answered questions, told me what to look forward to, and outlined what to anticipate. This was my "Burn Patients' Questions for Dummies." But, written well.

I cringed. I cried. I swallowed hard. And, at times, I had to leave the book. The writng and insight were as razor sharp as the scalpels discussed and referenced in the portion discussing grafting.

Good work Ms. Ravage! You helped a great deal. I can only tell others in my predicament, read this book. And, after you read the book, you will feel better about what there is looming in the slowly progressing and little discussed world of burns.

The book is confusing. What is the reader supposed to believe? Clemens was a genius, or, Clemens was an imbecile? "Mark Twain an Illustrated Biography" starts with a preface that says: Sam Clemens was a "genius." Next comes the prologue, which states "his own overreaching drove him and his family into exile oversaes."---That statement could not be farther from the truth. A book that starts by rejoicing in Twain's genius and, then proceeds completely to ignore Twain's genius and portray an imbecile is confusing.To understand the confusion and, put the narrative on page 177 in context, review this sentence: "When she died, she was only twenty-four years old." What is the purpose of the word "only" in that sentence? Putting "only" in the sentence confuses facts and, by that confusion makes a biased sentence. Susy was twenty-four years old: An age by anybody's standards where she is old enough to be responsible for her own health. By combining that sentence with "only" and the pictures of a young Susy on pages 87, 94, 99, 103, 105, 119, 132, 146, 150, the book alleges that Susy was very young when she died, which is not true.It was the family publishing business alone that went bankrupt, not Clemens, a fact previously canvassed on page 157 but by page 177 forgotten; The financial recession of 1893, which was responsible for making the tour necessary and separating the family, was not Clemens fault and he would have to be an absolute fool rather than a genius to think otherwise, a fact previously canvassed on pages 155 & 156 but by page 177 forgotten; Clemens knew that he was in no way whatsoever responsible for the death of Susy; When Susy died, she was not the first child that Sam and Livy had buried; What Sam includes in his letter on page 177 are emotions experienced after losing their first child a son, not emotions consistent with losing their second child Susy. Canvassed initially, the book describes how Sam becomes inured to death by experiencing so many deaths in his life. Then on page 177 it is as if death is a brand-new idea, which Sam, has no familiarity with at all? It cannot be both ways, either he was inured or he was not.Sam's writing was so powerful that he easily conveyed feelings that he did not feel; Sam's writing conveys feelings that he does not feel to relieve Livy's feelings of responsibility and grief: Clemens is magnanimously taking responsibility for things that he knows he is not responsible for to soothe his ailing wife (Sam wrote a similar letter after the death of his brother Henry, see page 20, only an idiot would believe himself responsible for too much steam when he was not even on the boat with Henry.); Livy had been diagnosed with heart problems, which forced the family move to Europe in 1891, a fact previously canvassed on page 145 where it incorrectly states "They [doctors] recommended rest and treatment for Livy in Europe," the facts being rather that Livy was "ordered" to Europe by her doctors, but by page 177 the facts after being distorted are forgotten and without thorough study or instruction, the facts are presented with a vagueness that makes' them impossible to understand.Unequivocally, Clemens in 1906 stated for his autobiography, [Edited by Charles Neider, page 428], Livy was "ordered" to Europe by her doctors. If Clemens knew, Livy was ordered to Europe in 1906, it's only fair to assume he knew Livy was "ordered" to Europe when he wrote that magnanimous letter on page 177 taking responsibility for things that he knew he was not responsible for in 1896. And just as fairly, without any assumption, we may know that Clemens knew he did not cause the financial recession of 1893. Sam's stay in Europe, which he loathed and called exile, was never exile at all, but concession to his love for his wife, Livy, and the requirements mandated by her heart trouble.In all honesty, Clemens was being magnanimous when he wrote "Reproaching myself for laying the foundation of all our troubles. . . . Reproaching myself for a million things whereby I have brought misfortune and sorrow to this family."---found on page 177. Clemens was being far from honest, unless he was responsible for the financial recession of 1893, responsible for Livy's heart problems that forced the families move to Europe in 1891, and responsible for Susy's health when Susy was of an age to be responsible for her own health and had been living on her own separated by half-a-world from Sam and Livy for most of a year.For an entertaining book that does not confuse these important issues I recommend: MEET MARK TWAIN, published by Xlibris.

This illustrated biography of one of America's most memorable and beloved authors holds quite a few surprises for the unsuspecting reader. Anticipating anecdotes from Mark Twain's life that would portray him as a kind, altruistic, and loving man, I was shocked to learn he was also an irrascible, guilt-ridden, tight-fisted lover of alcohol and cigars who was often looking for ways to get rich.

