Carter Books

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Joseph "Crazy Joe" Spaziano, who avoided Florida's electric chair six years ago when his condemnation for murder was thrown out, was denied parole Wednesday, on a sentence of life plus five years for raping a 16-year-old Orlando girl and slashing her eyes in 1974.

The state Parole Commission voted against changing Spaziano's April 2060 parole date on the rape conviction after a 40-minute hearing Wednesday when family members and attorneys on both sides testified in the case of the one-time member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang.

Spaziano, now 58, will be eligible to seek another parole hearing in 2009.

Bill Cotterell has been a journalist with UPI and more recently for a good number of years at the Tallahassee Democrat covering primarily state government news in Florida. His email address is bcotterell@tallahassee.com for verification of this account and a more accurate recounting.

He has recounted to me several times about the time in one case that Ms. Holdman said something to the effect that the murdered youth would just have to miss her high school prom --- said in a scarcastic and offensive tone -- meaning minimizing the impact that the murder had upon the murdered youth herself.

Michael Mello's "Dead Wrong" quote from page 195 (hardcover version): "There were some days (and nights) when CCR was the best public defender office in the world." I agree -- "some" being the operative word here.

For more insight, Michael Moline, formerly of UPI in Tallahassee, wrote a long article for a California newspaper (the name I don't have with me at this time) about Scharlette Holdman shortly after she arrived in California from Florida by means of South Carolina.

A professor in the Sociology department of the University of Delaware recommended Von Drehle to me for an example of a writing style I could use. I'm glad to have made the purchase both because of writing style and content.

Both David Von Drehle and Michael Mello's books are excellent and very well describe what life is like for those on death row and those representing death sentenced persons, particularly at the old CCR [Office of Capital Collateral Representative]. However there is more:

After Mark Olive voluntarily resigned from CCR about March 1988, Billy H. Nolas became the next Chief Litigator. It is extremely odd that neither Mello nor Von Drehle even mention Nolas nor the next Chief Litigator Martin or Marty J. McClain. For important reasons they should have.

Billy H. Nolas is an excellent litigator like Olive. Nolas was the Chief Litigator for the last two years of the Gov. Martinez "regime", which was the most difficult time in CCR history [during my employment there] with Martinez signing death warrants as if he was at a Republican Party event signing autographs.

Nolas resigned at the end of 1990, after Martinez had been defeated by former U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles and former U.S. House of Representatives member Buddy MacKay.

Nolas was completely drained from the years he endured and litigated while at CCR, due to the huge case load and the internecine warfare within the agency. McClain and his faction within CCR did their best to cause Nolas to leave -- eventually they were successful -- and THAT is when clients' cases began to suffer.

Martin J. McClain is an excellent litigator, however his strategic decisions in various cases are questionable. When Mello writes on page 245 of the hardcover version of "Dead Wrong" regarding CCR, "Look beneath the surface of CCR's 'success rates', however, and you'll find an artifice typical of hack public defender officers. CCR has in the past farmed out the hardest cases to outside lawyers (by finding that it has a 'conflict of interest')". The period of time that Mello is referring to is when Martin J. McClain was the Chief Litigator and Michael Minerva was the executive director of CCR.

As the premier example of McClain alleging a "conflict of interest" [and I can only assume with the consent of the director of CCR at the time, Michael Minerva] is the client Jerry Layne Rogers, Sr. -- a wrongfully convicted and innocent man -- Mr. Rogers's case in 1992 consisted of at least 80 boxes of documents, from court files, prosecutor and law enforcement files, trial and evidentiary hearing transcripts, etc. Mr. Rogers's case was the largest and most complicated that CCR has ever represented.

The second largest and most complicated was that of Mr. Gerald Stano, whose lead attorney during most of the development of his case was Mark Olive.

McClain simply didn't want to have such a complicated case as a CCR case, so McClain, in my considered insider opinion as Mr. Roger's only investigator from 1989 until my involuntary departure in 1992, alleged in a misrepresentation to the Florida Supreme Court (FSC) that he had a "conflict of interest" with Mr. Rogers -- while Mr. Rogers's case was pending at the FSC.

As a result, Mr. Rogers had no counsel for an extended period of time until the Washington, D.C. law firm Covington and Burling became his pro bono counsel in 1995. The result was an unanimous FSC 26 page opinion ordering a new trial due primarily to prosecutorial misconduct, in particular Brady v. Maryland violations.

To read the opinion, go to the Florida Supreme Court website, to recent opinions, to the year 2001, scroll down to February 15, 2001.

During the summer of 2002, Mr. Rogers was re-convicted, however the jury recommended and Mr. Rogers received a life sentence. Thus for a second time Mr. Rogers has been wrongfully convicted.

