Buck Books

This book is very well written, with a fun and engaging style a bit similar to other great books like "Hackers" and "Masters of Doom". This one seems a bit as a rehash on those classic books, but it has its own merits. The best chapter is the one telling the Will Wright story, with the worst chapter being what should have been the best, talking about "Dallas, the first person shooter capital", they talked too much about game contests and less about the creators of the games.

If you want a truly, superb, amazing and mind-blowing account of game making from grass-roots to success and downfall I must recommend "Masters of Doom". Its just the best one out there. Its my personal choice.

That said, I enjoyed this book, the Will Wright story probably pays itself, and its a fair complement to my collection.

The video game industry is big money these days, powered by a blend of computer geeks and business mavericks who have turned it into a big business - and Smartbomb: The Quest For Art, Entertainment, And Big Bucks In The Videogame Revolution traces the history of how this country become involved in video games. Authors Heather Chaplin and Aaron Ruby went on a five-year investigation into the history and technology of the video game explosion, gaining access to design labs and business meetings alike: Smartbomb examines both individuals and trends in a survey of models, legends, and achievement.

I read about the videogame industry constantly as part of my job, but I got more of an overview of the pioneers and personalities involved in the development & running of this industry.
The only complaint I had about the book was I thought it should have given more of a background about the 900 lb. gorilla in the industry--Electronic Arts. Even so, a very enjoyable book for anyone interested in how the videogame industry came about & the personalities behind it.

Simply put, Smarbomb is well-written and insightful. The words on the page are enjoyable to read, and the portrayals of the movers and shakers of the industry are the kind of writing you usually find in award-winning literature.

This is rare -- writing about games is usually not very interesting nor does it presenting views that challenges or makes you think. Trust me, I know. I've worked as a video game designer, and read far too many books on the topic.

That's probably this book's biggest strength -- because of the way it's written anyone can enjoy it: gamers, game-makers, or people who've never played a game before in their life.

THE GOOD: All things considered, Smartbomb is an excellent book. It's well paced and paints an exciting portrait of an exploding industry. Following in the footsteps of "Game Over", "Trigger Happy" and "Joystick Nation" the authors present a dynamic overview of the gaming scene. All the usual suspects are here (Miyamoto, Bushnell, Carmack...). Instead of just rehashing the same stories and personalities found in other books they manage to squeeze out a couple of new gems. Who knew that Will Wright has been working on "Spore" (aka "SimEverything") for 8 years now? Or that he wanted to call "The Sims", "SimDollhouse"? The bits on Miyamoto's family life and a clever retelling of his 'cave games' proved insightful. They also did a great job capturing the inventive atmosphere that spawned video games in the first place. Probably the most interesting (and frightening) section though, featured the American military's take on video games as a recruiting tool. The blunt nature of these conversations and giddy allusions to "Ender's Game" and kid soldiers left my jaw on the floor. The fact that the American government promotes this agenda while demonizing games as corruptors of youth speaks volumes.

THE BAD: As much as I enjoyed reading the accounts of those featured here, the overall aim of the book left something to be desired. While it's true that a Tony Hawk game can sell more copies than a Britney Spears album and no one will know who made it - generating some sort of "star culture" found in other industries won't help. If anything, it will damage the industry. There are already enough megalomaniacs chomping at the bit to earn the label of "the next Carmack" or "the next Miyamoto". The fact of the matter though is that people like Miyamoto and Carmack earned their chops back when teams were smaller, the stakes lower and projects much smaller in scope. Surely there will still be visionary characters that raise everyone else's game but it will most likely be a collection of individuals working together, shaping artificial reality as a cohesive whole. Not very sexy I'm afraid but that's really where we're at.

THE UGLY: This is more of a nit-picky game nerd thing but I found some of the inaccuracies in this book a little disappointing. Crediting Yu Suzuki as the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog is like giving Michelangelo credit for painting the Mona Lisa. Luigi appeared in games before "Super" Mario Brothers, and it's QuakeCo"n" not QuakeCo"m". These are admittedly obnoxious things to point out but it made me wonder if some of the other sections of the book which I wasn't so familiar with were in fact accurate.

Criticism aside I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Hopefully more people will point to this book as a document of the exciting, positive aspects of video game development.

The author has presented a comprehensive guide to everything a photographer needs to consider when selling and marketing their work. As an expert in the area of travel photography, the author's inside experience provides valuable insight to the novice.

