Dean Books

This book is destined to be a classic. Great for anyone who loves comic books, superheroes, writing, or who can relate to a kid who needs a boost in his self-esteem. My kids, a girl age 9 and a boy age 7, both love this book. The author visited their school and did a reading there, and the kids are STILL talking about this book weeks later. (Well, the author *did* show up in a Perfect Man costume!) The book is great fun. The illustrations are wonderful. But it's the story that's best of all. My kids also love Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type and Bently and Egg by William Joyce.

This book is terrific not only for comic book lovers and kids interested in writing, but for any kid who may need help boosting his or her self-esteem. This book is all about looking inside, finding our own special talents, and ultimately feeling at home in the world. It is a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations, and I'll be surprised if it doesn't win all sorts of awards.

Buy it! You won't be disappointed!

Michael Maxwell McAllum is a young boy who is obsessed with real-life superhero named "Perfect man". After Perfect Man retires, Michael must make a choice, sink into despair or discover his own life, and his own super-powers. He discovers that he has his own imagination, and begins to write down his stories.

This is a great book, in the tradition of Freak the Mighty, that encourages young people to write their thoughts and ideas down on paper.

The writing is superb, and the artwork is beyond belief. This Canadian import is well worth the price. Especially for parents who dabbled in comic-book reading themselves (and not the Archie kind), you'll love this book.

Brian Pankratz
Vancouver, BC, Canada

What I love best about Perfect Man is its kid logic. Michael Maxwell McAllum believes. And it's a true credit to author Troy Wilson that we accept little Michael's leap of logic without question. Illustrator Dean Griffiths' illustrations rise (up, up, and away...) to the occasion-whether it's Perfect Man flying over the New York skyline or little Michael's cat sprawled in sleep over Michael's body.

Perfect Man is, above all, great fun. That it also celebrates teachers and writers and children's imaginations is an extra, wonderful bonus for all.

"Michael Maxwell McAllum was the smallest boy in his class. He lived in a small house in a small town on a small street." So begins Wilson and Griffiths' delightful story, "Perfect Man."

Michael's all time most-favoritest superhero is the blue-caped, silver-helmeted Perfect Man. He's a hero of mystery, no one knows his true name, no one even knows where he lives, but he's got marketing on his side! "Michael Maxwell McAllum was Perfect Man's biggest fan. He covered his wall with Perfect man posters. He read Perfect man comics and played Perfect Man video games. He ate Perfect Man cereal and wore Perfect Man T-shirts." To Michael, Perfect Man truly IS perfect in every way.

Then an interesting twist happens (the first of many) and PM decides to call it quits. He holds a press conference and tells the public that it's time to move on and do something else. The press is curious-where will he go? What will he do? "Oh, I'll find something," PM says, "after all, there's ore than one way to save the world."

You'd THINK MMM would be devastated, but he's got a secret faith in PM. After all, PM escaped from space pirates, escaped from the 10th Dimension and even came back from the dead! Of COURSE PM would be coming back, how could you think otherwise??

Nothing happens all summer except for an alien invasion in New York ("They always invaded New York. They never invaded his small town"); other superheroes team up to send the green nasties back to outer space and PM is still not heard form. THEN the next wonderful twist in the story happens: "and then Perfect Man came back. Or maybe not. It was hard to tell. He wasn't wearing the costume." Michael Maxwell McCullum believes that his new teacher, Mr. Clark, IS Perfect Man, only a bit flabbier and rounder.

Mr. Clark doesn't yell, loose his temper or take any sick days. When there's conflict, he's there to help smooth the way. When there's pain, he's there to make it feel better. "he was everywhere at once. At least it seemed that way." Though he's convinced that his teacher is PM, he doesn't tell anyone, not even his parents. Though he dreamed of PM coming back to the world of supers and joining him as his sidekick, he doesn't tell ANYONE. Instead, Michael writes stories about Perfect Man.

He gives these to his teacher who is quietly impressed and, we can guess by the smile on his face, delighted. One day, Michael tells Mr. Clark he knows the secret, he KNOWS Mr. Clark is Perfect Man.

