New Jersey Books

This thriller entralled me from beginning to end. What also impressed me was the background authenticity. I went to college just outside of Newark, New Jersey, where this novel takes place during the race riots in the sixties. I remember the extreme tension in Newark during that time and the author nails it. Block develops great characters: the protagonist is a vulnerable, white police detective; the racist killer is one of the creepiest characters I have ever seen in fiction. The plot is original, the book gathers steam and cooks at the end. Conflict, greed, revenge--it's all here. Someone once said that, Man is Nature's sole mistake. Block shows us why.

I just finished this book...it was fantastic! The way Brett developed the killer in particular was masterful, he was so real to me...and creepy. She set each scene so well, you are always right there filled with suspense at what will happen next. An excellent book, such a treat to read.

So many books lately follow the same plotlines and just fill in their stories with different names. Ms Block brings a fresh story, plotline, and anti hero that is impossible to put down. I love books that tell you a story then leaves you with something to think about. I would love a sequel to this book. I want to know so much more about Detective Emmett and I want to go on more crime solving capers with him. This would make a great movie!

In 1967 Newark, his boss does not trust rookie homicide cop Martin Emmett who he assumes is a quota appointment. His confidence in the newcomer is not made any better when Martin fails at his first case. He demeans Martin and hurts the youngster's already shaky confidence by exiling him to the records room.

However, racial tension in the Central Ward is high so when a mutilated corpse of a black teen who worked for the mob is found with a missing a finger, Martin gets a second chance to redeem himself as his boss needs to send a black man to investigate. As riots explode, Martin begins to find evidence that a serial killer is on the loose as a second battered body is found. However, racism, the brass, his peers, and the mob want him off the case even as the riots obfuscate supporting evidence.

THE LIGHTNING RILE is a terrific historical police procedural starring a likable protagonist who enjoys investigations though he detests what he often finds. The 1967 Newark backdrop makes for a superb locale as Brett Ellen Block describes scenes and real events so vividly the audience will feel transported in time. Beside the superior pictorial background ambience and the strong official inquiry, Martin makes this one of the better sub-genre entries of the year as he cares and does his best in spite of opposition from everywhere.

Harriet Klausner

This book has it all- an historical perspective on the riots of Newark, a police officer conflicted by his feelings for the church and his family, a twisted, psychotic killer and a riveting mystery. The main character captivates you as you feel his pain while he wrestles with his internal conflicts throughout the story. You will not be able to put this book down.

Great book. A total insight to the tribute band world. The author uncovers all the good and the bad, and doesn't sugar coat anything. He also delves into the psychology of this scene which is great. The highlight of this book is when he mentions my band, "1988," in chapter three! (along with about 150 other bands!)

Yes, rock and roll, much like the priesthood, tends to weed out all but the most hardy and dedicated. If you have ever taken a serious whack at the game, then you owe it to yourself to read this book. You'll laugh, you'll cry... Well, okay, you won't cry, but you'll certainly identify with the ups and downs, triumphs, failures, dysfunctions, stresses, joys, and fiascoes that are a part of that life. And if you threw in the towel a long time ago, you might just pat yourself on the back.

There are a lot of books about famous rock bands, but not too many that describe what it's like to be an average working musician, whether in a tribute band or not. The "tribute band" aspect lends an extra degree of absurdity to the whole business, especially today, when rock seems to be going through another one of its periodic death throes. (Believe it or not, a lot of us thought rock died around 1975. Shortly thereafter, disco was declared dead. Then punk also kicked the bucket. Remarkably, they all keep going.)

Among musicians there has always been a divide between the "cover band" types and the "original" types. This is even more pronounced when it comes to "tribute bands." There are those who find the concept repulsive, while others take a pragmatic view: "Hey, if you can play music and make money, why not? Beats digging ditches."

Well, maybe not. Rock and roll is sometimes incredibly hard work. A passage from the book summarizes things: "The members of Sticky Fingers and the Blushing Brides faced near poverty, small crowds, exhausting cross-country drives, and indifference from their peers and the world at large, in exchange for a few dollars and the chance to be onstage for a few hours."

Still, a good gig in front of an enthusiastic (albeit drunk) crowd is one of life's greatest highs, so that keeps these guys going.