Another wrongfully convicted Florida death row inmate, who is now a free man, Juan Melendez, testified about his neighbor on death row, Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers taught him how to speak, read and write in English as well as assisting him in coping skills while on death row.

In 2004, the Florida 5th District Court of Appeal denied relief. The FSC declined to accept jurisdiction and thus denied the petition for review.

Mr. Rogers' case is pending Federal review.

Though the author never specifically articulates his beliefs about the death penalty anywhere within this volume, I had the distinct impression that he was actually, in principle, a proponent of the punishment, but had become increasingly frustrated with its practice as he investigated every capital case in Florida during the first few years of the death penalty's reimposition. It is this perspective, along with the excellent writing and the telling details he unearths about each case (details concerning the commission of the crime, the investigation, trial, appeals, execution, and aftermath) that separate this volume from most of the other anti-death penalty materials. Above all else, it is an excellent read.

Andrea has no idea the man she and her friends rescue isn't quite what he lets on, but she has other things to occupy her mind when she finds her home invaded by a woman and her three unruly kids. She has no desire to welcome the strangers into her home, especially when her eldest brother, on her insistence, reveals a family secret that devastates Andrea. Can she get past her hurt to protect those in her care?

This book though it takes place in the past reminds me of my contemporary novel MY SUMMER JOURNAL: THE RESCUE because of its active young heroine who grows in her faith as she deals with very serious adventures. Read complete review at AUTHOR'S CHOICE REVIEWS [...]

Susan Marlow has done it again! FAMILY SECRET is full of suspense, humor and edge-of-your-seat action!

The characters are fully rounded, but don't come across as "perfect". They call to the reader and engage them to be part of the story, not just onlookers. The imperfections found in the MC (such as impulsiveness, sometimes self-centeredness) reflects actions found in most everyone. THEN, when the MC displays courage, spunk and growth -- the reader is able to connect then, too.

I'm way older than the target audience, but I was also able to relate - not just read! IF Andrea can grow... so can we!

My daughter hasn't been able to put this book down (or ANY of Andrea's adventures!). We'll be waiting in line for the next one!

Donna Earnhardt
Concord, NC

Can you keep a secret? Andi Carter's family has kept one from her for her whole life, and when she finally finds out, she's stunned. Andi's pretty good at keeping secrets, too. She and her friends find a mysterious stranger who asks for a little help until he gets on his feet again. There's just one catch--the stranger asks Andi not to tell her family about him. She agrees, against the better judgment of her friends.

The two secrets turn Andi's life upside down. She's no longer the youngest child at the ranch. Now, there are three younger kids and Andi has her hands full. If you thought the horses Andi loves are wild, wait until you meet these three rascals!

Of course Andi's faithful palomino, Taffy, is back, but when it comes to a fierce thunderstorm, even Taffy has her limits. Andi is left alone with a desperate outlaw and the three kids to discover just how strong her family ties really are.

Writer Susan Marlow shines as she brings Andi through this storm in her life. The timely story line about a broken family and forgiveness is a definite plus, with echoes of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. This is a book your kids, grandkids, and even you will love, and that's no secret.

Reviewed by Sheryl Root

Lately, twelve-year-old Andi Carter seems to have a knack for getting into trouble. She never means to be a problem, but there are just so many interesting things to do on her family's California ranch, like watching the new broncos being broken in, that she often gets distracted from her chores. It doesn't seem fair that her family is always upset with her about this.

Andi decides that her family would be better off without her, so early one morning she saddles up her horse, Taffy, and runs away from home. However, if Andi thought life on the road would be easier than life at home, she quickly learns differently. After a horse thief attacks Andi and steals Taffy, she is found by a kind Mexican immigrant family who takes her under their wing. While they want to take her back home, Andi refuses to go until she gets Taffy back. They reluctantly agree to let her travel with them and try to find Taffy as they look for work. Andi soon realizes just how protected her life has been. Will she ever be able to find Taffy and go back home?

Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home is the first in a series of "tween" books by Susan K. Marlow. Set in 1880s California, Andi Carter is a feisty, likable tomboy who gets into enough scrapes that she should appeal to both male and female readers. History, such as the treatment of immigrants and the details of daily life on a ranch, is blended into the story in an entertaining way. The moral values are clear, but not preachy.

Armchair Interviews says: A good start to an enjoyable new series.

Andrea Carter is a precocious young girl who often fails to "look before she leaps", and ends up having to dig herself out of the hole she's found herself in. A dyed-in-the-wool tomboy, Andi finds little benefit in the day-to-day trappings of a "proper" young lady's life in the year 1880, has no problem storing a smelly horse blanket in her bedroom, and no use for nor interest in the dresses that hang in her closet. Andi's impetuous behavior has consequences, though, whether having to clean the entire barn for failing to complete her chores, or more serious consequences when she attempts to run away from home when her pride is injured.