"Mr. Clark smiled. `Do I look like Perfect Man?'" Well, no, not really, but there are shape-shifting machines dreamt up by evil scientists and there are other supers like the Dark Avenger who could help him change his appearance, so it's still quite possible. Mr. Clark doesn't say either way whether or not he's a transmogrified Perfect Man, but he DOES give Michael a bit of advice that changes Michael's focus: "you don't need to be the sidekick, Michael. You can be the superhero." How exactly M.M.M. becomes a superhero who helps save the world I will not reveal, giving you, gentle reader, motivation to get this delightful lil' book for yourself (though I have a hint: it has to do with Michael's story-writing abilities).

I stumbled across Perfect Man almost by accident-it was sitting on top of our school librarian's PC and the cover art caught my eye. Upon reading it I was completely captivated by the story and the delightful illustrations. I love the way that the story invites a sense of wonder to the reader; in a world where green, tentacled aliens attack New York, Perfect Man very well COULD be disguised as a pudgy schoolteacher, and Michael could very well be the only one to know this. I love the way Michael's gift and love for writing turns into a gateway for future opportunities. And I especially I love the way that Michael, far from giving up on his hero, keeps quiet vigil for his reappearance, and finds him again in the form of his teacher. After all, it's nice to think that Mr. Clark IS PM who has merely found another way of saving the world, one student at a time.

We as users of the PSM with years of experience in the quality and measurements world tend to over complicate the measurement system we develop. This book is a yardstick and is a good tool to ground you when you are creating the measurements. It keeps your mind in the more simple and effective road to resolving the issues. Remember the old saying, "Keep it simple stupid (KISS)!"; this one helps guide you to accomplishment of this goal.

This is a good solid presentation of the subject that gives a good overview of the several types of approaches to measurement. While I would prefer that the subject matter also focused on software engineering as well, it does a good job of what it was created to cover.

This is a good read for anyone thinking about employing metrics for software projects. I have read several books and articles on metrics, software and program managment, in the last 6 months and this one of the few which was worth reading. Text is easy to read and the message and methods are presented in a straight forward manner. No, you will not find any amazing breakthoughs in software project managment in this book. What you will find is a good foundation for adding metrics which add value to software program management.

There is a wealth of material available from the PSM site, including the PSM Insight application and PSM Guidebook. However this book is not redundant because it is structured as a clearly written introduction to practical software measurement, that includes excellent guidance for implementing it into your organization. In addition, the 304 pages that comprise this book manages to convey the information contained in the existing PSM documentation, and does so much more succinctly.

I found the most valuable parts of this book to be the clearly described measurement model, and the way the authors distinguish between data that is useful to projects and organizational data collection and analysis. This material places PSM in context and is a sound starting point for an organizational SQA initiative.

The case studies reinforces the mechanics of PSM, and also contain advice and pointers for implementing enterprise-wide measurement. Although I've been following the PSM initiative almost since its inception and have read all of the copious materials available, I still gained much from this book. If you're establishing an SQA function or striving for CMM level 4 or above you'll find this book invaluable. The URLs provided will lead to even more material, including a free Windows-based software tool that fully supports the practical software measurement process.

I would rate this book ****** if it were possible. If you are looking for material on how to start a "software metrics program", look no further. This is the ultimate reference on software measurement initiatives. The PSM method is compatible with the CMMI (Measurement & Analysis Process Area) and the foundation for the ISO/IEC 15939 standard. All of the authors are recognized authorities in software measurement and process improvement. Dr. Barry Boehm (COCOMO author) has written the foreword. The PSM process is sponsored by the DoD and the U.S. Army. The book itself is comprehensive, well-written, and easy to read. It provides ready-to-use templates such as "Measurement Construct Template", "Project Measurement Plan Outline", and "Data Verification Checklist". Chapter outline:

1 - Measurement: Key Concepts and Practices
2 - Measurement Information Model
3 - Plan Measurement
4 - Perform Measurement
5 - Analysis Techniques
6 - Evaluate Measurement
7 - Establish and Sustain Commitment
8 - Measure for Success
Appendix A - Measurement Construct Examples
Appendix B - Information System Case Study
Appendix C - Synergy Integrated Copier Case Study

Note: Appendix A provides 14 detailed, complete examples of measurement constructs ("metrics"). Appendixes B and C provide 2 comprehensive case studies (approximately 60 pages).