Nevertheless, there is something unsettling about middle-aged men putting on wigs and doing impersonations of aging rock stars. A couple buddies and I could have formed a killer Elvis Costello tribute band back in the 1980s, but I'm not sure I'd want to be doing that now. You have to wonder how long the phenomenon will go on. Will it end with the last of the baby-boomers? Or will the nostalgia of the future involve aging hip-hop wannabes doing impersonations of Snoop Dogg? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, all you old school rock 'n' rollers and other aspirants to fame and fortune should get yourself a copy of this book. You're guaranteed to get a kick out of it and maybe even pick up some tips. It's a fast and fun read.

Steven Kurutz is a first class writer who can weave a fascinating tale about a long misunderstood facet of American society: the tribute band. Anyone who has any desire to learn the machinations of this particular pop culture phenomenom would be well served by reading this book!

I picked up this book over the weekend and could not put it down until I was finished. Author Steven Kurutz captures "the sights, the sounds, the smells, of a hard-working rock band on the road" to quote "This Is Spinal Tap", with both hilarious and sometimes pathetic outcomes.

In the book, Kurutz travels cross country with two leading Stones trib bands, Sticky Fingers and Blushing Brides, and in documenting the highs and (very) lows, he manages to capture the humanity in what is becoming a dying industry - Live Music.

While reading this book one realizes that both Maurice Raymond and Glen Carroll (the Brides' and Fingers' Micks, respectively) are doing their thing not only because they crave the attention of being a faux Mick Jagger, but because they genuinely love the music of the Rolling Stones, even if it is being played to a handful of people in a dive bar.

And that being said, which is more rock and roll to you: A drunk singer shouting over too loud guitars to 50 sweaty drunks, or 100,000 people at the EnormoDome who paid $300 to watch the Stones on the JumboTron?

I choose the former.

If you're gonna buy one book on rock and roll this year, this is it!

Kurutz loves his rock and roll, and LIKE A ROLLING STONE revels in the good ol' days when rock was king and musicians drank and did drugs like there was no tomorrow. His affection for rock shows through in every line, and before you know it you're right there in the van with Sticky Fingers, the east coast's most popular Stones tribute band. In one way or another it's been around since the 1970s, and its present leader, Glen Carroll, is an irresistible subject, sort of like the Falstaff of the tribute world. Yes, he drinks too much and yes, he's a liar, and no, he's not really a good singer, but Kurutz' writing is so persuasive I wanted the book to come with a DVD so I could see Sticky Fingers in action at one of the rundown nightclubs or frat houses they're booked to entertain in.

Sometimes it's life at the top, but more often Sticky Fingers' erratic financing make for tensions within the band. All of this is really intriguing, but the problem is of course, that it's really not enough material to make a book out of, and one gets the feeling Kurutz did all this research and then halfway through realized he had enough for a great magazine article, but that he was going to have to add more storylines if he wanted to get a book out of it. Thus we go back in time and meet with the original tribute band, the Broadway cast of "Beatlemania." Thus we go on the road with a second Stones tribute band, the damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't Blushing Brides from Canada. Thus we are introduced to other sorts of tribute bands including some with real success stories, Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) which does the Grateful Dead, and ZoSo, the "ultimate Led Zeppelin experience." And in doing so, the focus of the book inevitably shifts away from Glen Collins and it becomes more about hardcore dollars and cents.

The cash nexus is never far from concern, yet what makes these tribute bands so endearing is that these guys aren't in it for the money--no, not really--they're doing something because they love it. And don't let me forget, also because evil life has got them in its sway.

I read it, I enjoy it, and I find it "may be" very useful for catching fishes. I say "may be" because I haven't had a chance to use the info from this book just yet (I am still fixing my boat). If you have a boat and you live in New Jersey, you may find this book to be very useful.

This book covers many good fishing spots near New Jersey coastal area and off-shore. Based on my memory, around 1/6 are in protected bay area, around 1/3 of fishing spots are not far from the shore, and the rest are far off shore. Therefore, the bigger your boat, the more you may like this book. In other words, if you have a small 14-ft boat, this book is not for you because the chance is good that you cannot take advantage of the information available in the boat.