As other reviewers have pointed out, this book is practical and straight-forward. It is an invaluable resource for all photographers

I'm sure this title sounded good, as he sat at a bar with his photo-buddies, but it really does a dis-service to the content of the book. Once past the title the book contains many valuable truths about the photography world and well worth the price for would-be, arm chair, and current professional photographers.

This book is an excellent tool for photographers looking for an edge to accelerate there business. Strategies for a business plan along with legal aspects of their business and tax filing are all covered. When you start out on your own, this is a book to have.

I thought the book was very helpful and a great eye opener to new photographers setting up a photography business. It really does drive point the fact that this is a BUSINESS first. I think the information was usefull and informative. I don't like the title though, this is a VERY difficult industry right now so to imply that anyone can make "Big Bucks" is a disservice. There is money to be made, but it takes a lot of work and business senese. Its a small think but reminds me of the mindset of the eightys and early ninetys..not the current state of the industry.

I havent read this book but I noticed something that I want to point out.

It is supposed to be a newly released book but the reviews are from 2001 and earlier. Apparently they are not for this book or at least not this edition.

Knowing Eric personally, I have enjoyed his love for Jesus and how that shows in his way of life. His book was a treasure to read and now has its place in my library for a future re-read. The Christian community needs more books like this one.
Just Jeremy, Author of "Just Loving Them".

I was very excited about this book, and it lived up to its expectations.
Buck Naked Faith forced me to look inward and see that I had been doing things that were hindering me from real faith. I had gotten too comfortable in my enviroment. If your open to it this book can open you eyes and leave you feeling exposed, which is a fantastic feeling. The growth points were fantastic and really made me be completely honest with myself.This books helps you to see that its okay to be Naked.

I would especially recommend this book to all young Christians (meaning haven't been Christian for that long) and all teenagers and college students struggling with how to make their lives fit in a world that demands many things while Christianity demands one thing. This book helps put everything in perspective.

I thought, from other reviews, I was getting a fresh perspective on the workings of Christian faith. What I got was another "You must..." "You should..." "You haven't been" preachy look at evangelical faith. I was disappointed.

An honest and refreshing look at what so many of us fall prey to: masking our true selves to appear as if we have this "Christian" thing down.

Author Sandras compares those of us who are unwilling to get real with God and others to a Bonsai tree--on the outside, beautiful in a raw, having-weathered-the-storm way; on the inside, fragile and susceptible to the elements. He then gives the reader seven thought-provoking steps to a "butt-kicking, life-giving friendship with Jesus". Now for the hard, but best part--putting those steps into practice. A great tool!

Being a huge Bobby Jones fan AND having read almost everything there is on him, I found this book along with its close relative ... THE GREATEST PLAYER WHO NEVER LIVED ... extremely riveting! I could not put these two books down. Thank you!

Great book! Veron is an excellent golf fiction writer. I have read all three of his books and they are all excellent!

From the time that I received this book (it was a gift from a fellow hack), I was skeptical as to whether or not Vernon could actually pull of a book entitled, "The Greatest Golf Course that Never Was" in a convincing fashion. To my satisfaction, Vernon succeeded in surprising me. Vernon tells a story that is enjoyable and, given the title and subject matter, not entirely implausible (despite being a work of fiction).

Vernon writes to the reader, providing him with set-ups, without entirely giving the story away during the first half of the book. One of Vernon's strengths, in my opinion, is that he writes to his audience-golfers-well. I particularly enjoyed his periodic references to Tour professionals and history, both of the current and the not-so-current variety, such as a golfer nearly pulling a "Van de Velde." During the read I felt that Vernon might have overplayed the mystic element of the course for my taste, but found that the resolution of the book even softened that minor critique.

I have recommended this book, as well as Vernon's "The Greatest Player Who Never Lived," to all of my golf buddies.

Michael, may you find success in your quest to find a cure for the yips. I know many who suffer!

Back in the sleepy spring days of 2000, author J. Michael Veron created a little tale of golf fiction that caught the golf world by surprise with its wonderful mix of mystery and golf history called "The Greatest Player Who Never Lived". While undoubtedly a fictional work, the strength of Veron's writing and research forced readers to continually read the disclaimer at the beginning of the book that asserted that these events were fictional. "...Greatest Player..." told the story of a young law school student named Charley Hunter, who was working a summer internship for the law firm of Butler & Yates, legendary golfer and Augusta National founder, Bobby Jones, old law firm. Given an assignment to organize all off Jones' old office files, Hunter uncovered a mystery about an unknown golfer named Beau Stedman. The quest by Hunter to unravel this mystery was compelling. Combined with a backdrop just dripping with golf history, "...Greatest Player..." created a story with such plausibility and such reverence for the game of golf, that reader could not help but be awed by this tale.