It would require at least a 2-day workshop to address all the information provided by this book (probably at 10 times its price). You can't afford to miss it if you are more than casually interested in software measurement. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I AM SO HOOKED ON THE SECRET SERIES.
THIS ONE MADE IT HARD TO PUT IT DOWN. HOT AND JUICY.
VERY SEDUCTIVE

Angela Knight continues to raise the bar in the erotic fiction genre. Her story, "Wake Me" is worth the cover price alone. Fortunately, Ms. Knight brought some terrific writers along this go-round. It's obvious the "Secrets" series is undergoing some overdue renovations, and I'm happy to report that they're off to a running start.

Buy this volume--you won't be disappointed.

Masquerade by Jennifer Probst. Hailey, tired of living the life of a repressed wallflower, decides to seduce her boss at his annual sexual masquerade orgy. She asks her best friend, Michael, to learn what her supervisor will be garbed in over the weekend. Michael loves Hailey and plans to be the one that she seduces.

Ancient Pleasures by Jess Michaels. In 1897 Egypt, Isabella arrives at the tomb that her late husband discovered hoping to learn why he came back a different person. Inside the tomb are Jake and another man. Stones fall isolating Jake and Isabella from everyone else. As they give into their desire for one another, they wonder if it is the tomb's curse or the love between two people.

Manhunt by Kimberly Dean. Former detective turned drug dealing fugitive and murder suspect Michael arrives at the home of Assistant district attorney Taryn. He needs her to help prove his innocence. He decides seduction is the best way to get her on his side and under him.

Wake Me by Angela Knight. Radolf the knight is cursed to remain inside a painting until a woman who loves him comes along to release him. He believes Chloe is the one. Chloe is attracted to the knight in a painting that she received anonymously. Soon afterward she starts having wet fantasies. Radolf realizes he still must persuade her that her dreams are real if she will believe in their love.

No secret this reviewer is big fan of the annual erotic romances. The eleventh edition contains four hot tales starring wonderful protagonists and plenty of romance.

Harriet Klausner

After a quality dip in Volume 10, Volume 11 is back on track, although I had my initial concerns. It kept my fingers busy... turning pages, of course!

Masquerade by Jennifer Probst
Hailey, the main character wants to get layed by a man she never met, the boss of an international software company.
Advice: Skip the first 12 or 15 pages and get right to the hea(r)t of the matter. My main complaint is a common failing: Why write a pretense of a European setting if everyone and everything looks, smells, and sounds American generic? With all the great French, Italian, and Scandanavian singers, why is everyone in Italy listening to American schmaltz? Why specify a software company (obviously not the author's long suit) when Europe is hardly known for software? Why does the main character fail to catch on that a supposedly sophisticated European speaks with American colloquialisms? It's not European and the setting may as well be Lake Como in Minnesota instead of Europe's largest lake. I know this rant is about meaningless stage dressing for a fantasy, but it annoys me, and perhaps it's unfairly apparent because two other authors in the volume do foreign settings well.
The heroine was hard to take at first. She is a severely sexually conflicted woman so ditzy she seems less likely to consumate an anonymous international love affair than end up as a corpse by the side of the road.
However, along about the 18th page, the story takes off. The masquerade's Phantom (a colleague who has fallen in love with her, impressed by her sympathy during his marriage collapse and willing to overlook her serious religious hangups), turns her toward a couple on a stairway where the man is stroking the bare privates of a woman. The Phantom tells her she is to be as open with him as the woman's legs. At last the author is in her element, and she's a mistress of it. She is not at all afraid of graphic description. The sexual submissivess of the main character was delicious. Unlike some characters we've seen, she's not afraid to pleasure a man, and find pleasure in being actively oral. Ahh.
From there on out, I leaned back, [...] The trappings of the story deserve about 2 stars, but the sex gets a full 6.