If you love crackin' busch lights and slappin' tins of long cut, then I have two pieces of advice for you: stay away from my daughter, and get Nick's amazing book. I used to believe in God. Now I believe only in the Hondo.

This is one of the most entertaining and informative books I have ever read on fishing. Nick captures the essence of hunting in the sea with insight, eloquence and humor. After having fished off of Portugal, California, the Nantucket Shoals, Mexico and more I am excited to embark on the waters off of Jersey. Thanks Nick!

This book is very informative, attention grabbing, and interesting. It works as a story of personal adventures and a reference or how to guide. Although no one can tell exactly when and where the fish are, until fishing the areas explained in this book. It is a very good guide and can give a beginer an accurate starting point or a seasoned veteran new ideas.

Don't let the generic title fool you. This is no ordinary fish story. I started reading the book to learn more about locations and techniques that the best Captains in the state have shared with Nick over the years. I ended up reading the book cover to cover like an action adventure story ! Nick Honachefsky's love and respect of the ocean and its wildlife is conveyed brilliantly through a series of informative and funny stories. I can't wait to go out and fish these spots armed with some of the "Hot Shot Tips" that have made these captains the best of the best. FISH ON NICK !

"What I need, Augie thought, is a fairy godmother. She'd wave her magic wand, and poof, all my problems would disappear." Augie Boretski has been thinking about fairy godmothers a lot lately, ever since he accidentally stole a mysterious, possibly magical, book of fairy stories from a small Philadelphia bookshop. Even though Augie has never been a big reader, he finds himself strangely drawn to the stories of magic and transformations he discovers there.

Augie also has been thinking a lot about problems, and he has plenty to think about. At the top of the list? Dwaine and his gang of bullies, who steal Augie's school lunch money, tease him in class and generally seize every opportunity to make his life miserable. Augie's hardworking, well-meaning single mom has tried to make Augie's life better by lining up a companion for him through the Big Brothers program. At first, 11-year-old Augie thinks he's too old for a Big Brother, even one like Walter, who has a great outlook on life and a really cool truck. But what will Dwaine and the other bullies say, or do, when they discover that a kid in their class has a Big Brother and that his Big Brother is gay? Finally, should Augie take a chance and join the chorus at school, or will that be just one more reason for the bullies to target him?

Augie may wish that a fairy godmother like the ones in his book could appear and make all his problems disappear, but he lives in Camden, New Jersey, where magic of any kind is nonexistent and problems are a dime a dozen: "The armpit of the world," Augie calls Camden, "home to losers and drug dealers." However, when a real crisis threatens Augie's school and the health and future of his whole community, Augie learns that, with a little hard work and perseverance, a different sort of magic might just come about after all.

On the surface of things, the premise of A.C.E. Bauer's debut novel is an odd one. The book consists of a series of fairy tales, which begins with the classic Cinderella tale "Donkey Skin" and travels through history. These are interspersed within Augie's own story, a gritty urban tale that touches on issues of tolerance, bullying, violence and self-acceptance. With all these elements, NO CASTLES HERE would be an ambitious project for any author.

Remarkably, Bauer fulfills the task seemingly with ease, resulting in a story in which magic can seem real but in which the real magic occurs in the relationships between people, in the truly remarkable things that happen when a community bonds together. Augie is a realistic character who screws up, tells lies and turns his back on people who care for him, but nevertheless has a good heart, particularly once he learns to trust and care for the people who also value him. In stories, music and, especially, community, Augie discovers that magic might exist after all, even in humble old Camden, New Jersey.

--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

I loved this book. A.C.E. Bauer did not waste a single word in writing this lovely book. Every sentence, thought, and description was perfectly expressed with just the right vocabulary. The juxtaposition of fairytale to life in an inner city and the struggles the characters mirrored in each other kept me interested from page one. The themes cross cultures, generations, race, gender, and anything else you could think of. The build-up to Augie's ultimate victory in the end kept me riveted to this page turner. I look forward to many more books from this promising first-time author.

Perfect for: Your little brother who wants to go out for the school musical. Your niece who thinks that all the good books are written only about boys. Your college student cousin who keeps secret copies of E.L. Konigsburg and Madeline L'engle next to her chemistry books.