"The Long Ride Home" is a great read, for 'tweens and adults alike; we can all use a reminder that our choices have far-reaching consequences and effects on the lives of others.

Highly recommended!

Relax, You're Already Perfect really opened my eyes to the fact that I can do whatever I want and be whatever I want. The techniques were very powerful and easy to do, and they really work! I've recreated my life and am continuing to grow each day.

I read this book more than once and noticed that the second time I read it, it was much different. After doing the exercizes for a while, not only my impressions of what I was reading changed, but my whole life changed. I am deeply indebted for the awareness this book has brought to me and I recommend it to everyone.

I've read this book now three times and I'm going to read it again. Every time I read it, it speaks to me in a different way -- seemingly reading my mind as to what I need each time.

I've read tons of books on spiritual awareness and am amazed that even though some of these messages were not new to me, they were expressed in a most powerful, enjoyable, practical and enlightening way.

I truly believe this book will be remembered as a guide book that helped raise the consciousness of many, many people.

What I loved about this book is that it actually works as a primer for everything that is at the heart of the healing message I share! As an energy therapy practitioner on the look-out for books to support my work, I was happy to find that in this one book Bruce Schneider gets to the core issues and questions that those on the awakening path are facing. He did it in clear digestible language and NOT TOO MANY words, not veiled in goopy new age tired euphemisms. From the title throught the last page, I found clarity, comfort, empowerment and joy! YEA!

This book has moved to the rankings of one of my favorite books ever! It was so smart and witty...I couldn't put it down and I was so sad when it ended. These characters were fresh and fun, they were confident but still flawed, and they were so relatable.
Not once was a character described by skin color or something else trivial, this book actually made fun of books like that! It was such a refreshing and smart read, I would recommend it to any reading diva!

I am always looking for something new to read. The story line has to move me. I loved he story line and characters. I could not put this book down. I think every woman can relate to each of these women. I loved it and will recommend it to others.

This book was entertaining, hilarious, and extremely true to life for single women of all races. I could totally relate to all of those characters! I have been some of all of them at different times in my life. I read this book straight though and almost never put it down. It was so funny that I found myself laughing out loud, which I almost NEVER do when reading a novel...even if I find it funny! I would recommend this book to everyone!!! :-)

FAB is the story of four friends who are trying to balance their careers while looking for love. Bianca has moved from New York to Hollywood as a television publicist, but finds her paycheck doesn't cover her lavish lifestyle, and she discovers the men in Hollywood don't follow her rules. Carolyn is a successful advertising executive; however, her love life isn't going so smoothly, and she has self-esteem issues that have her always belittling herself. Taylor is a corporate attorney who works six to seven days a week and can't find a man worth spending her time with until she meets Meschach. Finally, there is Roxanne, a struggling actress who has hit a standstill in her career and must take a break or lose her mind.

The four friends are fiercely loyal to one another and offer each other advice when things seem to be a bit rocky. The ladies must make some hard decisions in their personal and professional lives in order to find their true happiness. Bianca must hit rock bottom before realizing it is not about the name brands you are rocking, it is about being yourself. Carolyn must learn to love herself to find her true love, which happens to be closer than she realizes. Taylor must face her fears of rejection and learn to balance work and life by taking a leap of faith. Roxanne must undertake a small sabbatical to find her muse and reinvigorate her career.

As successful as these ladies are, they still harbor the same issues of most women as they maneuver in the dating world, searching for the right man. However, they know they can depend on each other no matter what and will be friends until the end. The quests to balance work and find Mr. Right makes for some witty moments between the ladies. The characters are easily relatable to most hardworking and successful African-American women. Their pain, hurt and eventual understanding makes them believable. Although the story is not fresh, since it centers on female friends searching for love, the approach with four different authors was. The writing was skillfully crafted where each character had a strong voice. My only issue with the story was at times there was too much narrative and not enough dialogue, which tended to slow the pace down a bit. When the dialogue was there, it brought out laugh-out-loud moments and kept me turning the pages. The authors have presented an engaging friendship story where the women have their pains and their struggles, but in the end they still have each other.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Honestly, the only thing that I didn't like was the title. To me, the title didn't really do the book justice.

It's a great, realistic story about four black women who want to live "the fabulous life," but do it by working hard and enjoying their time with their friends, as opposed to scheming or marrying rich. What a refreshing change! They all want the same things -- a successful career, good friends, unconditional love and support, and, to be happy in their own skin. Each character is struggling in a different way to find the right balance and perspective. They all have flaws, but wonderfully, they all know it, and they all try, in varying ways, to improve themselves and their lives.