Ancient Pleasures by Jess Michaels
Wow. I made the mistake of flipping through this part of the book at Borders, when I suddenly found myself aroused. I paid and ran home. I read it quickly and later on I read it more slowly to my husband. He also found this story 'uplifting'.
The trick of seduction is to get characters to suspend inhibitions, and the author does it quickly and cleverly. Within 5 pages or so, her characters get to it, and without food, water (except for a dip), or a bathroom break, they continue right up to the end. The range of 'festivities' is also broad, so varied amazon might not let me list them. I did wonder how the inexperienced heroine had [...], but no big deal. Isabella is not a passive character, but actively works up not only her own pleasure, but that of Jake as well. She is not afraid to touch herself or touch him, and both are deliciously oral.
My other compliment is that when Jess Michaels depicts foreigners she rarely makes the mistake of making them sound American. Her scene is obviously a fragment of imagination, but she does it well, giving it a 'real' feel.
The story is superbly explicit and the sex deserves more than the 5 star limit.

Manhunt by Kimberly Dean
Unlike the other stories which are set in imaginative time or space, Manhunt could have taken place next door with a male character good enough to eat. Also different is that it feels nearly book length and even includes an epilog. Finally, you should read Secrets volume 9 FIRST.
You just know that any book that book starts with a guy catching a wet, naked woman is promising. Fortunately, the author keeps her promise.
The premise is both crazy enough and good enough for a TV movie: An innocent man seizes the prosecutor, Taryn (I love that name!) who convicted him, and wants her to prove his innocence. Fortunately for us one-handed readers, he may not have been guilty of the crime, but he's not innocent at all.
The story really plays to those of us with captive fantasies. Oooo. I want to read this one to my husband.

Wake Me by Angela Knight
Whew! Wet dreams for women! This story is a twist on the fairy tale princess kissing the frog. It also is a story about a picture, a picture of a knight given a woman who begins to encounter him in her sleep, a knight who whispers 'wake me'. The knight, Randolf, it turns out, is held captive by a kind of witch in the frame and awaits release, but he doesn't wait passively. He and his 'victim' jump through time and space in all the romance novel settings imaginable, including a literal bodice-ripping.
The story gets right what other authors sometimes get wrong: she makes you 'feel' you really are in a castle, a pirate ship, or an Old West setting. It is light and self-mocking. It pokes fun at political correctness, romance writing, and even our lust for submissive pleasure. However, the sex is explicit, just the way we love it. I found myself wanting to see the author do a good 'blistering' scene, but the bondage is pretty damn fine.
Should an 'average' man happen to pick up this story, he is likely to feel inadequate. The author is obviously a believer in 'bigger is better', at least in men and Chloe's first 'taste' of him will fulfill your oral fantasies. (The story initially suggests she doesn't like oral sex which left me wondering if that might have been the unspoken reason her relationship with Chris bombed, but suddenly she loves it with the blond Viking.)
Although this didn't seem as sexual as the other stories, it is the best written. It's not as long as the others, but it has the most depth. It gave good balance and was a lovely ending to the book. Gimme, gimme... but don't wake me!
To turn a phrase around, a thousand words are worth a picture. At about 10 cents per thousand word picture, this story and this volume 11 of Secrets is a bargain.

This is a wonderfully sensual anthology that readers will manage to inhale once they get their hands on a copy of this book. Some of todays hottest and brightest stars of erotic fiction have contributed to this book and as a result the reader will we treated to a feast for the senses that will captivate and transport the reader to whatever make-believe world these authors have created. There is not one dud found within these pages. All four stories are good in their own right and there is a little something for everyone.

Jennifer Probst story "Masquerade" is the story of one woman finally letting go and allowing herself to feel for the first time ever. What she doesn't know is that the one person her very best friend is going to be the one that will bring her out of her shell. Will she allow herself to have a happy ending?