A year later, Veron rode used the success of "The Greatest Player Who Never Lived" to write a sequel called, "The Greatest Course that Never Was". It continues the story of Charley Hunter, now a full-time associate at Butler & Yates and a well regarded for his efforts in bringing the Beau Stedman story to life. As Charley is getting his feet wet in the judicial process, he starts receiving mysterious letters containing obituaries of men he had never heard of with a cryptic notes included. When he receives a letter containing a mysterious golf scorecard, Charley begins the smell another mystery that requires his investigation. Charley discovers that this mystery also has a connection with Bobby Jones and Augusta National. His travels take him to the home of one Moonlight McIntyre, an 80+ year old man who had caddied at Augusta National and been a friend of Mr. Jones' from the earliest days. Moonlight has the secret of another golf course, as amazing as Augusta, that no one knows about except Jones, Augusta co-founder, Clifford Roberts, and any one they deemed worthy to play that course. Moonlight knows his life has reached its twilight and he wants the story and knowledge of this course to be passed on. Wanting to find the right man to trust this information to, Moonlight contacts Charley because of the latter's efforts on behalf of Beau Stedman (who was a friend of Moonlight's). For Charley, this launches another journey of uncovering the mysteries of Moonlight and this course, seeing and playing the course for himself, and also finding away to preserve the course from those who would do it harm while also honoring its history.

"The Greatest Course that Never Was" has the unfortunate task of being the sequel to the amazing piece of work that was "The Greatest Player Who Never Lived". It's a quick read and succeeds in uncovering another mystery while educating readers about even more golf history. One of the weaknesses of this book's is that this mystery just doesn't have the same resonance that the Beau Stedman story did. The descriptions of the course are fabulous and the interplay between Charley and Moonlight is quite amusing, but the reader will not find the same emotional investment in this story. After, the story of a piece of land really can't compare with the gripping tale on one man's life. This book also suffers from not producing a terribly satisfactory conclusion to this mystery. A twist is introduced in the final few chapters that, while intriguing, undermines the mission of these men up to this point. There is not the same kind of payoff was in this book's predecessor when Beau Stedman's tale came to light and he was afforded the honors and recognition that he had been unfairly denied his whole life. Complaints aside, though, there's still nothing too wrong with a book that is a fast read and continues to honor the rich history of golf.

I hoped that I would enjoy Mr. Veron's follow-up to the Greatest Player that Never Was, but his story was so improbable that it could never quite reach the treshhold of plausibility. Mr. Veron is a decent writer and I like his characters, but both of these elements ultimately fail if the story itself isn't compelling.

The pictures are soothing, the pace and rhythm of the book are pleasing. Both of my breastfeed babies asked for this book over and over. No "bottle confusion" was suffered! My oldest is now 5 years and looks on when book is read to his younger sister. I'm looking for copies of book for gifts right now.

This is one of my baby's few books that capture her attention. She enjoys the cute pictures and the poetic rhythm of the book. I think she will continue to enjoy this even when she can read it herself!

My 14 month old son has loved this book since he was three months old. Almost every night at story time he picks it out of the pile for us to read to him! He especially likes the pictures of the other babies and the Mommy and the Daddy. My husband has even memorized it!

My daughter loves this book. She will cry sometimes when we try to read her others but this one always holds her attention. As to the comments about the "bottle" vs. "breastfeeding". Get a life people!! Yes breast is best but does a 7 month old child really know when reading the book what that means. Some babies can't be breastfed and they do need bottles. Sheltering them from that fact is ridiculous. Besides what would you like them to write. Blanket, mommies booby, and beads.

"These are the things a baby needs: Bottle, blanket, rattle, beads."

He needs to be breastfed. Too bad that breastfeeding is considered an alternative to bottle feeding. It should be the other way around. I won't be reading this book to my daaughter!

I have had this book on my bookshelf (maybe the original copy) since it's original publication. Having re-read it recently confirms my earlier opinion - Heyer's charachters are amazingly deep and fleshed out, the plots interesting, and the meticulious attention to detail gives this and all her books a gloss which few contemporary imitators can come close to.

Ok..there is no sex. Get over that. However, the detailed plot, the rich primary and secondary charachters, all add up to a yummy read.

If you can't get enough of them, they are seen again in "An Infamous Army" a more truly 'historical' novel.