A.C.E. Bauer has crafted a novel that manages to be both entertaining and empowering, straddling the middle reader/young adult line with an ease that should evoke envious sighs of appreciation from others in her genre.

This book reflects some of the magical realism that permeates much of today's good adult-shelf fiction (see J.S. Foer's "Everything Is Illuminated", for one of the finest examples) in a way that is intricate, complex, but still accessible to the young reader. Bauer weaves a family tree of fairy godmothers - some of folk history's greatest-loved outcasts - with the story of 11-year-old Augie Boretski, a scrappy scapegoat for his pre-gentrification Camden neighborhood's aspiring gang members and drug dealers.

The ending comes together all too soon, with a mildly frustrating nod to Dickens's tradition of mysterious benefactors. However, a longer novel probably wouldn't sustain the attention of Bauer's Augie-aged audience, who deserve closure and a good-guys-win ending as much as Augie and his fairy godparents do.

A satisfying read, which kept this college student awake until 3am, when she finished the very last page.

Not like many others around him, Augie is pretty different, mostly because of the way he looks. He isn't too fond of school and his teachers, and now that his only friend has moved away, there is no one left to stand up for him.

There are plenty of things Augie never thought he would do. Walking into a bookstore was one of them. But seeing a display with a donkey and a princess in the window, for some reason, captivated him. He plops himself down on a random couch that happens to have a book. Not just any book, though -- this book just so happens to have the same characters that Augie saw in the window.

And just like how Augie was swept into the store, he sweeps himself out of the world he wanted to forget, and into a world full of fantasy and adventure.

Yet, Augie doesn't know that by reading this book, his entire life just changed. From wanting to help his school to actually standing up for himself and others against those who were never nice, to having a sort of fairy godmother, Augie's life will just never be the same again... for the better.

Alternating through Augie's life and the adventure novel he reads, NO CASTLES HERE is that one book which makes us feel glad that we picked it up. Augie isn't just any normal character; he is one that we can all look up to and learn that the only way we are able to accomplish something is if we are willing to take that first step.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

This book is an incredible example of young adult/middle reader literature. Even though I'm well above ya/mr reading, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. "No Castles Here" draws you in with a very compelling story line - it discusses important subjects, such as inner city life, in a way that allows the reader to truly relate and understand. In addition, and which I especially liked, the main plot line is interspersed with fairy tales. The tales are extremely well written, and even use a different "literary voice" than the other plot line, to make it seem as though you are reading a different book inside the main book.

"No Castles Here" is an excellent read. I would highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to families who can read it together.

What a gorgeous book. I've recently become involved in hotglass work myself and picked this book up out of curiousity. Not only is the book full of beautiful pictures and prose but the author also allows us a peek into Paul's techniques, which for me, is incredibly helpful and well worth the price of the book.

Even though it made me late I had to stop and soak in every page from start to finish as soon as I got it in the mail. I think at just about every page a smiling, "Oh my god!" came bounding out of my lips in admiration for this man's extreme talent.

Most of my art books end up on my studio shelf, but this one is so gorgeous and such a joy to view I think I'm going to make it a permanent fixture on the coffee table.

You will not be able to stop the "oohs" and "aahs" . The artist has developed a style unlike anyone else and the photographs are so detail you feel like you have become part of the piece. A work of art in and of itself.

It is a book that every glass lover must have.

Filled with beautifully detailed photographs of Paul Stankard's paperweights as well as excellent closeups of the making of his flowers and other paperweight inclusions. It also includes an interesting background on Paul's career and philosophy, but the multitude of wonderful color photographs of his extraordinary work are what make this book truly special.

While I wouldn't consider myself a "paperweight" fan, I admire Paul Stankard's work immensely.

For so long I've wondered, "how does he accomplish such wonderful things?". This book cannot show his unique genius nor how his imagination works, but it does show just enough of his techniques to sate my never ending curiosity.

You can see how a thistle is built. There are gorgeous pictures of how a glass bee is build and attached to a honey comb. Here are the dragonflies, the orchids and those amazing root people!

The book is filled with full color pictures, and many wonderful detail views. In Paul Stankard's case, "God is in the details".

I admired Paul Stankard's work before I read this book. I admire his ability ever so much more now that I've seen the immesurable detail that goes into each piece.