Jess Michaels "Ancient Pleasures" is a story about a widow who has traveled a great distance to see what had so captivated her late husband. When she finds herself trapped in an ancient tomb with an American tomb raider she will find that her journey was not about what she thought it would be.

Kimberly Dean's "Manhunt" is the story of one good cop that has been framed for murder and the ADA that should have had more faith in him but instead managed to get him convicted. When Michael escapes he goes to the one person he knows can help him. The lady that put him in jail to begin with. Can he convince Taryn that he is innocent and still keep his hands off?

Angela Knight's "Wake Me" takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of times, genre's and hero's that will have the reader glued to the pages. Chloe has had her heart broken. She is given the mysterious gift of a painting that has a handsome knight in repose sleeping. She decides to hang her handsome knight above her bed and once she does she experiences the most erotic dreams highlighting some of her deepest fantasies that she's read in her historical romances. But is it really a dream or is her knight a true flesh and blood man that needs help in order to love her for the rest of her life?

Red Sage's "Secrets" anthologies always offer top drawer reads and this volume is no different. I highly recommend this book if you not only like your reads spicy, but like a well fleshed out story as well.

Official Reviewer by www.romancedesigns.com

I have looked forward to a poetry book by Dean Kostos since I first read his poems in a poetry workshop. This is a book that opens up and feeds both the heart and mind. I am joyful that these poems exist.

I'm rarely excited by most unknown poets, but am amazed at Dean Kostos' originality and extraordinary voice, and his wealth of surreal yet lucidly accurate images. And not least his sure- footed storytelling. He seems to have an inexhaustible imagination used with a formalist technique and rightness of tone and observation.

In true Cavafyesque style, Kostos delves into his tormented psyche and exposes his heart-wrenching view of his fight for acceptance and battle with the demons that fate has released upon him in these biblical times. The reader is left with an admiration for this gentle soul and his genuine suffering and anger.

Each page contains worlds to explore and digest. Kostos uses concrete, even commonplace, objects and experiences to reveal what is timeless and unnameable. His imagery is strangely crisp yet evocative -- and totally devoid of pedantry and self-consciousness. A real delight to savor!

Like the parade of faces on a stone frieze, this wordsmith carves out each poem with careful attention to detail and language. But the poet does not limit his literary space to his Greek ancestry, there are many cultures connecting here like that of the French surrealists, the Italian poetic forms and a list of American icons that contribute to a complex chorus of superb images. Challenging to read and pleasing to the ear.

A surprise-package of superior recipes, using fresh regional ingredients. Even in a land-locked city, these recipes work. Frequently, a simple twist - imagined by a seasoned chef - lofts standard foods to mouth-watering levels. Once discovered, this book will be treasured.

I especially enjoyed this cookbook with some of the most creative yet simple recipes, from the premier restaurants, resorts and luxury hotels. Rarely do you get a "who's who" of chefs providing the most delicious recipes in one cookbook. This cookbook gives one the opportunity to test his/her culinary skills and impress those coming together to enjoy good food. I can't wait try the recipes and enjoy the outcomes with family and friends.

An outstanding cookbook, one I refer to often for casual dining and entertaining. Emphasis is on seafood, poultry and pasta. Most of the recipes are provided by the most highly regarded chefs from Florida's finest restuarants and resorts. If you love cooking (and great eating) you will love this book. I bought two in Williams-Sonoma since I knew my sister would "borrow" one. (About 80% of the recipes are relatively easy, 20% are slightly more difficult. All are excellent!)

M. Prudhomme

Every now and then you come across a special cookbook. This is my bible of cookbooks. I refuse to let it out of my sight! Keep in mind that these are restaurant recipes, so you might need to cut the ingredients in half. Everything is pretty easy and does not extend futher than basic cooking skills. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

I don't care for cookbooks that are filled with recipes that are too difficult, or calling for ingredients I rarely used.

The Special Taste of Florida was recommended by a friend in Colorado who owns a condominium in Florida. I have in turn recommended the book to a number of other friends throughout the country. This is a indeed a special book.