Regency Buck has one of Heyer's fantastic heroes - The Earl of Worth - with his sardonic humour, clever conversation and social position. The romance between him and Judith Taverner, his ward, is not necessarily the major thrust of the book. Although the slow-burn romance between them is there in the pages, there is a great deal more to keep your attention. In fact, if I had any criticism of the book it is that we are not there when Judith's sentiments change towards her guardian; presumably it's when she spends Christmas at his house with a group of people, but it's left to our imagination; most of the scenes between the two of them are arguments.

The setting of the book, in London and Brighton, is of course flawless historically. It's fascinating reading of travel in Regency times - the journey from London to Brighton by curricle taking 4½ hours and listing all the posting houses and towns that they travel through. I loved reading the detail of the Royal Palace at Brighton and the Royal Dukes and their behaviour. Many of the characters are historical ones and it set me off reading up on their history - not many novels can get me doing that.

The threat to the life of Peregrine Taverner is a side-plot which works reasonably well but it was always clear to me that Lord Worth wasn't trying to kill his ward, and therefore that his cousin had to be responsible. However, it was fun reading the scrapes that Perry gets into, and his enthusiasm over sailing at the end is great fun.

It has also been interesting to read An Infamous Army, a sort-of sequel to both this book and Devil's Cub as it contains characters from both. Captain Charles Audley who features in Regency Buck is the hero of An Infamous Army, but it is good to see Lord Worth and Judith after three years of marriage - that the spice to their relationship is still there, and the witticisms of Lord Worth haven't been dimmed. However, Peregrine and Harriet do less well in that book; whether that is a background comment about marrying too young from Heyer I don't know.

Regency Buck is certainly worth adding to your Heyer library. It's perhaps not as immediately engaging as some of the other books but it's detail and the strength of the characters are well worth the time spent with them through these pages.

This book is nowhere near as good as the other Heyer regency romances I've read. Part of Heyer's charm and strength lies in her characters, but in this novel the characters were entirely lacking in sympathetic characteristics. Lord Worth is irritating and completely without humility to the very end, despite the fact that his overbearing and arrogant behavior throughout the novel seems to demand some sort of conciliation on his part in order to endear him to the reader. Judith, who I liked at first, also quickly grated on my nerves (mainly because the novel provided no clear reason for her growing affection for Lord Worth, who is -- as I've already stated -- a toerag). The romance between the two quickly became tiresome and even aggravating. The mystery aspect of the book was also lacking; by the time Lord Worth (who was annoyingly styled as the detective-figure in the mystery of who was targeting Judith's brother Perry) figured it out, I was two steps ahead of him, and I hated him too much to be impressed in any case. Don't bother to pick this one up -- go for "The Grand Sophy," "Cotillion," or "Friday's Child" instead.

Having gone through a list of Heyer books recently (I can't seem to get enough of them, and I thank Arrow publishing for those nice covers so I can read them in public without people eye-rolling at me), this is definitely one of them that had me thinking for a while. I usually jump from one heyer to the next as soon as I finish the last line. But for Regency Buck, I actually went back to reread some of my favorite paragraphs. Love this one!

Although I didn't particularly like this book, I'm giving it five stars, just because giving Georgette Heyer anything less would be sacrilege. That said, this was not a very fun book to read. The mood throughout was quite somber, though there were delightful moments, such as Judith's first meeting with Beau Brummell. His presence in this book was one of the saving graces for me, because I really had to force myself to finish it. I just never warmed up to any of the characters at all. The adventure was interesting enough, but when all is said and done, I just found myself not caring who Judith ended up with, and still not liking Lord Worth very much. Oh well. Heyer is still incomparable!

Have you ever seen Green Pastures, or Hallelujiah, or any of the other Studio made films of the Golden Age that feature all black casts?

I have.

Have you ever seen any of the Independent Films with all black casts made during the same period, but only seen in theatres catering to black audiences?

I have, sadly, not.

This book opened my eyes.

Forget the familiar actors of the 80's to the present day, even the great ones, this book will open your eyes to the rich heritage of black actors, and film, between 1955 and 1975, but more importantly it will reveal to you the complicated, yet glorious, world of these films, and actors, in the Golden Age of film.

If you belong to Netflix, or some other similar service then search out the films, and actors mentioned here if they are available and rent their films.

You will not be disappointed.

Whew! This is not a book to be read in one sitting. This is 433 pages chock-full of the history of Black actors/actresses in film. From the humble beginnings of actor James B. Lowe in Uncle Tom's Cabin to the current mass appeal of Samuel L. Jackson and Morgan Freeman, Bogle takes us on an wonderfully detailed journey that chronicles the contributions of Black actors/actresses in film. Of course, Bogle's book includes those well-known films from the bygone era, but he also notes those little known films that featured Blacks playing roles that, in most instances, were the stereotypical tom and mammy, but allowed Blacks to at least get a foot in the door to make inroads to the current day Hollywood. After reading this, you'll likely want to hit up the nearest video store to pick-up some movies that you've never seen or seen before to determine whether you now view them in a different light.