I used to work with Salim and would highly recommend his book

If you are thinking to start or have already started a small business in New Jersey, this book is definitely for you. Written in simple, yet concise text, this book is easy to follow, easy to understand, and yet full of all the information you could ever need to start, run, and be successful at your business in New Jersey. Use this book as a reference tool for tough situations, or read it thoroughly before you get started, either way, this useful publication by Salim Omar will guide you, lead you, and take you around all of the business mumbo jumbo. Full of wisdom and true experiences, learn from others and get this book today.

Everything that is essential to starting, maintaining, growing, and exiting your business is covered in this one, must read book. Salim Omar wirtes in a concise and easy to follow method that makes this book an easy, yet compelling read. He provides the reader with the foundation to run a successful business, as well as, the strategic insight to aid in planning, decision-making, and implementation.

Keep this book handy. You will find yourself referring to it for many years to come. This book will help you reinvent your business and, ultimately yourself.

" This book should be mandatory for any person new in business, and it should be read and reviewed by veterans. I highly recommend this book. I have given it to some of my patients and they love it!!"

"Straight Talk" gives you the "big picture" from a true entrepreneur, and the "small detail" from a CPA who knows his stuff. The mix is extremely valuable, full of wisdom and experience. It's easy to read, with sophisticated concepts translated into easy-to-understand possibilities. I found myself taking notes throughout the book and realized that my business had just gained a terrific new tool. Best of all, you get GREAT marketing advice at a price you'd never find from a marketing agency. Take the advice and your business will definitely grow!

My 10 year old son who doesn't like to read loved this history based mystery. It was great to see him reading without me asking him to read. I read the book as well Dan Gutman did a great job of mixing an interesting story with history.

Qwerty Stevens Back In Time is a wonderful book. Dan Gutman took his time on this story and made a detailed and fun chapter book. This book teaches you important lessons such as reminding you that you should never go somewhere with out telling your parents because they will get worried! I especially liked how Dan Gutman told some fun facts about Thomas A. Edison through this enchanting story.
In the beginning of this story, Qwerty Stevens, a thirteen-year-old boy, has a tough life. When Qwerty was in his young years his father died, which made his family very unhappy. To deal with his sadness and anger, Qwerty digs in his backyard. One day he was digging in his backyard and found a box. Qwerty ran into his room and burst the box open on his bed. Qwerty's mouth dropped open and his eyes widened larger than a quarter. Qwerty couldn't believe his eyes. Qwerty Stevens had found a time machine made by Thomas A. Edison.

If you are looking for a great book read Qwerty Stvens back in time Edison mystery.It's about this boy named Qwerty that was digging in his back yard and found Edisons back in time machine. So he hooks it up to his computer and goes back in time and gets stuck.If you want to know if he comes back read this book.My favorite part is when he finds the time machine.I would recommend this book to any one who loves history because it shows pictures of Edisons labratory.

The book Qwerty Stevens-Back In Time By,Dan Gutmanis an awesome book,if you like mystery and suspense.It's about this boy who finds a wooden box with a machine inside of it while digging in his backyard.Qwerty recinizes that the box says Thomas A. Edison. Qwerty soon finds out that the machine can take you anywhere you want. After awile he finds out that Thomas never patented it. He is soon to discover that that it can take you back in time also. After a man shows up(Ashley Quadrel) thinking that Thomas made an inventioncalled the "anywhere, anytime machine". He also thinks that Thomas burried it in his backyard. So Qwerty goes back in time to ask Thomas why he burried it, But Thomas says he didn't burry it.

I like it when Qwerty hears beaping from the machine, thats when Thomas was trying to talk to qwerty on the computer. This bok is full of suspense. The main character is Qwerty. He is tall, has brown hair and brown eyes. When he is mad or frustrated he digs in the backyard(thats how he found the box with the machine inside of it).He's also a pack rat. The ending of the book is the best!

Thirteen-year-old Robert Stevens, known as Qwerty for the mistake he made in his third grade keyboarding class, unearths in his backyard a large mysterious wooden box that has the name Thomas Edison inscribed with gold lettering.

Qwerty and his best friend Joey who lives in West Orange, New Jersey in a community called Llewellyn Park bordering the mansion that Edison once lived in,locked themselves in his room to discover what was in the aged box. To their surprise, it was Thomas Edison's time Machine.

