Washington Books

If courage has a new meaning it would be Mukhtran Mai; a simple woman caught up in a storm of malevolence. The village council verdict of "gang-rape" in retaliation for falsified accusation of her brother's questionable frolic rendevouz with the tribal leaders daughter. Mai was quarentined for a ruthless gang-rape by savages of our times. Against all odds she stood up and fought back for justice and is redeemed. Her revenge on the society that shackled her down was a gesture of kindness by setting up a school by all the earnings she received as compensation for her struggles. A school where the family of the savages do attend. In her you find the spirit of forgiveness and mercy. I salute you Mukhtar Mai; for you a semblance for all the goodness left in our society.

To the readers i recommend this highly.

This is an astounding story of a simple ordinary Pakistani woman raised in poverty and illiteracy, who has courageously managed to fight against the violence and gender discrimination directed at her and countless other women, with an insistence on justice, education, and gender equality. Mukhtar Mai, who herself has been a victim of one of the many `honor punishments' still widely prevalent in rural Pakistan, was 'justifiably' gang-raped as a punishment for a crime neither she nor her family committed. To have such a rape-victim in the family is considered a social taboo and most of the women who are in similar situations end up committing suicides. But Mukhtar Mai did something different. In spite of getting thoughts to commit suicide, she chose the more difficult path - she decided to live and fight against the injustice inflicted upon her and her family. With the help of the media and various national and international NGOs, Mukhtar Mai's case gained worldwide popularity and in a matter of days a poor illiterate woman living in absolute obscurity in one of the remotest parts of Pakistan gained international fame. This story is a personal rendition of the many trials and tribulations Mukhtar Mai has gone through in the process of obtaining justice in one of the most chauvinistically male-favored justice systems in the world. It is also a story of a stupendous victory at a personal level wherein Mukhtar Mai uses the aid she gets from all over the world to establish a school in her village so that girls living in her village and the surrounding villages can use literacy and education to fearlessly protect themselves from similar injustices. This book would obviously be any feminist's favorite but more than that it is a must-read for anyone interested in the sociological and gender-related issues in the subcontinent.

I felt sick reading this book. It made me realize the perversion that gets called "justice" in many parts of the world. Mukhtar Mai is probably one of the very few women who has actually had the courage to talk about her ordeal... a gang rape masquerading as punishment for an honour crime supposedly committed by her brother. The book describes the Pakistan tribal justice system in a simple and lucid style. She is neither emotional nor dramatic about the events but attempts to describe what she went through and the odds that she had to overcome to fight the system. This book is amazing!

If you are new to the political job arena in Washington, Bill Endicott's book is a must-read. I had moved to DC in the fall of 2001 with very little knowledge about the political job market. With "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington" as my guidebook, I was able to land the job I had sought.

The author does a great job describing the types of political jobs that are available - truly valuable to someone with little or no knowledge of the DC job structure. Following this, the reader learns how to actually get these jobs. The author's experience and knowledge really shine through, and there is no one better than Bill Endicott to explain the process of finding a job. In addition, the case studies present to the reader descriptions of how individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (and party affiliations) not only landed the coveted first job, but also how they had worked their way up the ranks.

Whether you are a student looking to land that first political job or a professional looking to make a career change into politics, read this book to gain an understanding of political jobs that is unavailable anywhere else. I can honestly admit that without "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington," I would have never developed a successful plan and would have never landed a great job.

Bill Endicott's "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington" is a roadmap for those who love politics, but don't quite know how to get started. I can think of nothing else on the market that reveals with full disclosure what working in Washington is like. When I graduated from university 5 years ago, I had countless questions that I couldn't find answers to at career fairs or through contact with alumni: What kinds of political positions are available? How do I decide whom to work for? How does one advance? Should I drop everything and work on a campaign?

These questions and others are precisely what Endicott's detailed description of the political process and his insightful case studies aim to help answer. His years in Washington offer a rich context that shines through in his colorful interviews and anecdotes. Endicott's exhaustive compilation of opportunities available in Washington will be an invaluable resource for aspiring politicos and may even inspire those who like to dabble in politics once in a while to consider public service. Students all over the country will be grateful for Endicott's thoroughness as they will no longer have to rely on word of mouth to get the skinny on what Beltway politics is really like.

