Hoffman Books

There is a wonderful quote in this book from a journalist (and a female one at that) which says:

"All the SI bathing suit models are muscular and lean and authentic. They don't mind working up a good sweat. They're proud of the bodies they've worked into shape. There is nothing powdery or gushy about them. In other words the women in the swimsuit issue are not the worse role models a young girl could have."

And she's absolutely right. If I had abs like that I would show them off proudly too!!! Knowing a little bit about physical fitness...I know that it takes a lot of discipline and hard work to get your body to look that toned. The last thing in the world I would do is criticize them for this. I came to SI just by chance I saw the 1995 special on TV and was left majorly impressed at how the young women conducted themselves. They were definitely no ones "hoochies". Actually I was so impressed that when I saw several of them on the covers of various magazines etc.. I immediately remembered their names. And that is not something that happens with everyone.

I never understood the hullabaloo people make about the SI swimsuit issues. I think that it is absolutely wonderful. My favorite period was when Jules Campbell was the editor. The woman definitely had an eye for (tasteful) beauty. It was pure old school: In that while the models were certainly appealing-it was always in a DIGNIFIED WAY-everything about these ladies said "respect me". These women carried themselves with the confidence of Queens. They exuded assurance and implied that they had the world on a string.

The pictures in the book are absolutely exquisite and are worth every penny.

Believe it or not in a world where actresses and film stars often look as if they work in the adult entertainment business. The SI swimsuit models are not the worst role models young girls can have. Thanks ladies for providing such an inspiration to me!

Some great photography of some beautiful subjects. If you've seen the swimsuit issues you know the style. The photos range from around the days of Brinkley to Casta.

The only reason I say it's not quite perfect is that they seem to have been a little too ambitious on the size of the book. Almost every photo is stretched to the limits of the pages, which can make for great impact, but some of the photos have lost a little quality being blown up that much. You can see some graininess in several of the shots; I think most of them are the older ones. Most of the pages are fine however.

It would also have been nice to see some of the body paint pics in here but they are absent.

Overall a nice book.

When I first discovered this one, I almost jumped on it. The Magazine (Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition) itself is almost never to be found in Germany, so this seemed to be the perfect alternative. And don't get me wrong: it's worth every penny, but: the picture quality changes a great deal throughout the book. Some are so good, it makes you cry - others are rather poor blow-ups from the magazine. I would have assumed that with all the production-value that you have here (hardcover, nice binding, dust-jacket etc.) the editors could have done more to exclude pictures with the above-mentioned problems. Another thing: do not expect too many pictures from before 1990, the subtitle "five decades of swimsuit photography" seems a bit misleading.
All in all: high production-value, many rather exciting PG-pictures of beautiful women on the beach and very few disappointments concerning picture quality.

The women in this book are sexy and classy. It can't be easy to combine dignity and a bikini but they manage. The binding seems kind of weak.

A few of the pictures are grainy, and some of the shots are unappealing. But of the good ones, they are truly unique gems of glamour photos. The models in this book are all beautiful, healthy, sexy; and they all have a very positive outlook in their eyes. A very pleasing book to thumb thru on a cold or cast down day.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends TITO THE FIREFIGHTER / TITO EL BOMBERO as a charming bilingual tale about a New York boy who helps a fire station answer a Spanish speaker's call for help, & then gets to ride on the fire engine.

With huge bold pictures by Kimberly Hoffman, Tim Hoppey tells a lively tale that will thrill your children.

Sure, there are fire trucks and firefighters, and big adventure...enough on their own to capture any five-year-old's attention. As a mom, it was my little boy's immediate interest in the Spanish words and phrases that captured mine. Woven into this delightful children's storybook was my son's first Spanish lesson, and a golden opportunity to discuss cultural differences, and how our lives are enriched when we all work together. Thank you, Tim Hoppey.

Me paree increible que alquien se tome el tiempo de escribir en dos idimas para ensenar a los ninos sobre un tema tan interesante, El libro es facil de entender y super bien ilustrado.
Felicitaciones l
Claudia Crilley

I had to bring my favorite book to school for Show and Tell. I brought Tito, the Firefighter because I love firetrucks. I like the story and the pictures, and I learned some new Spanish words. My teacher read it to my class and everyone clapped for Tito. I think you should read this book, too.

The concept of promoting positive community involvement is explained to children through this bilingual picture book, written by a New York City firefighter. This book highlights the fact that firefighters are important members of a community. Bold, bright illustrations complement the simple text that is well suited to emergent readers. This book is sure to appeal to children and would be a solid addition to bilingual picture book collections.