Unsure whether to give the machine to the authorities, sell it for millions, or take it to school to show off to their friends, the boys decided to find out how the time machine works before bringing it out of obscurity.

Qwerty hooked up the wires from the machine to his computer and with a touch of a button he was transported into Thomas Edison's workshop where he helped him develop the electric light bulb. Qwerty Stevens had no problem getting there. However, he needs his older sister, whom he hardly says more than one word to, to help him return home safely.

The author cleverly depicts Edison's story while adding circumstances that bring his character into the 21st century. In addition to the text, Gutman includes a "Truth and Lies" section in the back of the book with one recommendation "Read the story first!" Also included are black and white photographs of Edison's mansion and laboratory. In the far back of the book is the chronology of Thomas Edison. Younger children will also enjoy this book as a great read aloud. Living in the next town over from West Orange, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because the author captured the authenticity of the town. Children everywhere will enjoy this book but I know it will be a big hit in New Jersey.

This was a good buy has excellent material for hiking any of the areas along the AT. in Mid Atlantic.

There are many books about the AT, but this one is superb for it's detail and attention to partial sections for hiking. Can be used for thru hiking as well. Gives day and overnight parking details, profile of terrain, degree of difficulty, recommended direction, water and shelter locations, topo maps, mileage etc. Everything that a hiker needs!! Excellent.

I have 2 books in this series, and have frequently used photocopied pages from them on my AT section hikes. I never needed to buy the AMC versions of the maps since comprehensive maps are provided within this book, along with mileage charts for road crossings, springs, campsites, landmarks, etc. for every section of the Trail.

Although this book is obviously geared for the day-hiker or overnighter, it has also come in handy on my longer hikes. And the writers have narrowed down every section into either 1- or 2-day hikes, along with directions to the trailheads (even in the remote 100-Mile Wilderness section in Maine!), proving that the AT can be enjoyed by casual hikers as well as hardcore mile-crunchers.

Cons: This book, and the others in the series, is seriously due for an updated edition. Lots has changed along the trail even in 8 years. (carrying up-to-date pages from the ALDHA Thru-Hikers' Companion is necessary to have the full info). Also, the maps are two-color, making certain features hard to read, i.e. roads are the same color as elevation markings.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE are NOT 170 hikes in the book. The whole series must contain that many.

I own 3 books in this series. The Southern Appalachian, the Virginias, and the Mid-Atlantic States guide. I have found these books to be a great aid in planning hikes, especially 2-3 day backpacking trips. Since most of these hikes are either one-way or round trip (as opposed to circuit hikes) you either need to have two cars or plan on seeing the same sites twice. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but other books have better circuit hikes.

This series IS very informative, not only with regards to the actually hike, but also the history both natural and otherwise of the area you are hiking in.

I have only done a few of the hikes in the Mid-Atlantic Guide, all of which have been out and back day hikes, and this book has been very informative during these hikes. The maps could be a little better, as they are topographocal maps with a green line for the trail.. They are adequate, but I've seen better.

All 41 hikes come with a description, a map, an elevation profile, and an itinerary, as well as various other information.

When planning for a hike I do tend to use this book in conjunction with other books, but I usually take this book (or copies of the pages) on the actual hike itself. The fact that the pages are so small allows for easier handling and storage of the laminated pages during the trip.

So if you enjoy hiking and are near the AT while in PA, you may want to take a look at this book. It is well worth the money.

It is clear that these authors were not kidding when they stated that they have a love affair with the Appalachian Trail. The descriptions not only cover all you need to know to be prepared to hike a certain section, but there's lots of history and local color as well.

I've used this book successfully to plan hikes for a youth group. I must admit I disregarded the advice that a certain section (Knife's Edge) was not for those suffering from vertigo and sure enough, the group of kids I took on this section included one who suffered severely from fear of heights. But the kids worked together to get through that section and all was very well in the end.

This book is by no means dry. Sprinkled here and there are humorous passages, like the classification of vampire rocks versus jumping rocks. A pollution-damaged section is described as "shaved clean."