Bigoted and racist title for a book about talented blacks, their deserving of a more honorable title since they were called these racist nicknames all their lives and had to be these stereotypes to show their talent, but he can get away with naming a book as he has this one because he's Black, I'm sure if a white did the same, the NAACP will jump on him. Bogle suppose to lift Blacks up not put them down.

Here's a long but informative review!
Naturally since Bogle is the only one writing about early Black film stars people believe everything he says. He plays it safe by always talking about the same ole' stars that he talked about in his last books. Never does he introduce the public to unsung talents we never heard of. He spends most of the time talking about how mulatto, how light or how dark such and such is and how such and such couldn't do this or that because of this or that. When whites write on their stars they don't write about how blonde, how brunette or how red head someone was and how Irish or Italian one looked. Which proves how stuck on skin color Blacks really are! Why do Blacks feel they always have to spend time talking about race instead of giving these stars their recognition and due, forgetting how they look and telling of their life and versatile careers, who they really were, where they come from, making one reading feel like they knew the person all their lives, make one feel the happiness and sadness.
Bogle spends more time on what they didn't do then what they did do. Which is sad, the public is missing out on a lot. So again, do for yourself the research and don't' depend on others all the time.

Bogle loves talking about how white Fredi Washington looked instead of writing about her extensive, incredible career, she done more in her life then most of us could dream about it, she didn't let others prejudices hold her back. She was no tragic mulatto, another stupid name, minus well call Stepin Fetchit a tragic ni**er which he wasn't, he was the first black millionaire and no more of a stereotype then Black pimps, gangsters of today who are getting rich off of it like Step got rich off of his stereotype. Fredi will be the first to say she had a great life and career. She wasn't sad or confused but a strong black woman. Bogle is no better than a white writer who puts down a black but thinks its okay to coin a book Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies and Bucks because he's black, I'm sure if a white titled a book that we be yelling racism, don't Black talents deserve a better title?

Bogle also plays it safe by always talking about Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, never telling the stories and never giving recognition to other black actresses like Nina Mae McKinney, Mildred Washington, Theresa Harris, Fredi Washington, Edna Mae Harris, Florence O'Brien, Louise Franklin, Daisy Bufford, Jeni LeGon Evelyn Preer, Suzette Harbin, Hilda Simms, Francine Everett, Shirley Haven and countless of others who had a chance to display their talents on the screen in Hollywood and helped fight discrimination and help in the enhancement and betterment of blacks on screen but he gives all the credit to Horne and Dandridge, who didn't do as much as others if you want to get down to the truth, but I'm glad he don't talk about them in a way because he'll butcher up their life stories, I'll give them their due though. Many aren't remembered because maybe they didn't do as much, who cares about who has done more, were suppose to be remembering them for accomplishments and talents, right? White film historians sure remember all their stars, little or big. Someone like Louise Brooks, considered a early Hollywood icon is highly regarded as a great actress despite she only had a few good films and wasnt a big movie star. The woman is more remembered for one good film and a bobbed hairstyle but white historians will make sure you know her, her achievements and what she DID DO for the film industry. Why can't Bogle be like that instead of criticizing everyone and judging them by white people's standards of what success and beauty is? I guess it's true that you gotta work twice as hard as whites to be someone in this world, whites can be remembered for little things, few successes, Blacks gotta have many successes to get rememberance and recognition even for other Blacks to remember them. Bogle is one of the few black film historians, you would think he would write more positively of blacks in Hollywood but he treats many worse then whites treated them when they were alive. Bogle never mentions Willie Covan and Marie Bryant (and appeared in movies also and was a good friend of Lena Horne's too) who choreograhed many white stars, they were behind the scenes but contributed to Hollywood. He suppose to be giving credit not taking away. Either Bogle is too lazy or likes to show favoritism because he sure won't tell other unsung talents stories. If he does he clutter it up with talking about their looks especially if he doesn't know how to write about them. Bogle knows nothing about the great career of Nina Mae McKinney, the first movie star of Hollywood and Europe, who done more films then any other black actress of her time, the first to appear on many magazines, she had so many achievements, yet he gives her one little page, if you don't know about a person, I rather you not write about them at all then to write lies. He never talks about the Black Cinema independent movie stars or the industry who was apart of American cinema, I guess their too hard for him to research, so he takes the easy path in writing about stars he already wrote about a million times. He never writes about Ethel Moses, Francine Everett, Dorothy Van Engle, Edna Mae Harris, Margaret Whitten, Tomiwitta Moore, Bee Freeman, Lorenzo Tucker, Monte Hawley, Ralph Cooper (created the first black studio in Hollywood), Oscar Micheaux, Spencer Williams and countless other black movie stars who appeared in films for blacks made by blacks in the 30's and 40's, I guess that's too mediocre for him but they done more for the enhancement of Blacks in movies by creating their own images, own roles, own portrayals, playing people from all walks of life unlike ones in Hollywood who were stuck playing the same types of roles and being the same images he always complaining about well I feel give due to ones who at least tried to do for themselves and become what they wanted but see they weren't cross-overs so their looked at as non-important by some which kind of dictated by whites who we should remembered and who's important. It's hard researching Black Cinema stars but boy it's worth it plus studying them, watching them perform gives you a good idea of who they were even if you can't find info on them. I still find the time to give them due and I'm no professional or anything but Bogle is a high class guy who only likes to write about Hollywood and his favorite gals Horne and Dandridge.