At last there's a book that explains what political jobs are all about! Bill Endicott's An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington is a masterful presentation of information, advice and anecdotes. In combination this collection lays out real strategies for preparing for a political career, landing a first job and making a real impact in the job once you get it. The author draws on his own substantial experience in political parties, Congress, executive agencies and the White House to give readers the "insider's" perspective promised by the title. In addition to his own experience, the author introduces the reader to a number of political pros who have "made it" and taken a variety of different paths to their successful careers.

Particularly instructive is the discussion of working in the White House. Regular "West Wing" viewers may get the impression that the chief of staff, the press secretary and the office of communications is pretty much all there is. The book introduces the reader to almost 50 different offices and a variety of different jobs that serve the immediate needs of the President and his senior staff. While one might get the impression from television and movies that jobs working for the President are out of reach, Endicott dispels that myth.

One might expect a practical "how to" book of such detailed quality to suffer from air of cynicism about the entire process. The absence of that outlook is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable aspects of the book. Bill Endicott believes in the process and he offers a passionate defense of both politics and service. Beyond offering the reader roadmaps to successful political careers, Endicott defends service within the political process. In Endicott's Washington, anyone with a strong desire to serve can use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to their country. That is an optimistic proposition, but it is supported by strong empirical evidence throughout the book.

For those inclined to ask John F. Kennedy's eternal question, "what you can do for your country?", Endicott's book reveals where and how to find the answer.

In a nice pleasant format this guide delivers what it promises, describes what's to be seen, where to go, what to expect, and helps you get around in Portland. Should be a memorable trip. Can't wait.

I recently visited Portland for the Fourth of July weekend and this book along with {Best Places Portland} were my constant companion. Extensive information regarding EVERYTHING from Shopping, Restaurants, Lodging to detailed information on each neighborhood.

If you are looking to visit Portland and need a Visitor Guide, Grab your highlighter! and get a map. I carried this one with me constantly. The only flaw I could find in this one is that it didn't seperate the restaurants by Meal Type ie; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Respectfully Reviewed

Whether you live in Portland or are visiting for an extended time or have just moved, this is an excellent guide to the Rose City. Everything from shopping, restaurants, recreation, sites of interest, etc. You name it, this book covers it. Want to find a new place to go out to dinner? Look here. Want to figure out where to take a visiting friend from out of town? Look here. This is an excellent guide to all aspects of living, working, and playing in Portland. The one shortcoming this book has is that it has very limited coverage of the surrounding metro area. If it's not in Portland, it's probably not in this book.

Paul Longmore's biography of George Washington is a superb book. It portrays Washington as a complex Virginian. Neither a stone-like figure nor an unread hero, Washington becomes an interesting and even vulnerable leader. Well written, Longmore's book is a must for people interested in Washington and in colonial history.

Paul Longmore's book, "The Invention of George Washington" is a wonderful book about the Washington that people have come to know over the years. Longmore looks at Washington's life chronologically and compares it with the image of Washington as the Father of Our Country. Longmore shows that one of the most important people in shaping this image was George Washington himself. Washington was constantly concerned with what others thought of him. He always lived his life as if he were on a stage with the whole world was watching. At many of these points, they were watching. Washington was setting the model for future leaders of the United States as Commander-in-Chief, and ultimately as President. Behind this image of a man doing the best for his country, however, is a man of ambition. Especially as a young man during his days commanding Virginia troops in the French and Indian war, Washington strived for recognition among his fellow colonists and from the British regulars that he was forced to serve under. As Washington matured, he was more successful at curbing this ambition. It was during these years that Washington built his reputation and became known as the Father of Our Country.

Paul Longmore has written an excellent book for the serious George Washington scholar. George Washington is a difficult man to understand. After reading five books on the man, along with several published books and articles on the Revolutionary War, Federalist Period, and biographies of other people who were active in Washington's days, I still have a hard time grasping why such a diverse group of people universally looked up to and respected Washington. Edmund Morgan's book, "The Genius of George Washington" helped me to understand how Washington wielded power once it was attained, and this book helps to fill in the gaps as it describes how George Washington worked his way toward greatness.

Longmore's argument in the book is that George Washington was FAR from a minor player in his rise to fame. It wasn't through a series of coincidences or through fate that Washington became the very embodiment of the American Revolution and Federalist Era. Longmore argues that Washington had, in his youth, an insatiable lust for power...but would only seek to achieve it through socially respectable means (highly developed interpersonal skills didn't hurt, either). It is through an examination of what constitutes "socially respectable," Washington's writings, and examining the change in his tone as he matures that Longmore bases his premise. In my opinion, he does a very good job of it. His arguments are strong and backed up in an extensive end-notes section. The only problem I have with his research is that I would have liked to see Longmore's view on two major incidences that happened in Washington's early life and how they affected his rise to fame: the death of his older brother/patron Lawrence; and his marriage to the filthy rich widow, Martha Custis. In all, Longmore has written an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who would like to begin a serious study of the early life of the "First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his Countrymen."