Because the writing is so clever and interesting, all of this is clear without ever sounding trite, simplistic, or cheesy. The writing is clear and the plot never slows down. Even better, the plot isn't silly or outlandish. The writing is also VERY witty, and intelligent. (I know I said that already, but I really appreciate cleverness and wit.) It made me laugh out loud several times. I enjoyed all the characters and felt like I really got to know and understand them all. The characters are real and developed. I don't mean to sound so suprised, but even with books where I enjoy the plot, I am disappointed by the character development or the writing. FAB has it all. It's probably the best black "chick lit" that I have ever read.

If you are (or you know) an intelligent, fun, professional, independent black woman, read (or tell her to read) FAB.

Abolutely awesome book that is a must for every Christian who follows Jesus and wants to live in His power, love and word.

Have heard him preach this message in person and the book reads just like he preaches. The book has much more depth though.

John Bevere is a great teacher of God's word and his books are very easy to read and understand. Highly recommended book.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS I KEEP BUYING COPIES AND GIVING THEM AWAY THIS TIME WHEN I BUY ANOTHER COPY FOR MYSELF I WILL BUY AT LEAST TWO.I THANK GOD FOR JOHN BEVERE . I AM SO GRATEFULL TO HAVE DISCOVERED THE BOOKS HE HAS WRITTEN.

[[ASIN:159185881X Breaking Intimidation]
As I read this book, it addressed exactly what I've experienced in so many relationships. My favorite quote, "Unless you use your God-given authority, someone else will take it from you and use it against you."

Absolutely true what the other reviewers are saying! This is a life-giving and changing book that is difficult to put down. I was a bit surprised on what the one negative review stated. No where does John Bevere suggest one stays in authority (hid in Christ) by striving or being unkind. And actually he does give many Biblical precidents where one can lose authority by giving into intimidation. Bevere is speaking about losing authority and the ability to excercise gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ--not about losing one's salvation and certainly not about relying on ourselves for power or answers. Depression,broken families, split churches, lack of joy--most of us have seen it, experienced it. This book shows the roots of it. And the basic root, Bevere explains, is NOT doing what we are told to do--which is lay down our self life. This book isn't an easy read by any means. Thank God. I've recently read most of Bevere's books. Balance. Root causes and the truth in all of them. I'm also recommending several other books and authors that I feel all work together. Different messages--but all in unity, that have helped me immensely see clearer the word of God. The True Nature of God by Andrew Wommack. Why I Left the Prophetic Movement by Andrew Strom. I have found all books by Wommack, Bevere, Strom and also Ray Comfort to be balanced and working the same good things I believe God wants us to know to come into unity, power and godly authority.

Rising With The Son: A Diary Of A Growing Soul

At the core John addresses many issues we all share that keep us from living a full and complete life in Christ. We do fear! Rejection, Judgment, Death, Loss and Failure...all just part of what could hold us back. Yet, how many of us think about fearing the same from our God. This book doesn't intimidate but does tell us like it is. We CAN fall forward and truly live in the power and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This book is LIFE GIVING.

As a man, I am critical of some of the self-help books written by women. Invariably, I find elements that either misrepresent men's attitudes or totally ignore them. "If Love Is A Game, These Are The Rules," is a wonderful exception. Every man interested in learning how to find and maintain a long-lasting relationship should read this book. More importantly, it should be read, reread and discussed by both partners, as often as questions or issues arise in the relationship. Cherie Carter Scott doesn't mince words; examples are short and to the point; each chapter covers a major rule so it is easy to follow and return to for a refresher. Too many of us, men and women, have been too ignorant, too disinterested, too willing to enter relationships based upon the wrong assumptions and expectations. This book lights the path towards establishing relationships that can grow and withstand the changes time will inevitably bring. Good luck...

I absolutely LOVE this book!!! It is so helpful and insightful!!! It helps you get everything into perspective and teaches you not only how to love another but how to love yourself as well! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone! I have already told so many people about it!!!

This book has been a wake-up call for me. It helped me understand myself and my partner in life. It has taught me how to develop and maintain a lasting authentic relationship.

(Sorry, English is not my mother-tongue.)
This is a great relationship-book! You won't find boring advice that you need to be supportive to your partner, you need to cherish him / her as often you could... but straightly to the point, Cherie will tell you that you need to differentiate being supportive and controlling... etc.

Those things commonly happened in our relationships, and it's nice to have someone reminded us to be a better person for our beloved one. Worth to collect. Recommended for you who're still single, also for married couple.

I'm finished reading this book, but I still use this book as reference, when I feel my relationship start getting trouble. And however, it helps!

This was a really good book. It gave me a lot of good insight on what to look for in a spouce. It also taught me some things about myself. I recommend this book to anyone who seem to be finding love in all the wrong places.

I was sent to River Jordan by a Joshlyn Jackson website. She writes Southern-Woman/Family novels. Jordan's book is a Southern-Family novel with a Stephen King twist.
Like most of this genre the Women are the caretakers of wisdom and culture. Unlike most, men have some sense of mystery as well.
This book has none of the obvious as the Straub books and some of the King books. You are never sure what is real and what is not. This is a good thing.
You are only sure of one thing and that is the interconnectedness of lovers, family and community. That is a pretty important thing and one which Jordan communicates regardless of all else that goes on.
I know I am going to look for more of her books.

