Burns Books

A Face First is the book that I read. This book is about a girl named Kelley who gets into a horrible car accident and gets most of her body extremely burned. Now Kelley has to cope with herself while her skin and bones heal that nobody's perfect. I think that this book is a great book because you can learn from Kelley's expierence that no one will ever be perect. If you like books that teach you an important lesson, I would recommend reading A Face First.

The small amount of effort and caring put into this book immediately became evident. One of the main flaws I noticed was that the author never gives the reader a reason to care for the main character At certain times, especially near the end of the book, the focus would shift between characters, making it more and more evident that the author had very little (if anything) to write about. Leah was the main character for a few pages. So was Kelley's mother at one point. Another flaw, which demonstrated the author's lack of mental effort and perhaps interest in her own book was her constant inclusion of facts that had no relevance to the main plot whatsoever. As far as I'm concerned, going to the store to buy mayonnaise, removing a baby bird from a parking lot, and an older sister's boyfriend have absolutely nothing to do with recovering from a burn wound. Facts like this were repeatedly included in the book, squeezed between incorrect punctuation and placed in poorly worded sentences. I even noticed a chapter which seemed to have no ending. These elements of the story caused me, rather than a feeling of empathy, a feeling of disgust, disrespect and hatred for the main character.


The whole hospital saga, which should have been summarized in 10 pages or less is dragged on for around 100 pages. In this half of the book, the main character encounters a thoughtful nurse and goes through her operations. It is at first quite interesting but then takes an enourmous plunge into a bottomless pit of wasted time and boredom for the reader. There is a tedious cycle that is repeated again and again for an uneventful 100+ pages of the book. Kelly gets letters, a visit from mom, a call from her sister and a visit from the nurse again and again throughout her stay in the hospital and Priscilla Cummings actually has the nerve to make us read through this same set of events repeatedly. Other than surgeries every 3 chapters, there are no other events worth knowing about that occur in the hospital.


After the hospital saga comes another. It is more eventful but less important. I found that I was suddenly reading about normal people living a normal life. This half of the book included many pointless events in which the main characters do normal things. For the reader, it seems as though they are suddenly on the set of an MTV reality show in which a random person is being filmed while sitting on a couch, reading a book, watching TV, going to an art gallery, doing school work or some other activity in which you are thoroughly uninterested.


For my brain, the experience of reading this book was like plowing through a ten-foot-high pile of snow in a Volks Wagon beetle convertible.

A Face First is about a girl named Kelly. I'ts Earth Day at school.On the way home that evening,Kelly and her mother got in a car crash.Kelly wakes up in a hospital in the burnt unit.Kelly discovers that she got third-degree burns.She goes through a lot of things.Like for example,she had to wear some kind of mask. Kelly doesn't remember anything about the accident.She wanted to know so bad.Her mother got burned too,but not as bad as Kelly got it.Kelly starts to remember but as dreams. She thinks "Is it a dream,or did this really happen?Can I still go to school? Will her friends still like her? If you read this book,you will discover how much courage it can take to face the truth and go on with your life.

A Face First is a book of overcoming triumph no one would understand. Kelley, a 12 year old girl, who went through the horrible experience of a car accident, and getting burned dealt with alot. She was afraid she would never look the same. She had to wear a mask to keep the burns from swelling up. She thaught when people looked at her they would see a face first, but from other people who have gone through the same thing, she learns theres more to life than looks. She learns to overcome her fear and realizes not everyone sees a face first. Not everyone is perfect with thier imperfections. I loved this book because it showed no one's perfect and we can overcome anything. I liked how Kelley learned even though she will never look the same shes the same girl smiling behind the mask and inside.

I thought this book was absolutely wonderful. It's very, very well written and it makes you feel as if you are a part of the story. It explains the hard times Kelley goes through and how she handles them. Bravo!

A good resource and easy read on basics of relationship development all the way to committed partnership.