Ive done more research on unsung, forgotten stars then he has and it has been pleasurable teaching others on the net about blacks who contributed to stage and screen, stars who were just as important as Dandridge and Horne. I'm glad there are other people who are taking it upon themselves to tell the true stories of many unsung black legends and don't write in the same fashion as Bogle. Anyone who is hung up on skin color and don't want to think outside the box and like to hear the same stories then Bogle is for you but someone like me who researched many early black stars of stage and screen on my own and found out the real deal, found how they really were, found how they were really looked at, and found the true stories wouldn't appreciate Bogle's work much. I've talked with some legendary Blacks of the early years, some of their relatives also and they gave a completely different view then how Bogle describes them which shows he just goes by hearsay and documents and don't do accurate interviewing and researching.

I would think Bogle would spend more time on talking about the beauty of black women from dark to light and their wonderful achievements to the world. Black women are quite unique but instead Bogle tells the story of black women from white people's perspective it seems, he tells how black women were looked at from whites perspective not from a true black person's perspective that has pride for his race, maybe Bogle has a white person's way of thinking who is partial. Because I would commend these women, embrace and make the world embrace their beauty, courage, and talents; their many gifts to the world isn't as nearly written about as their skin tones are.
He loves spending time writing about how light, dark or mulatto someone looks. Again, he makes it seem like such and such suffered because she was mulatto, light or dark, come on man, if she had a tragic life it was her own fault if she suffered. He makes it seem like color and race was the problem for everything which is false, actually many of these women profited from the race sometimes and plus women in general face discrimination, no matter what race or color. Don't you think these women went through enough being judged by skin tone or looks, they wished in their life for being to judge their talent, at least give them that now, Bogle doesn't. Who isn't discriminated against in this world? Bogle makes it look like Black is a curse when these female performers change the world and introduce the world to their greatness and the greatness of the race. He loves talking about whether someone should of passed for white or not like when he's talking about the great Fredi Washington. He misses out on showcasing other great talents like Valaida Snow, Blanche Calloway, Una Mae Carlisle, Eunice Wilson, Adelaide Hall and others but that's okay because they have been written beautifully about by other writers. Well, many are dead so they cant stick up for themselves and Bogle takes advantage of that, he hasn't even interviewed or actually talked to ones who he writes about, he just goes by hearsay. Have your favorites but when you write a book, you can't show favoritism which he does all through which hurts others who has a story to tell but he only give honor to his faves. It seems no black can make him happy, he always has something to criticize. In his words every Black woman is a tragic, confused mulatto and every black man is a coon, or some other stereotype, he wouldn't say that to the young black guys or gals in entertainment today though, he takes advantage of the dead who can't stick up for themselves.

There is a website on unsung black talents of stage and screen, you all will enjoy.
http://www.angelfire.com/jazz/ninamaemckinney/

I strongly encourage the true depiction of all early cinematic protrayals of African-Americans, and other non-white categories as they were. We have to let our younger generations of future stars know that some roles have a negative effect and dont show us "Do Justice". This is why we need more Cinematic Historians and Oscar Micheax & Spike Lee role models...

Ed Davis, M.A.
Instructor of History
Pulaski Technical College

This is perhaps the GREATEST book accounting the plight of Blacks in film. I read this book for a class titled "Blacks in the Electronic Media" during undergrad. After reading this book and watching television, I honestly felt as if I were let out of the "Matrix." To this day, I can not watch television and not be critical of whats being aired. These charatcters are very visible today at this very moment. If you want a deep experience and to fully understand whats on the television and the movie screen, BUY THIS BOOK!