Thank you for the adventure and most importantly for the reminder that sometimes a parched soul needs only a droplet of dream to be renewed. Just like the folks of Shibboleth craved Nehemiah's stories, so it is for souls like mine. And, Messenger does the trick. It takes you to another place and TIME, but drops you off back at home - with a whole new perspective. I swear I saw a little gold dust in the sand hugging my feet just as I closed the cover. This story is as captivating as the intriguing, beautiful cover promises.

Shibbleth is not on any map; there are no GPS coordinates, but there is a guide book. In The Messenger of Magnolia Street, Author, River Jordan takes you there; she shows you where to look, then leaves to wander its streets. River Jordan writes with a southern style that reflects small town influence. Her deep faith is evident in tale of the classic battle of good and evil.

At times, this novel seems like something Stephen King might write: some horrible evil thing is about to destroy a town, and a trio of childhood friends must find a way to fight it. There are two major differences between this book and a Stephen King book, however: 1) the religious tone, and 2) the details (or lack thereof) of the story.

The Messenger of Magnolia Street is definitely religious in tone; if I had a dime for every time a character is saved by prayer or divine intervention, or prayer or divine intervention or faith is alluded to, or God pops up as a sort of supporting character, I would have enough money to go out and buy another book. A reader who enjoys Christian fiction, who enjoys reading books that feature angels and miracles, might enjoy this book much more than I did.

The other nagging feature of this book is in the lack of details. Several of the characters don't seem to have jobs, and many aspects of their lives just aren't described. Even the evil thing itself is not specifically described until the end. The story was still compelling, however, and in some ways very well-written.

I found THE MESSENGER OF MAGNOLIA STREET to be both intriguing and eerie, and a very magical story. I plan to read it again soon because there are so many nuances in the story and I want to make sure that I didn't miss anything.

It's the tale of hard times that come to a cozy little town in Alabama called Shibboleth. The changes to the town take place over a twelve-year period and seemed to have started after Nehemiah Trust left the town to work for a senator in Washington, D. C. Nehemiah was bright, kind and admired by everyone. The changes to the town were slow but a feeling of darkness, and in many people, forgetfulness, was sliding into their minds and thoughts. The town and citizens were becoming parched and dry just like the land around them.

Not everyone was completely aware of the changes, but Nehemiah's brother Billy knew some odd things were taking place. When his best friend, Trice told him they needed to get Nehemiah to come home he agreed. Trice had always had some kind of psychic insight and Billy also longed for his brother's presence. Nehemiah reluctantly returns to his hometown and the childhood friends reunite in a bond to save Shibboleth.

The characters in "Messenger" are wonderful. The story is told by an angel who calls himself the Recorder and he sometimes tells us what God has to say. For instance, Aunt Kate is a bigger than life and kind-hearted woman who owns the local diner. She offers food and good will to all that need it. At one point we are told that everyone loves Kate, and the Recorder tells us that God loves her too!

I can't wait to see what River Jordan writes next!

This book took me from the infancy of a genius to his last days at his piano and in the arms of his immortal beloved. So convincing is it , that if you had any doubt that Antonie Brentano was Beethoven's secret lover, this book will remove all doubt-- entirely convincing. It is a fast moving narrative, not a study, but it is sound. Even where we know the author is improvising, he is convincing. I find it believable that Antonie heard the premier of the Ninth Symphony-- not a shred of evidence, but it is the right conclusion to the premise of the book and its logical momentum. This book stays in the library to be picked up again and again.

This novel explores B's enigmatic relationship with religion and women. B. needed to be rescued, Mr. Gregory says, from the notion of a wrathful god who laid on him the command to be a musician but robbed him of the instrument by which a musician lives-- his hearing. And B. needed to be rescued from his distorted images of sexuality-- female sexuality and his own--for a childhood trauma robbed him of normal development. The author, a psychotherapist and a theologian, gives much intelligent thought to these subjects, and his thoughts are rewarding. In the 6th syumphony, Gregory says, B. heard the thundering of the angry god (in the thunderstorm movement) and the stomping of peasant feet in flight (B's own feet, figuratively speaking). B's erotic impulses were thwarted by the thundering god. Appropriate, therefore, and consistent with this insight, Gregory describes the 7th symphony as B's "pagan" symphony, in which the stomping feet of the 6th can romp and play in festive innocence, and feel no guilt and fear no god. Thankfully, the mood of the 7th prevailed when he met Antponie. But the reader need not fear that this book is a dissertation; it is not; it is a love story, and a very moving story it is.