This book is intended for shy and lonely individuals. It focuses on the psychological background of loneliness, shyness and how to make connections with other people. Other aspects of flirting and dating are mentioned (e.g. how to dress, how to initiate a conversation), but not after the reader is familiar with his often distorted thinking processes.
The message is clear: first, you have to really love and accept yourself. Then, you can proceed to getting to know other people more intimately. The book also deals with the not so pleasant aspects of relationships: rejections and fears. Lots of exercises show the reader how to deal with these and other problems.
By and large, a recommendable book!

I so enjoyed reading this book. Some of the material is a tad bit dated but the crux of the book is still timeless. ESPECIALLY the chapter about being lonely and learning to do things alone. Dr. Burns stated so succintly that if you can learn to be happy alone and not be afraid of being alone, you won't pick the wrong partner.

Lord knows I've stayed in relationships far past their expiration date because of the fear of loneliness. NO MORE. I'm totally OK with being single and I will never settle again. I'm too old to play that game anymore. My own company is darn fine and I'll continue to live a full life with friends and family until I meet the person I want to make a life with.

He also talks in this book about not being desperate and needy, something we can all relate to. By filling up your "spiritual tank" and being totally OK with you, then a partner is just a dessert.

This book really gave me a lot to think about and I've applied some of his tactics with great success. I'm a much happier single than I was a few months ago.

I found the book to be a practical and realistic remedy to the problem of successfully relating to members of the opposite sex and people in general. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has suffered through degrading treatment from those they wished to connect with.

The book focuses on shallow aspects and should be helpful for folks who don't get themselves outside and their face to smile and say "Hello". Following his advice you will learn how to connect to shallow people, who care as much about clothes as you now are told to do. This "Intimate Connections" aren't really intimate at all, so if emotional, psychological or intellectual closeness is what you hope for, it's not in this book. (Again unless your emotion, psychology and intellect follow this book's simple prescription.)

I have not yet read through the entire book but it explores many novel ideas. The author did a very good job in bring the text down to everyones level. There is some information that is just not necessary in the book but other than that it is very good.

I highly recommend this book! Dr. Berglas has a remarkable understanding of the human psyche -- he ( better than any other author I have read) completely and fully comprehends what drives/motivates us as well as the pitfalls in human nature and those present in our culture that can be defeating. I often felt as though he knew me personally and was speaking directly to me. Other friends of mine have made similar comments regarding Dr. Berglas. His insights are eye opening and make sense! He has an uncanny ability to grasp who we are and what we need. You will be glad you read this book!

There are countless examples of people who have worked and slaved for years in a tunnel vision quest to be top dog ... only to get there and after a while just walk out of a life they once desired like nothing else. Sometimes they say a change of heart did it ... but the psychology of success and the constant demand and expectations of others over time tips the scales to a real fear of failure. Many people prefer to go out with a bang than to fade away a has-been. An intriguing look that begs the question if success really does make one happy.

I'm very glad that I bought this book because it has been very helpful to me and I look back at my copy often. I have not solved all of my particular burnout problems yet (no fault of the book's) but it helped me to identify my misery and malaise, how I got so deep into it (trying to please, trying to prove to my parents and myself that I'm worthy of living) and identifying the problems alone helped a great deal. Don't be put off by any claims that an academic or scientific tone is present or that any part of the book is difficult - this is a very helpful resource.

You know you need this book when your most common feeling at work has become 1) wanting to throw everything out of a window, 2) wanting to throw a file at a coworker's head, or 3) answering all questions, comments or greetings with "F^%$ you" or "drop dead." Or when you start praying to be fired to just get the hell over with. When one or more of these is present, look to the burnout book for help....

This book kept me on the edge like a thriller. Only it wasn't someone else's story I was thrilled about, but the reflection of my own. I initially felt that the lack of simple happy ending was a downer, now I understand that that is the part that the reader needs to build himself.

This book is a churning vortex that pulls readers in right from the start. It opens in 1984 when the protagonist, Bridget discovers her first husband has been having an affair. She exacts revenge on him, emblazoning the date of Wednesday, February 15, 1984 into the minds of readers as well.

This book covers Bridget's adult life. Her cousin Nessa dies at an early age from breast cancer and her father's death follows shortly afterward. It is interesting that Bridget refers to her father as "Hugo," yet she refers to her mother as the formal, distant "Mother," thus emphasizing the contrast in the relationship she had with her divorced parents.