An experienced hiker who has decided to hike section-hike or day-hike the trail between Harper's Ferry and the New York / Connecticut state line needs no other guide. I also recommend this book for the library of every youth group, particularly scouts, in this geographic area that would (or should) plan hiking outings as part of their yearly plans.

Fron the 1600's to the Present, this is the "go to" book for Hurricane history affecting the eastern coastline. But more than just weather and geographical facts, Rick "The Hurricane Man" Schwartz has conducted many personal interviews to put a human interest face in this well-read timeline of the Hurricanes' impact, and stories of miraculous survival and devastatingly tragic loss. As Mr. Schwartz reminds, "Hurricane history repeats" and "The Year of the Hurricane is coming"! Are we prepared?

Over the years any number of books have been written about the devastating hurricanes that have struck coastal New England. Likewise, there are a whole host of books available about the history of hurricanes in the great state of Florida. Yet, when he sought to do some research on the history of hurricanes in the Middle Atlantic states Rick Schwartz discovered to his great consternation that very little had been written about the subject and that no really comprehensive book on this topic had ever been written. So Rick Schwartz decided to correct this glaring oversight himself. After more than six years of painstaking research "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" was released in 2007. This is a book that proves to be well worth your time and attention.
As the complete title would indicate "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States: A Surprising History...From Jamestown To The Present" traces the history of hurricanes in this region from colonial times until the present day. It is a fascinating study. Rick Schwartz conducted more than 100 interviews in putting together this superb book. He also unearthed old newspaper articles, personal letters and state and local government documents in attempting to cobble together the real story. Consequently, there is an interesting narrative on almost all of the storms Rick decided to cover in his book. Schwartz also made a very wise decision by choosing to include track maps on a good many of these hurricanes. This feature greatly enhances the readers understanding of the storms and underscores just how unpredictable they can be. In addition, the inclusion of more than 200 black and white photographs helps readers to gage the full impact of these powerful cyclones and serves to emphasize the need for coastal communities to carefully reconsider public policies that have allowed for reckless overdevelopment on the waterfront. The question is not "if" these areas will be struck by a major hurricane in the future but only "when". Then there is the enormous toll these storms exact on everyday people. For all too many, life will never be the same again. Schwartz devotes considerable time to those who are victimized by hurricanes as well as those public officials who must find new and creative ways to deal with the devastation. High winds, heavy rain, tornadoes and flooding can all combine to wreak havoc for residents in the affected areas. Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to make mention of some of the fascinating local folklore that Rick Schwartz managed to sprinkle in throughout this book. Outstanding stuff!
Every now and then I come across a book like "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" that really seems to be much more appropriate as a reference volume. This is no knock on Rick Schwartz. This book is extremely well written, meticulously researched and thoughtfully laid out. Yet the stories inevitably do tend to become a bit repetitive and I found myself losing just a bit of interest from time to time. This is hardly surprising when one realizes that this book covers more than 300 years of hurricane history! Having said that, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" remains an extremely important addition to the literature on hurricanes in this nation and deserves a spot not only on the shelves of libraries in the Middle Atlantic region but in other parts of the country as well. It is a book that students, researchers and general interest readers will turn to time and again in the decades to come. Highly recommended!

Researched, compiled and written by hurricane historian Rick Schwartz, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States: A Surprising History, Jamestown To The Present" chronicles four hundred years of the Middle Atlantic region's significant tropical cyclones beginning with the experiences of the Jamestown settlers and continuing down to the present day. A unique and exhaustively researched study, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" features a substantial chronology profiling all of the Mid-Atlantic hurricanes and major storms, examines the patterns and characteristics of the region's tropical cyclones, and provides a sound basis for comparison, planning and preparation with respect to Mid-Atlantic hurricanes. Of special note is a forecasting history chapter offering insights into past progress and current knowledge about predicting hurricanes. Ideal for weather and meteorology students, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" is especially recommended for non-specialist general readers with an interest in hurricanes and climate-changed influences on storm behavior, frequency, and intensity. Enhanced with an extensive glossary, a bibliography, and a geographically oriented index, as well as track maps and some 200 black-and-white photographs, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" is confidently recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Weather & Meteorology reference collections.

Fascinating Book!!! Very informative, interesting facts and interviews. A must read for anyone with any interest at all on this topic.