This fiction has the weight and authority of truth. Antonie was certainly his lover,and the reason why the two star-crossed lovers never made it permanent is convincingly stated by the author, who clearly is devoted to the composer and his lady-love. The narrative description of Beethoven dropping his britches and making love to this lovely woman is breathtaking-- not to be missed. And the author's insight into the music is stunning. Reading the book made me want to go back and listen to the "complete works" as if that could be done in an evening or two.

Leonora's descent into the dungeon to dig her husband's grave made my hairs stand up, so to speak. The furious dialogue between Pizarro and Florestan, interupted by Leonora's pistol, made for goosebumps. Then the captain on the rampart aims his spyglass down the road that leads from Seville; "A four horse carriage speeds toward the prison gate bearing outriders who wear helmets and bear arms... the captain lifts the trumpet to his lips." (from page 106) Reading this scene from FIDELIO was more imaginative than seeing the opera performed. Then Beethoven dashes from the theater because he has spotted his whore in the audience, in the arms of a handsome member of the Guarde Imperiale, with his bearskin headress and red plume...

When I saw the cover of this book, I was struck by the tilted candle by the music stand. Why didn't someone (the girl in the photo) straighten it? When I got to the last chapter of the book I caught on: the tilted candle is a symbol of Beethoven's fear of domesticity and his clumsiness: Antonie (represented by the cover girl) was tempted to straighten it, but didn't-- she was not supposed to domesticate him. The ending is poignant and memorable. As as whole the narrative moves forward with meaning and momentum-- nothing lumpy as in so many historical fictions. The author takes us on stage when Fidelio is first performed: the dungeon scene almost made my hairs stand on end. This book is quite a read!

Beyond what the public has seen from Jake Lamottas incredible bouts in the ring, there is much more people should know about Lamottas life. Through this book you will uncover Jake lamottas Physical and mental struggles, whether it be taking a tremendous amount of abuse in the ring and still staying on both of his feet, Or his madness at home with his family and closest friends. He tells his separate problems which included his best friend, his wife(s), and the mafia. His childhood alone as a thug living in tenements in the early Bronx will draw you to read more and soon you will start to understand where all the rage came from.

"Bull" is one of the most powerful biography's written. La Motta went step by step relaying his life story, in a transparent way. He not only draws us in round by round to him being on the top of the world, he also clearly gives the reader his blow by blow decent into hell, and even worse for a showman, anonymity. He became a nobody, because of his unhealthy actions.
I for one give La Motta a tremendious amount of credit, for coming to terms with his greatest opponent and knocking him on the mat, himself.
The movie is equally as engrosing.
Great read.

There just isn't another biography/autobiography involving an athlete that can measure up to RAGING BULL.

The book depicts self-hate and the self-destruction that goes with it in the kind of succinct style you expect from a ghetto-bred boxer. What sets it apart though is that what one finds between the lines is often more revealing than the lines themselves.

Jake's method of confessing to grotesque acts without the vocabulary of rationalization says volumes about the pathologies behind them. Instead of getting lost in Freudian buzzwords, La Motta recounts his life in terms that sum up and surpass every treatise on self-destruction ever written.

No need for Psychology 101. RAGING BULL is the real textbook on the subject.

A Page Turner - More Like A Page Pounder

Reading this book I felt like Sugar Ray Fighting La Motta - couldn't put it down -

OK - that's a stretch, but you get the idea. I could not put this book down. It reads like a bull charges. A little bit of wind up - I'd say the first 19 pages - then it's a charging bull.

Jake's story is much more than what the movie shows and is different.

As we all know and heard so many times - the book is always better than the movie and again it's very true here - the book is Jake's exact story not changed one hair for Hollywood. It's such an intense, real and gritty story.

It starts off in Jake's childhood as a tuff Bronx kid taking a beating from his father and the world - and as he got older the beatings continue and get worse - the biggest beatings coming from himself.

La Motta is brutally honest and doesn't try to hide anything or paint himself in a special light. It's a powerful and straightforward look at his life, his heart and a candid look at the sport of boxing back then.

It's a great book, you'll pound through the pages like a raging bull.