Of the 400 recipes in the book, I would say 75% are absolutely outstanding..easy to prepare with wonderful taste. With over 200 cookbooks in my collection I would put this one in the top ten without hesitation.

History, true adventure, travel and science blend in the vivid survey STELLER'S ISLAND: ADVENTURES OF A PIONEER NATURALIST IN ALASKA. Georg Steller predated Lewis and Clark and John Muir and made some amazing discoveries - so it's surprising to note this provides some of rare insights on the man and his legacy - including the only scientific account of the Steller's sea cow before it became extinct. A wide audience will find this absorbing, from any library specializing in Alaskan history to general-interest holdings where patrons seek true-life adventure or tales of scientific discovery.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Ever since the publication of Thomas Kuhn's 'Structure of Scientific Revolutions' science history has been preoccupied with changing paradigms and social influence upon scientific thought. This focus has offered many benefits, but a decided negative is that there are fewer traditional biographies of significant but forgotten scientists. This short volume by Dean Littlepage is an exception to the rule. A throwback to an older style of historiography, it is an excellent account of the life and contributions of Georg Steller, the first naturalist to write an account of the Northwestern Pacific Coast.

Georg Steller was a German naturalist, a predecessor of Linneaus, and a member of the early Russian expeditions to map the Pacific coast of North America. Steller was a multi-talented product of the Enlightenment. He spoke several languages and received formal training in theology, medicine, and biology. After teaching in Germany for a short stint, he moved to Russia and joined the newly formed Russian Academy of Science. He joined Captain Bering (for whom the Bering strait is named) and in a visit to Kayak Island began the first scientific exploration of the Northwest. But Steller was much more than just a talented naturalist (he collected 140 specimens in a mere 6 hours on Kayak Island.) He was also an extraordinary physician who correctly hypothesized that a diet heavy in green vegetables would fend of scurvy centuries before the discovery of vitamin C. His scientific background ultimately saved the crew of the St. Peter, Bering's ship, in the face of disaster. The challenges facing the crew shipwrecked for the winter are truly gripping and it is hard to put the book down as Littlepage recounts this period.

This book makes a for a fascinating read. The author not only notes the breadth of Steller's scientific discoveries, but traces the fates of the animals he wrote about in his best known work 'Beasts of the Sea.' Many were nearly hunted to extinction while environmental changes threaten others. The Steller Sea Cow is now extinct and all that remains is Seller's description. In all, this makes for a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in reading some traditional science history with profound implications for today's world.

Traveling the breadth of Russia and sailing east from Kamchatka with Bering across the north Pacific, Steller encounters frustrating, and at times harrowing, conditions and amazing creatures in his explorations of what we now know as maritime Alaska. The author weaves his own journey to one of Steller's study sites into an historic account of these voyages of discovery. Simply a great read. Looking forward to more stories of Alaska and the people of the maritime Pacific Northwest by this author.
Highly recommended.

Interesting account of Steller's explorations, juxtaposed with a modern journey -- reminds me in that sense of Jonathan Waterman's Mount St. Elias book, which is also recommended. Contains information on Pacific Northwest wildlife, but also on native people, shipwrecks, truly stupid explorer mistakes, and more; entertainingly written. Kind of makes one think, to realize how many species either barely survived the advent of Europeans or didn't survive at all, and to be reminded how many of them are in danger again today.

Georg Steller was a German scientist who eventually went to Russia and became a naturalist on Vitus Bering's second expedition to eastern Siberia and the eastern Arctic.

He identified hundreds of plant species in just a few hours of landfall on an Alaskan island. He also was the first European to closely examine animals such as the Steller's sea lion, Steller's sea cow (now extinct) and others.

Unfortunately, many of his research samples didn't make it back to Russia. Bering's flagship, St. Peter, became separated from his other ship, St. Paul, on the way east to Alaska. And, it didn't make it all the way back to Kamchatka. Eventually, after wintering on a sub-arctic island, the crew made a small hooker out of St. Peter's remains and completed the trip.