By the way, this is not a cradle-to-grave biography of Washington, but follows his life from birth until about the time he takes command of the Continental Army.

If you sorta like Military History, than you should absolutely buy this book. The book captures the thrill of victory, like never before. If you are like me, and had never heard of Gustavus Adolphus before, than this is an excellent book to read, as a stepping stone to learning more about these men.

An excellent study of exactly why these four generals were so successful on and off of the battlefield. Particularly emphasizes the importance of the cult-of-personality so prevalant in history's greatest generals, while still showing you enough of the army details to let you imagine you're charging across a ditch at Lutzen.

This was a great book for me to read because it influenced me to become the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army,which I am today.I would like to recommennd this book to historians to all people who are interested(especially generals).

Wanda McGee uses beautiful prose to evoke images of nature. From these images she draws analogies to our daily lives, teaching us that our external world abounds with lessons for those willing to quietly observe. Her book has encouraged me to take notice of my surroundings -- of beautiful trees, birds, landscapes --which I otherwise would have rushed right past.

I find her poignant descriptions of nature relaxing to read. I have really enjoyed unwinding with this book at the end of the day.

In a world that most often pushes velocity, this book emphasizes the direction part of the velocity equation. It gently and effectively pulls us back into ourselves to look at where we're going.

Wanda McGee's little book with evocative illustrations by Cindy Mueller is like a spring that begins by nourishing you as an individual. When used with a group it joins other springs, creating a new flow, potentially moving the group to a new destination.

Composed of brief, simply illustrated descriptions of nature observed, and a provocative pattern of questions with each, the scenes evoke associations and spark light onto our own subterranean flows. The underground streams of our own lives get brought to the surface with the questions.

They all start with queries that tap into us at the individual, reflective level, appropriately since that's where the scenes evoke a reaction. Then they weave in questions about the meaning of our associations with the scene, flowing to questions that ask us to sense implications for our lives in groups and organizations. One is left, after flowing down this very gentle stream and around several bends in the river, with a clearer view of where to steer next, or what needs a closer look.

As an individual tool for reflection, the book gives one a wonderful view of the world. Used with a group it can work magic with creating a strong dialogue using inquiry and reflection. The secret is that they start with a place far away from the here-and-now and metaphorically work our spring of discovery towards the edge of a clear brook, running into other streams.

In a world that most often pushes velocity, this book emphasizes the direction part of the velocity equation. It gently and effectively pulls us back into ourselves to look at where we're going.

Wanda McGee's little book with evocative illustrations by Cindy Mueller is like a spring that begins by nourishing you as an individual. When used with a group it joins other springs, creating a new flow, potentially moving the group to a new destination.

Composed of brief, simply illustrated descriptions of nature observed, and a provocative pattern of questions with each, the scenes evoke associations and spark light onto our own subterranean flows. The underground streams of our own lives get brought to the surface with the questions.

They all start with queries that tap into us at the individual, reflective level, appropriately since that's where the scenes evoke a reaction. Then they weave in questions about the meaning of our associations with the scene, flowing to questions that ask us to sense implications for our lives in groups and organizations. One is left, after flowing down this very gentle stream and around several bends in the river, with a clearer view of where to steer next, or what needs a closer look.

As an individual tool for reflection, the book gives one a wonderful view of the world. Used with a group it can work magic with creating a strong dialogue using inquiry and reflection. The secret is that they start with a place far away from the here-and-now and metaphorically work our spring of discovery towards the edge of a clear brook, running into other streams.

I lived for a time, in the Village, during the 60`s, at times in a haze. Therefore I never got to know the Square and her glorious history,so this book gave me an insight to a wonderful place and the many historical events that took place there. It is well written, and the reader knows, the writer has a very close connection to the Village and the Square and Her people. G.F.St.J. Connecticut.

Folpe spent years going through archives and talking to locals to unearth a detailed history of Washington Square. Her research paid off. This is technically an academic book, but the prose is so engaging and lively that anyone who has even a remote interest in Washington Square will enjoy this.