Jake La Motta is a vicious monster. Both inside the ring and outside the ring. Growing up in the slums of the Bronx,
Jake was not loved or cared for by his father, who frequently beat him for no reason or explanation. His mother
was loving to Jake, but his father beat her too. Jake channeled all this abuse, both physical and neglect, and turned
into a thug as a teenager because what else could he do. He believed he was to have been a murderer, for bashing a bookie over the head with a pipe,and suffered for many years afterwards with self inflicting torment and abuse and anguish to all around him. While as a teen, Jake the thug turned into a life of petty crime and was sent to a reform school. While at reform school, the only thing Jake could find interesting was the gym, where he practiced and developed as a boxer. When Jake was released from reform school, he vowed to himself never to go back to jail and to try and change his way. Jake soon began to compete amateurishly with boxing, and then shortly
thereafter turned pro. While he was a freight train inside the ring, Jake was a train wreck in his personal life.
Jack's life consisted of no one he could trust. Not his best friend Pete, his wives, his brother, and especially the mob.
He battered his boxing opponent into oblivion, he battered his wives unconscious, and battered his friends if you would
even call them friends. Yes Jake was this violent. His second wife Vickie, is main wife in this book was a saint, during and after their marriage. Jake beat everyone in the ring he could. Sometimes he'd lose, not on purpose, but as a result to his mannerisms prior to a fight, which were mostly self inflicting. After 8 years of boxing pro, and going no where, Jake relented to turning to the mob for a shot at the middleweight
belt. In 1949, Jake was champ. They day after he was champ, he life went into the gutter. A good for nothing bum kid from
the Bronx, he was destined to never amount to not even spit on the sidewalk, was now the champion of the world! How was this. Well Jake's demons came forth the night he won the championship, and what he feared he'd done as a kid, was not true. Believed to be a murderer as a teen, Jake drove himself insane with pain, fear, guilt, and anger, and the only way he could channel all that negative energy was to box. Well, who he thought he killed long ago was actually alive and well and he couldn't believe it. From there on, Jake lost the spark and the fire to what drove him to be the champ, and a year and a half later after defending his title twice was belted by quite possibly
the bloodiest boxing match my eyes ever seen on February 14th 1951 to Sugar Ray. Jake got massacred by the 13th round. (if you ever get a chance to actually see that fight, seeing is believing!!!). Jake's trip into hell began in Oct 1949, after winning the belt, and he took his first steps descending into hell after he retired from boxing in 1953. His move to Miami added to the catastrophe, his wife divorced
him, he fooled around alot, he ballooned to well over 200 lbs, drank and dabbled with drugs, his business crumbled due to a prostitution charge of a minor, and once again Jake ended up in jail. Serving 6 months, Jake finally prayed to the man upstairs for forgiveness, and released from prison, Jake wanted to vindicate himself. Leaner, cleaner, and this time for certain destined to clean up his act. After prison, Jake was a whistle blower in boxing and spilled the beans about the fight set up he needed to do to become the champ. After that, Jake remarried, although it ended up unsuccessful, Jake tried, and it appears he was not abusive to his 3rd wife. After dabbling
in acting and plays, Jake found solace in performing again, but on stage instead of a ring. There were some set backs. But nothing as shocking and more disturbing as the first 22 chapters. And by 1970 Jake was acting in b-films.
In conclusion, Jake La Motto is a vicious monster. But who could blame him. I don't. Jake will blame himself, and yes, many of the horrific things he did in his youth were unacceptable and just downright unethical. But Jake never was given a chance at life. Not by his family anyways, he was raised by the mean streets of the Bronx, his family was the streets, and it was mean, and Jake was meaner. Jake was never loved as a child, and without that love, he never trusted
anyone, ever! Many success stories, or dreams come true stories are about love and trust. Jake has neither. This is a sad story, a truly sad story, of a man who struggled to make it on his own, and did make it on his own, and just threw it all away because he didn't any know better because no one showed him.
Personally, I believe Jake LaMotta to be the best middleweight boxer ever! I mean ever! For all his wrongs, he did something right, and box right he did. Jake gave boxing so many memorable upsets, so many memorable knockouts, and most importantly memorable comebacks, both inside the ring and outside the ring. Jake is a champ, and a monster, but I would never say that too his face unless I want to keep mine on my head.
Onto Raging Bull II, the continuing story...Highly Recommended!

This is my God has become a classic on Jewish Thought and Culture. If you are just beginning or are a seasoned scholar, This is my God has something for you.

I totally recommend this book. You will enjoy immensely. Read it with a highlighter, you are going to want to quote it later.

A formidable book, written for everyone, from the pious Chassidim who seems to know all about Judaism to the secular Wall Street Jewish Banker who is far from his faith but feels every now and then the sweet but stern internal calling of his demanding heritage

The best chapters,in my opinion, are related to the experiences related to the secular Jewish people when they got involved in the Jewish religious rituals at the synagogue or at home during childhood, "one feels like he is telling ones own experiences when he was a Jewish kid, so unexplained and uneasy situations at that time become hilarious

Generally speaking, Wouk, who is observant, tried to be very open avoiding dogma and intended to convey to the Jewish reader the precious value of his 4000 years heritage and a way to learn how to feel proud about it.

Wouk did not forget the non-Jewish reader either, he wrote this book with simple concepts and language so anyone interested about Judaism can get a good basic introduction through these pages

Wouk, Herman. "This is My G-d: The Jewish Way of Life", Little Brown and Company, 1959. 1988.