This is an interesting ending to the Million Dollar series but more interesting is the commentary made on New Orlean's precarious environmental condition in relation to it's urbanization. Before Katrina hit, Clark was already writing about how dangerous it was to hold back the Mississippi and even more importantly (which we still don't hear about), the effect this is having on the bayous.

Other reviewers have outlined the plot line adequately. I just wanted to add that "The Buck Stops Here" exemplifies what Christian fiction should be. Faith adds dimension and depth to Callie's character without preaching. Clark also does a fine job of leaving the action flow naturally without interruption. Good book--my introduction to the series. It won't be my last book read by this author.

Whoa! Mrs Clark pulls out all the stops with this one! Excellent escapist Christian romance mystery conclusion to a grown-up Nancy Drew series. Although it was disconcerting that our heroine has a tendency to subcontract out the illegal activities (kind of like the US government does with torture). Completely fun series. Start at the beginning with "A Penny for your Thoughts."

Four years ago, Callie Webber's world was shattered when her husband was killed in a boating accident. A man named James Sparks was out boating drunk and didn't even see Brian in the water. Since that horrible day, Callie has managed to recover from her grief, partially thanks to her job investigating charities for the J.O.S.H.U.A Foundation on behalf of her boss, Tom Bennett. Tom and Callie have also fallen in love, and Callie hopes to marry him soon.

Ten days ago, Callie overheard a conversation where Tom took responsibility for Brian's death. Shocked, Callie asks for an explanation, only to be told that Tom can't tell her anything because of his work for the NSA. Brian's accident is a matter of national security? How can this be?

While Tom can't tell Callie anything, he does encourage her to poke around on her own, which she immediately starts to do. Almost immediately, she begins to discover that the things she thought she knew about that fateful day aren't true. Following the faint trail she can find, she begins to piece together an entirely different picture of events. But what exactly is Tom's roll in all of this? Will God help her forgive him or will Callie turn her back on Tom and God?

I must confess, this is the book in the series I've been most anxious to read since I started the series. It didn't disappoint. After the first couple chapters, which are a good introduction for those who haven't read the previous four books in the series, the action takes off. I had trouble putting the book down several nights in a row because the suspense was killing me.

About half way through, the plot moves to New Orleans and things slow down a little. After the break neck pace of the first half, it feels slow, but in actuality, things are still moving forward.

I also found this part interesting in light of the recent hurricanes. The problems that were an issue in the disaster there were discussed briefly in this book, which came out a year before hand. Just a few throw away lines, really, but they caught my attention.

Each book in the series has been personal for Callie in some way, with each one hitting closer to home. As a result, we've been able to see her grow to the point where she is strong enough to deal with the truth she learns from the investigation. Not that she doesn't go through some incredible moments of weakness and pain. Callie is a very human character, which is one of the things I have always loved about her.

Forgiveness is a very obvious theme in the book, both God's forgiveness of us as well as forgiveness of each other. It's not preachy, however, but a good reminder for every day life.

The writing style still isn't as polished as some series I read, but this time around was actually the smoothest of the series. I had no trouble reconnecting to these characters from the very first page.

While not a requirement by any means, this book will be most enjoyed after reading others in the series. All of them are highly entertaining and I recommend them to Christian mystery lovers.

Callie Webber knows that she loves Tom Bennett, but is bothered with Tom's past and his secrecy regarding his work with the National Security Agency. She also knows that somehow, Tom blames himself for the accidental death of Callie's first husband.

Callie works for Tom as an investigator for the J.O.S.H.U.A. foundation which donates grants to charitable organizations. Callie's position is to recommend which of numerous charity possibilities are to benefit from Tom's generosity. For this particular assignment, Callie is sent to New Orleans to uncover some of Tom's past and to meet his family while working with a charity for children with rare diseases called Family HEARTS. This organization was formed to assist Tom's niece who is also a victim of a rare disease.

While reading THE BUCK STOPS HERE, you really need to first meet the characters from reading the previous book, A QUARTER FOR A KISS. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, the previous book is needed to understand the characters and their relationships to each other. Yes, you probably could read this as a stand alone, but you really wouldn't understand the situation of Callie's job, her life, Eli, or Tom. The past history is important to THE BUCK STOPS HERE.