Her marriage to Philip ends; she spends time in Portugal tutoring an 11-year-old girl and meets her then future husband, Pierce there. Pierce is an artist who is bipolar. They return to New York City; relocate to Minnesota and raise their two daughters, Maeve and Cleo. Maeve has severe autism.

Bridget's axis is tilted upon discovering the severit of Maeve's condition. Maeve at 2 1/2 was nonverbal and remained so throughout the story. She acquires some self care skills, but sadly suffers from eneuresis. Her behavior is believable; she has sensory issues such as a strong adherence to routine and certain foods and cannot bear the feel of certain textures such as nylon. She also likes water running on her feet and finds baths soothing to the point where she insists on being bathed several times a day. Morbidly obese from overeating and medication, Maeve's physical strength poses a danger. She is also a Beatles fan, loving the 1965 John Lennon classic "In My Life." That speaks to cultural awareness and cultural savvy.

Bridget joins a Mother's Support Group (MSG). The different personalities are described as well as Bridget's reaction to them. As Pierce's axis tilts further into bipolar episodes resulting in emergency hospitalizations, Bridget realizes she cannot do everything by herself. Once she admits she is angry at Maeve for her difficult, destructive behavior; the severity of her condition and the toll it has taken on family life, she feels "refreshed." She relates to the Paul McCartney 1968 classic, "Rocky Raccoon," when she talks of her revival, like Gideon, who checked out.

In reading this, one cannot help but wonder how much is Elizabeth Burns and how much is her fictitious character. A gifted author, Burns will pull readers into a vortex of churning, understandable emotions and readers will float among the eddies, wondering what the next move will be. It is impossible not to feel the fear, sorrow, disappointment, anger, angst and bewilderment that are all part of the character's emotional state. Readers will no doubt think about this book long after turning the last page and Burns' mastery at writing will leave indelible impressions upon the minds of her readers. This is a good companion book to A Rock and A Hard Place

I read this book at the reccomendation of a good friend. I thought the writing was choppy, and confusing at times. I had a hard time getting into it, but I did begin to like it about half way through. However, the ending was terrible. I have a great deal of experience with children and families affected by autism. I am sure some of the character's emotions are realistic, but the ending was unrealistic, and an easy wrap-up for the author. I found it offensive and hurtful. Without *spoiling* the ending, what bothered me most in this book, is that the main character never explores the idea of leaving her husband because of his mental illnes (which is highly dramatic for their family). Her daughter, however, is left at 5 years old.

We have all come into contact with autistic children and their beleaguered parents. We have all empathized with them. This book, however, REALLY delves into the nitty-gritty behavior of the autistic child and the candid emotions of the caretaker. The additional stress of the bipolar husband sinks the reader into the same depth of depression as the overwhelmed heroine. Pair Tilt with Mark Haddon's excellent book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and you will have a better sense of what autism is like.

I think Ms. Burns wrote a great first novel. She is a very petic writer, has a great technique, and the novel was very carrying. However, as a parent of an autistic child, I honestly was looking forward to something that would be somewhat of a simpatico with me and this was not. I felt that the perspective of the autistic child was a cliche that is what others perceive an autistic child is. I don't feel like the author truly researched the field. More was written about the other psychiatric illnesses than what a true autistic relationship would have been. The stereotypees were just too general and contrived. I couldn't get past my upset after a certain point that this just wasn't real life.

Maybe I am being too harsh but again, as a parent living and breathing with an autistic daughter, I didn't feel like it was real. I finished the book but in anger. Besides, in present day culture, a state will not let a person commit their child long term unless a parent signs over parental control, thereby giving up all capabilities to be a part of a child's treatment team. It is basically unheard of so I felt like the story jumped the shark, so to speak.

Beautiful, engaging, every sentence is to be savored.

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!!

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!

Companion volume to the PBS documentary of the same title. And it reads like it. Too slim to stand on its own. The pictures are fascinating, wish there had been more, oddly enough for a book derived from a TV documentary.

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!

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.