How I Live

Amos Lassen

Here in Arkansas, especially from my gay friends, I contstantly get questions about my being Jewish. After a few moments of discussion, I usually refer people to Herman Wouk's "This is My G-d" which, even though is not new, explains basically everything Jewish in the easiest way. The book goes with me wherever I go. I keep a copy in my office at the university, a copy in my study and one in my suitcase. Anyone who wants to know what Orthodox Judaism means to a well informed and intelligent Jew but who is an American (by birth) as well, can find out what he wants to know in this book. Written in terms that are easy to understand, the book stands alone in being a guide to the Jewish religion. Herman Wouk is a wonderful person to consult on matters Jewish. He writes with humility and wisdom and his explanations are clear and concise.
There is a lot of literature on the Jewish religion available and new books on seem to be published almost daily. Wouk gives us a brief history of the Jewish people and an excellent discussion on the meaning of G-d. He explains who we are and how we have survived and carefully looks at the importance of symbols in the religion.
In part two of the book, Wouk approaches issues of faith and sows how it is impossible to study all of it. Looking at the holiday calendar, he is able to equate the observance with the nature of the Jewish mind and explains in detail what the synagogue is and what purpose it has. Looking at the dietary laws and explaining how orthodox Jews observe them is an experience that I have not found in other books. Wouk manages to bring the laws to a level of understanding that explains and codifies them. He also speaks of clothing and shelter which I found especially interesting as most do not realize that there is a certain way that Jews look at them.
Wouk takes us through the life cycle--from circumcision to Bar Mitzvah to death and explains issues of love and marriage. Looking at law, Wouk explains the differences between Torah, Talmud, common law and modern theory. Finally he looks at the state of Judaism in the present and evaluates the various schisms in modern Judaism.
The newer edition contains an epilogue which deals with Israel and the question of Jewish survival. For a novice this is a place to begin and for others it is a book to consult. Surely a religion that has lasted thousands of years cannot be written about in just 300 something pages but I tell you, it has been a great help to me in both understanding myself and explaining Judaism to others.

This work is a wonderful introduction to and survey of Orthodox Judaism. This book stands out from the pack of other works on the same topic in that This Is My God was written by a master novelist (Wouk gave us Winds of War, War and Remembrance, The Caine Mutiny, et al). Herman Wouk is passionate and candid in what he writes here.

The tone is conversational, unconfrontational and uncondescending. Although packed with factual information, Wouk keeps it personal and interesting by moving back and forth between the mechanics of Orthodox Judaism, and his own personal experience - especially his formative years under the hand of his beloved, learned and pious grandfather. Considering the scope, it is brief, by the author's own admission.

Wouk explains the basic approaches marking Orthodox, and to a lesser extent Conservative and Reform, Judaism. He discusses the practice . . . dietary laws, tallit, the Sabbath, the Feasts, etc. He sketches history and historical figures (I especially appreciated his sorting out of the great sages and each of their places in Judaical history). He describes the source texts - Torah and Talmud. Also, Wouk easily could have - but did not - bury the reader with Hebrew phraseology.

This book is unique and well worth the time for an interested truth seeker of ANY faith to invest. I could continue with the praises of this work, but I would just be repeating what other reviewers have already written.

I will add a couple of critical comments. This book, published in 1959 (written while the State of Israel was only 10 years old, how remarkable!), has become a bit dated. (Obviously no fault of Wouk's here). Orthodox Judaism has evolved increasingly into what people call "Ultra-Orthodox" and has become largely identified with Hasidic dress and practices. In today's world an observant Orthodox author, out of reverence, may well have refrained from penning the title "God", preferring rather "G_d" (interesting since the diety's personal Name is not actually God . . . a gentile word having rather pagan roots). Orthodox vs Conservative vs Reform have all changed a bit over the years. I was disappointed that Wouk did not even mention the phenomenon of Messianic Judaism, which has grown greatly since the book was authored. Wouk also more or less wrote off the Karaites as an extinct sect . . . but that movement has also grown greatly since the book was authored. But of course Wouk's passion is Orthodoxy, and my point is that there has been much change even in the brief historical period since 1959. This is a minor criticism and hardly detracts from the value of the book.


Secondly, although I was drawn to this book by its enticing title, it would have been more accurately titled, "This Is My Religion". Orthodox Judaism wholly embraces the the Talmud. Unlike the Torah, the Talmud is arguably the work of great men, but not necessarily of God. There is wide and heated disagreement on this point. But in Wouk's book, any insight as to the nature of God will have to be inferred from the general discussion.

But again, any truth-seeker, and especially followers of the God of Israel, should have this information. An observant and learned Orthodox Jew will likely find no new information here, but may enjoy Wouk's personal perspectives.

A heartfelt and personal discussion of Judaism. Herman Wouk is the master of the historical novel. His guidebook to Judaism is written with love and respect.