This is a lively history of Washington Square Park from its beginnings to its present embodiment. It is also a pocket history of some of the notabale events in NYC itself. The book is written in a highly readable style and filled with pictures tracing the history of the park. A veritable who's who of NYC politicians and artists parade through the pages illustrating the central role played by the park during NYC's development.
Dr. Folpe thorough research illuminates the text without bogging down in acedemic trivia. This is a fascinating history for anyone who loves New York City or is curious as to how it became the art center of the country.
I would recommend this book as a most enjoyable and informative read.

Jean Marie Christenson's mastery of documentary journalism shines through in this compelling collection of interviews, from the world behind prison bars, a world that the large majority of Americans do their best to deny, ignore and wish away. The great conundrums of the topic are portrayed, including: (1) the "prison industry", which employs tens of thousands of Americans to keep caged millions of other Americans, at huge financial expense to American society; (2)human tales: 1st-person interviews of a Governor, prison heads, prison guards, and, most of all, prisoners. Reading the book refreshes one's respect for the enormity of the topic. American governments, particularly our local governments, must devote immense, ever-growing sums of money to keep law-breakers separated from polite society... so much money (taxes) that insufficient tax resources are left for the many positive functions of local government: eduction, public health, social services... so much money (taxes) is required to cage people (consistent with all the criminal laws which we insist our lawmakers pass), the weight of the resulting tax burdens lead to tax revolts, in which society cuts off its nose to spite its face. Christenson's book comes from her heart and her own life-experiences... and that is obvious in reading her work. A passionate work of documentary journalism, about vital issues facing society which are manifestly unsolved, and cry out for solution.

READ THIS BOOK, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN! FASINATING! INFORMATION THAT IS NO OTHER PLACE.

THIS IS A MUST READ IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT GOES ON ON THE "INSIDE". A very interesting book. Many insights. You won't be able to put it down!

This is the best guide to the DC and surrounding area, but in some cases this book needs to be updated. Some attractions have relocated or closed since the book was published. Fortunately, the book lists phone numbers and websites so you can make sure of the current location and hours of operation. I would highly recommend it to anyone, with or without kids, who wants to see the sights in DC and the surrounding Virginia and Maryland area.

Great resource. I just was hoping it would be updated, since it's been a while, and not all information is still current.

We live in DC and we love this book! Whenever I feel like we need a new place to visit, I flip the pages and find something perfect to do. All of the places we've discovered through the book have been places we've vowed to return. My son is one and a half -- I look forward to exploring more and more as he grows up in DC. I work at a school and have also purchased copies for teachers to give them great ideas for field trips.

This is one of the best books about the Northwest. Corr does a great job blending the story of an activist family with the rise of Seattle after World War II. Next to "Skid Road," my favorite on Seattle. Should be a movie. A great female lead character in Dorothy Bullitt.

Corr's book is more valuable than the narrow title suggests. More than a history of a powerful Seattle family and its TV-Radio empire, Corr's larger theme is the post-war growth of Seattle, the price of its progress and the universal tension between idealism and commerce. This story is interesting because Dorothy Bullitt did not set out to make money in the new medium of TV. Rather, she and her son, Stimson, created a new media force that shook up the sleepy newspaper-dominated local media. Well into the 70's KING-TV scooped many big stories. Corr does a masterful job of tracing the early deviations from the "King ideal"--Dorothy's dumping of her son in favor of Ancil Payne, the shift from hard news to TV celebrities, and the ultimate cash out by Payne and Dorothy's daughters. Along the way Corr paints many colorful portraits--the Machiavellian Payne, Dorothy's hopelessly dysfunctional grandchildren, the bright and attractive Jean Enersen--the lone remaining link to the glory days, the irasicble Don McGaffin--a throwback to the hard drinking, hard working, macho muckrakers of the turn of the century, and the glib, shallow Jim Foreman--the self-described "ratings machine" and low water mark for KING's television journalism. There is much to savor in this well written and colorful book. One hopes that Corr will soon devote his considerable talent to a subject with broader appeal.

Corr has done lovers of radio, and television, specifically those of us in the Pacific Northwest a tremendous favor, capturing the drama of the Bullitt family. His writing is lively and the story is compelling in its narritive detail. You'll learn of the struggles, gambles and tremendous paybacks the Bulletts made as they began and grew their broadcasting kingdom. If I had any criticism, it would be that the book is a little short of details concerning KING-AM and KGW-AM's heydays as Top 40 Rock N Roll outlets. The author completely fails to include, KINK-FM, one of the most interesting and hybrid FM radio stations in the country. If you are at all interested in radio, television or Northwest business history, this is definately a book worthy of purchasing.