The crew who were left, that is. Many died from scurvy, though Steller saved many others with his knowledge of plants, and observation of Siberian and Aleut customs.

The remaining crew forced Steller to leave behind his specimen slides and his dissected sea cow, among other things. He wrote up what he could after getting back to European Russia, but his samples were lost forever.

An excellent book on science, natural history, and Arctic exploration, all in one.

Old books are better than new books and this book is the best example I can think of. The author only had 8 yrs of education and yet it's better than any modern book I've read. It's shows the amazing guide hand of Divine Providence in the life Captain James Riley and the Arab that bought him upon the desert of the Saharah. After reading this book no liberal activist can claim that slavery only affected the black race or was only perpetrated by white people, nor could anyone deny the existence of God. From the beginning of this book to the very end God interceeded and guided James Riley back to his loved ones and into the safe arms of a Christian nation. This book should be required reading in public school and would make a wonderful supplement for home schoolers as well. The amazing sufferings upon the desert suffered by Riley and his crew are horrific and not for the squeamish, but it's hard to complain about your own minor sufferings in life after reading this book. If you only read one book in your life besides the King James Bible it should be this one.

Great and rapid service. Book was exactly as promised. We will definitely use this seller again.

As the previous reviewer already stated, Abraham Lincoln considered this book important and influential. Centuries later, and it has clearly stood the test of time, and should be considered a classic by any standard. James Riley's tale is one that has to be seen to be believed. Sold in to slavery, staved, Riley and his crew faced insurmountable odds, and beat every one of them. This is a must-read.

Travel back to the mindset of the early 19th century, when racism was the rule and God was thought to intercede on the behalf of white men shipwrecked in the midst of savage brown men. The first few chapters are hard to believe. However, if you assume that James Riley is honestly recounting what he believes happened to him, the story exposes the background of racist, Eurocentric, and religious bigotry that soaked American and European thought of that era.

Despite the difficult to swallow constant referrals to the general color of skin of each an every character Captain Riley encounters, as well as his unbelievable description of "savage" Africans as "orangutan-like" beasts, the book is a compelling read that you will not be able to put down. While Riley never overcomes his racism towards the darker Africans, the story reveals a transformation in his estimation of Arabs and Muslims which is instructive in our present era where Arabs and Muslims are denigrated and misunderstood.

If you love a book you cannot put down, this is the book for you.

I was surprised I'd never heard of this book, supposedly one of the books Abraham Lincoln considered influential. It is the true story of an American sea captain who is shipwrecked and taken prisoner, then enslaved, by Arabs. Through his ingenious bargaining and a leap of faith, he convinces and Arab trader to trade all of his goods for the captain and some companions from his ship. He convinces the trader to take them across the Sahara, which means not only braving heat, hunger and thirst, but fighting off would be thieves as well.

The captain promises that there is a reward, that there is someone willing to pay a ransom when they get across the Sahara. The problem is, this isn't true - the Captain knows no one in the city they are headed to. The Captain and trader have made a deal that if the ransom isn't paid, the crewman will be sold as slaves and the Captain will be killed. The Captain is a linguist and learns enough Arabic to converse and to learn. He relates the tale of what happened, which is a true page turner, and the stories he hears from the Arabs. While this is an old book with a few old expressions and some racial terms no longer in use, I think it's clear that the Captain is not at heart a racist; he saw people of all colors as people. While he didn't like slavery, it was the way things were, and he accepted his fate as a slave without railing against the institution itself. Rather, he documents what happens, and makes some observations. Overall, it's a very interesting read.

I love Supernatural. Anything Supernatural gets an automatic 5 million in my book. I love the extra detail included in each companion that gives more facts on the creatures and the explanation as to why the writters decided to make the brothers go after them. Dean and Sam are the BEST!

I preordered this book when I ordered the season 1 companion guide along with the complete seasons on DVD. I was very satisfied with the indepth information that was given about each episodes. The best thing about this book is the 22 Things for Aspiring Ghost Hunters By Dean Winchester. Very good book for any Supernatural fan!!