He was born in 19th century Missouri and raised during a time when major political, economic, social, and cultural issues were forging America's identity. The rugged 19th century also molded Twain into an outspoken critic of those forces, providing him with an unending stream of material for his cogent and waggish observations.

Amid a collection of excerpts from his novels and speeches, articles and essays, as well as numerous pictures and illustrations, the authors present an insightful analysis of the man best known for writing TOM SAWYER and HUCKLEBERRY FINN. What becomes obvious is the relevance, creativity and importance of all his work, not just the books we were assigned in high school.

This book is a treasure; the kind of book that can be referred to often. It can give food for thought for hours of reflection. It is Highly Recommended.

This is an excellent biography for many reasons.It is written in very simple language and makes a fast paced read.There are a multitude of excellent and relevant photos of Twain,all the members of his family and at many stages of their lives.There are numerous pictures of where Twain lived and homes he had.Also, many pictures of family life.He lived such an interesting life ,it takes a lot of pictures to make one see what it was all like.The pictures are so good that it would be impossible to convey the same thing in words alone.Along with the personal photos, there are all kinds of illustrations from every aspect of his life.The book contains 275 illustrations,and every last one is a real gem.The book is based on a film that was aired a couple of years ago and undoubtedly will be shown many more times;keep an eye out for it.
The book does an excellent job of showing Twain as a person and all the things that were important in his life;and there were so many.
The one thing that is really explained is why "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is possibly the first,greatest and most important novel in American Literature. If you hadn't thought about it,this book might convince you.
I read a lot of biographies,but I have a hard job in trying to think of one that was as well done as this.As good as the text is,I believe it is the wonderful photos and illustrations that puts this book over the top.
If you are a lover of Twain's work and life,you should make every effort to get hold of this super effort.

I wonder how many people could have led the life that Samuel Clemens did and kept their sanity. He went from riches to rags (even though it was his own fault...he spent money like it was going out of style and made some horrendous investments), which forced him, at the age of 60, into making a 10 month long physically and mentally draining around-the-world lecture tour. The tour enabled him to pay off his debts and regain his financial footing. Unfortunately, money was the least of his problems. The authors do not specifically state it, but it is clear (to me anyway) that Clemens suffered from manic-depression. At various times, and not coinciding with anything bad going on his life, he considered suicide. He had lifelong moodswings, as well as a volatile temper. (His daughters were afraid to be alone with him, as his behavior was so unpredictable. They made sure to visit him as a group.) The authors recount one incident where Clemens, angry over a missing button, opened an upstairs window and tossed all of his shirts out into the street. Saddest of all, Clemens outlived almost all of his loved ones. His beloved wife, Livy, who was almost 10 years younger than him, predeceased him, as did 3 of his 4 children. His one surviving child, his daughter Clara, suffered a nervous breakdown when Clemens was almost 70. A heavy load to bear, indeed, but somehow Clemens bore it and carried on. One thing that helped was his worldwide fame. Clemens was hungry for fame, even as a young man. He became well-known early in life, and remained famous and popular right up until he died. (He was a bit of a "ham." He would purposely time his walks for when people were emerging from church, and would then saunter past in his trademark- pun intended- white suits.) This book is an absolutely perfect blend of narrative by the authors, liberal excerpts from Clemens's many writings, "guest essays," and page after page of terrific period photographs. (The research done for the photographs, alone, must have been backbreaking.) The narrative and essays made this a good book. The addition of the excerpts and the photos turned it into a great book. The excerpts are not just from Clemens's well-known works, either. He was once asked to address an organization which consisted of descendants of the Puritans. The written text is reproduced in the book. Twain skewered the original Puritans for killing Native Americans and for kicking everyone who wasn't a Puritan out of Massachusetts, even though, as Clemens makes sure to emphasize, they left England under the banner of religious freedom. (You have to think that when the organization invited Clemens to speak, this wasn't quite what they had in mind.) One of the many interesting items included in the book is a list of the famous sayings "Mark Twain" supposedly uttered....but didn't. (He was so famous that it was assumed that anything clever originated with him.) Unfortunately, one of my all-time favorites was included in this list: "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." On the bright side, he DID say "The rumor of my death has been greatly exaggerated." One caution: the excerpts will make you want to read or re-read all of Twain. I've already ordered a copy of "The Innocents Abroad" as somehow, in my youth, I missed that one. Hats off to Geoffrey Ward, Dayton Duncan, and Ken Burns for this wonderful book!

Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography is an informative survey of Twain's life which gathers material from a variety of published and unpublished sources, from his novels and lectures to his letters and photos. Students and fans of Twain thus receive much more illustration than in competing titles, in the form of vintage photos and color ads and drawings, along with a lively biographical sketch surveying Twain's life and times. Highly recommended; much more accessible than most.