BOOK REVIEW - "HURRICANES AND THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES"
Author: Richard Schwartz (Hardcover - 400 pages)

This incredible book is a first of its kind - dedicated to the storms that have affected the Mid-Atlantic States through the past 300+ years, from the "Year of the Hurricane in 1667" up through Hurricane Jeanne in September 2004. A great reference for all hurricane enthusiasts the book includes explanations of all commonly used technical terms, references, and internet sources for everyone to use. But mostly it covers all the storms that through this extensive historical period had an affect on the mid-Atlantic States region. And Rick has done this with a definite personal touch, going to great lengths to get a "people- perspective" on what actually happened, what people went through during these storms. And he does his best to educate all of us that we are never "out of the woods" as to the future. We may be in a lull for action right now, but that is definitely temporary, and more storms that form in the future will definitely have more profound affects on the Mid-Atlantic region. Anyone and everyone in the mid-Atlantic area should reach out and get this book to have as a reference and to learn about the great effects these powerful storms have on their local areas. As Rick put it, "An understanding of storms past is vital to preparing for those ahead..."

What a well written story. My heart goes out to the family of Fran and Janice. It's sad that in today's society that there is still such an injustice. People can be so cruel. I applaud all the hard work put in to writing this story.

Unbelievable! Sherrie Gladden-Davis's story is compelling, evocative, and a testament to the power of family. With the support of her niece, Dedy, Sherrie tracks her sister's suspected killer across the country, working alongside various law enforcement officers, her search for justice unwavering.

The author chronicles her search to uncover the missing puzzle pieces that she hopes will ultimately solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance. Despite limited financial means, no Internet access (the bulk of the story takes place in the 1990s), and the disparate agendas of those around her, Sherrie remains committed to finding justice for her sister.

Operating on hope, coffee, and the power of her faith and family, Ms. Gladden-Davis's story is a compelling one that had me reading at all hours of the night.

Tightly crafted, insightful, outrageous, and poignant ... this is one of the finest, real-life crime capers I've ever read. Highly recommended.

This book is a very interesting chronicle and very well written saga of the murders of two women at the hands of their husband at the time, John David Smith. The book, written by one of the victims sister, chronicles the exhaustive search by the victim's family for the answers as to what happened to their beloved sister. It also details how that search ended up helping to resolve a cold case, from the 1970's, and eventually put the murderer into police custody. The book is fascinating since it is written so "un-like" many true crime novels which are often to full of courtroom drama and endless descriptions of the police involvement in the cases at hand. This book tells the day to day feelings and frustrations of the victims family, their quest to find answers, and somewhat ultimate justice for their sister. It is a "page turner" and well worth reading. UPDATE: As of the writing of my review Smith sits in an Ohio prison at the age of 54 while in his 4th year of a 15-life sentence. UPDATE #2: Sandra Anderson, the dog handler who assisted in the search for bodies in this case, pled guilty in 2004 in U.S. District Court in Detroit, MI to five felony charges (including obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal authorities) involving "planted" evidence cases in Oscoda, Bay City and Oakland County, MI in 1999 involving her cadaver dog Eagle. A two year prison term and financial restitution was paid to at least one (Lapeer) MI. county by Ms. Anderson.

I'm not usually a big fan of true-crime/mystery-type books, but this one pleasantly surprised (and intrigued) me! The book's plot may sound slightly familiar, as it has been featured on various TV news magazine shows -- including 20/20 -- but you'll never get such amazing detail and narrative quality from a one-hour TV show. In the book, you can really get into the tale and feel the emotions of someone searching for a lost family member -- and seeking justice for the person responsible. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery and a story you just can't put down.

This engaging story will send chills up your spine and renew your appreciation for your own loved ones. The author takes you through the search for her missing sister--from the initial shock to navigating the red-tape of the justice system. You'll come to admire her strength and tenacity while gaining a fascinating glimpse into her sister's life and suspicious disappearance.

I don't want to spoil the mystery, but as the story unfolds, you'll discover details that rival any suspense novel. The suspected killer's behavior is like a car wreck unfolding in slow motion--you won't be able to look away. Step into the world of this real-life, unsolved crime, and you'll soon find yourself repeating the unbelievable tale to everyone you know. It's better than any "ripped from the headlines" show on television.