Some people frown on reading Christian mysteries; however, I find each of Mindy Clark's books enthralling and delightful while knowing each character better. These are fast paced, action adventure novels with the characters' integrity being the center point. Her books are not really Christian, but probably more inspirational. The characters, especially Callie, view their religion as a part of their daily life. Some real people also have that viewpoint. Callie considers her religion to be private and while you read about her, you discover that this private relationship regarding her religion is what gives her character strength.

THE BUCK STOPS HERE is fast-paced and a well-organized novel. The characterization is superb. Each character develops depth with each page. The sequence of Callie's investigation perfectly matches the reading pace. I thoroughly enjoy these novels and I am wondering about the next one. What will the title be? Will the two-dollar bill be next or what title could you use with a five-dollar bill?

Mindy Starns Clark has written now five books in THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERIES SERIES involving Callie Webber. She lives in Louisiana and is also a wife and mother.

This is a wonderful story for any Christmas book collection. I like the example of gifts coming from the heart and out of a spirit of love, not the mall. In a season manipulated with marketing, this story reminds me of the joy and simplicity of giving.

Does not disappoint. I have a 2 yr. old and 4 yr. old and they enjoyed the story and illustrations. It'll mean more to them as they get older. Helps them understand the farm life of their grandparents. Highly recommend.

I ordered this book for a friend who was unfamiliar with Amazon. It was given as a gift for Christmas to her father. After using Amazon and receiving the merchandise, she was very pleased and will be using Amazon in the future. As for the book, it was a treasure to her father and it in her words is sure to be a family treasure and tradition at Christmas time. She encouraged me to seek a copy for my family and myself. Amazon has it all.

Pearl S. Buck does it again...catches the essence of human caring! I gave this book to a family of friends who are milk farmers. My friend is a new grandmother, and she loved it! I just couldn't keep it for myself!

I love anything thatis authored by Pearl Buck. This is a sweet story of sharing a gift that can't be bought with money - only love and kindness. I would recommend it to child or adult alike.

Bonnie

i loved this book as a teenager, seeking my own identity as an asian american woman in the heartland. the wife's attempts to win over her husband, and his consideration of her sacrifices(eg releasing her bound feet)were powerful symbols of growing love, compassion and marital relationships. however, i have noticed a strong theme in pearl buck's stories about the chinese/asian man yearning for, and idolizing a white woman. the asian women in these stories were often regulated to superstitious, old-fashioned stereotypes, either doll-like submissive maids or man-eating seductresses. the later type usually so because they were afraid of asian men's questionnable masculinity. that said, the white women in these books were usually very beautiful, pure, rational and were placed on a pedestal to their adoring asian lovers. pearl buck could tell very poignant and universal stories about women and love, but much of it was also detailed through prejudiced, and stereotyping western eyes.

I highly recommend this book! I've always loved Pearl S. Buck, since reading The Good Earth, and now I've got back into reading her other novels. This one is a good illustration of the struggle between old and new ways, Chinese vs. Western.

Loved this book. It had been recommended many other places for an American man who had fallen in love with a Chinese woman. It added great insight to my knowledge of her culture and especially her parents generation. Made me feel very hopeful about the unison of East and West.

It's Pearl S. Buck's first novel, and you can easily see that she was headed for a long, illustrious career as a writer. An American author who spent the majority of her life living in China, therefore writing about what she knows best in a totally unique fashion - a lover of the Eastern, Chinese culture, but at the same time still possessing the Western ideas of romantic love, marriage, etc... This is what this little story is about - a young woman falling in love and struggling for her own freedom, her own individuality (something that most of us take for granted living in today's Western society).

This is a wonderful little jewel of a book and I highly recommend it. If you enjoyed the 'The Good Earth' (one of my all-time favorites) then you will definitely enjoy this story. Ms. Buck writes with such effortless fluidity and charm. She keeps her prose simple yet elegant at the same time. The story also is quite educational in regards to Chinese culture. I can't believe that it has been 18 years between the time I've read 'The Good Earth' and 'East Wind: West Wind' (the only two Buck novels I've read). I can guaranty that I won't make that mistake again. After reading this story, I am very motivated to read something else by her.

WHAT A FANTASTIC STORYTELLER BUCK IS!!!

Of course it deserves five stars because of the great author, knowledge of Chinese Culture, good characters and wonderful story. It involves the delicate balance between the old Chinese customs of ancient medicine vs science, the choosing of ones own mate vs the old custom of parents making the choice. In this case, the family is not peasant but prominent, but the culture just as interesting. There is no action in this book but more of a love story. No peasants trying to survive in poverty but a cast of the entitled and a struggle of wills.