This is an awesome book to have for fans of Supernatural!! I highly recommend it.

The Supernatural Season Two Companion is brilliant. Much like the first companion, it has lots of episode information, quotes, and behind the scenes looks. It also contains episode insights from Ackles, Padalecki, and Eric Kripke. The quick facts and episodic music listings are particularly my favourite. The "Did You Know?" bits are always insightful and really interesting. And, needless to say, the coloured image inserts are awesome.

Overall, I have been really happy with the seasonal companions so far. I look forward to the the third with great interest.

Thank you for sending the book so timely and in the great shape it was promised that it would be. 5 Stars

Book gives an excellent discussion of the topics of business
and terrorism, 9/11, impact on companies and workers, and government reactions. Interesting section on firms that
are helping in war on terrorism. Good overview of terrorist attacks on American businesses. Nice job.

Terrorism And Business: The Impact Of September 11, 2001 is a serious study that focuses upon the reaction of corporate America, U.S. labor, and the U.S. government to the September 11 attacks. From economic impact to financial markets and broad-ranging effects at local, state, and national levels, Terrorism And Business provides the reader with a solid analysis of present and future repercussions as well as changes to the shape of business in America. A powerful, in-depth study Terrorism And Business is an especially timely and recommended read for those with a keen interest in modern economics and the impact of national and international terrorism upon the global marketplace.

Most books on this subject tend to gloss over the myriad of issues dealing with terrorist events, and only focus on the political aspect. This book provides a comprehensive strategic overview of the economic issues and interrelations dealing with the tradegy of 9/11. The book is also successful in showing how countries across all regions of the world were economically impacted. It's well thought-out, with numerous facts, figures and references that begin the though task of quantifying the impact of 9/11.

While the literature of terrorism is evolving and our understanding of what took place on September 11th is growing, there is little in the area of terrorism and its impact on business. This book does a wonderful job of both reminding us of exactly what happened to many businesses in the months after the attack and setting forth a framework to understand how business and labor will be effected in the ongoing war on terrorism. I highly recommend this book.

"Terrorism and Business" is a welcome addition to the available literature on terrorism that has grown since the events of 9/11. While most books focus on the personalities and groups behind terrorist events and/or the 'high-politics related' options available to the US and its allies in fighting the war against terrorism, this unique book touches on the 'low-politics related' threats to and responses of Corporate America, the Labor Movement, and other relevant actors.

I love how Diane mixes her stories to bring out smiles, frowns, laughs, tears and everything in between. She has a way of telling her experiences growing that puts you there with her. The stories are funny, sad, and put God very much a part of her life.
--brother Bill

Reminisce with Diane, and trigger some of your own joyous memories.
Her stories will make you laugh, others will make you cry. They show that God is always with us.
Receive an inspiring perspective on the beauty of her childhood days in Michigan. Enjoy her vivid description of memories that span from Michigan to South Carolina.
Old and young alike, will enjoy this book. It will lift your spirit!

Delightful short stories filled with humor and heartwarming truths. Each new story of Diane's family life experiences is filled with hope and inspiration. Keeps the reader turning pages wanting to read more.

Diane Dean White has given us so much in her current volume, "Beach Walks." Even though I know her youngest son, Brian, I've never met her in person. Yet, after reading "Beach Walks" it's as though I grew up in the same neighborhood with her children, and maybe even near her during those wonderful childhood years.

Her recollections of the family neighborhood(s), the trips to Florida to visit her grandparents, and the creativity of both parents is really heart-warming. Maybe a family like this one really does exist. Of course it does...Diane grew up in it!

Her poignant illustrations, life applications, and gems of wisdom have made me laugh, have brought tears to my eyes, and have stirred a desire to be closer to those who mean so much in my life.

Her retelling of the children's first dog, "General Lee" was about as funny and as sensitively captivating as any story I've read in a very long time. Her passion for people, for God, and for life is contagious.

This is a volume suitable for just about every occasion. I plan to buy several for gifts.

Do the same. It is money well spent.