Barbara A. Mascaro, District Elementary Librarian, Brentwood Public Schools, NY

I would have to say the Stravaganza series is one that get's worse in each book. I'm not so sure if the switching main chara's in each book was what did it, but I felt no liking for our third chara.

Because of this, the ending feels rather cheap when we return to Lucien and Arianna. The whole, and they "fell in love and lived happily ever after" only works when the two chara's actually spend time together and develop. That way it doesn't sound so fairy tale like. (I have a strong liking to books like HP, where fantasy feels realistic)

Yes, its exciting, but I wish it had been dull through the beginning, so I didn't rush to the end only to find I would never pick this book up again.

The relationships dont feel whole hearted, but rather, "I'm choosing you cuz I have no other choice and the book is nearly over,"

Also, through the whole series the Pagan worldview is blunt and annoying. The whole, "we worship a woman cuz we dont like men" came off feminist and disturbing. When it was introduced long ago it felt unneeded, since Lucien, and everyone else never felt time to wonder if she was even real. One has to wonder why we even have it?

If you care nothing for religion, and dont find yourself nitpicking over the unreal love in badly written stories (I confess, it's easy to want to live happily ever after no matter what) then you will enjoy this last book.
Why does it seem so many authors rush the last book????

This was a GREAT book. I loved the first book in the series, City of Masks, and thought that none of the sequels could be any better. I was wrong!! The plot is full of twists and turns and so much happens on every page, there were some points I thought I would get lost. The author, however, does a perfect job of distinguishing each plot line and making everything clear. It was great to see all of the characters together and I enjoyed every part of the book. I would definately recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book, but only after reading the first two. This is the sort of book you can read over and over.

This book is a must read!!!! but not unless you've read City Of Masks and City of Stars. Hoffman creates and incredible world in (unfortunately) the last installment of this AMAZING series. You'll want to stay in Talia forever. This book had the perfect combination of love, adventure, suspense, and wit. For those of you who read the first 2 books to me City of Flowers was very shocking but in a good way. *****

this book will make you laugh, cry, sigh, smile, and everything else you can think of !!!!!!!! It is the best book i have ever read and it is certainly the best book for teens!!!!! It has the adventure scenes, romance, fear, bravery, and deep emotion !!!!! READ IT !! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!! AND YOU TO WILL HAVE TO RATE THIS A 5 STAR BOOK !!!!! GO TALIA & LUCIEN,GEORGIA AND SKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot write because i just finished this book and i am still under its spell! it was it was hmmmmTHE MOST AMAZING BOOK IN THE WORLD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT NOW (THAT MEANS ADULTS TOOO) READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT NOW NOW NOW IT WILL AMAZE YOU JUST LIKE IT AMAZED ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is my favorite book of all time. I want to go to Talia soooo badly!!! I find myself wishing this was not a fantasy book. The way it is written, the characters, plot, and setting seem so real and fantastic and intriguing. If you were to read one book in your entire life, I hope this would be it- you need to read it.

this is the 2nd in the Stravaganza series (1st is City of Masks)! Luciano, Silvia,Rodolfo,Enrico, Arianna and many more characters are back in this book. They are joined by another stravagante , Georgia, and many other people such as Cesare, Paolo, Falco and ofcourse the star of the show :Merla (i won't tell who this is gotta read the book). This book is packed with adventure, friendship, bravery and a bit of romance.This is definetly for all ages but especially for all those girls who dream of things that seem impossible. just dont read this before you read city of masks! That will ruin everything! If you have read this already get City Of Flowers! Get reading and remember VIVA LA STRAVAGANZA!!!!!

This book deserves nothing less than than 5 stars! This is by far the best series I have read like ever! But you must read the first book or it will not have the same spark to it! Arianna,Rodolfo, Lucien,Silvia, Enrico and Guido are all back in this fast paced adventure. They are joined by another stravagante:a girl named Georgia,Flaco (DiChimici) , Geatano, Cesare, and Paolo. This book is definetly for all ages but especially for all those girls out there who dream of getting what seems impossible. Whatever you do don't read this before you read City of Masks. If you have, what are you waiting for??? Get to the bookstore ! If you've read this get the next book City of FLowers for more sparkling adventures! Viva la Stravaganza!!!!

It is honestly a great book by mary Hoffman but the City of Mask was better. It seems like the race was the big turning poin of the book and I don't think the race was not all that important. Georgia (new stravagante) comes and I think she is only good for the racing. Lucien doesn't express anything to Arianna or Georgia. Overall a great book but not the best.

I think City of Stars is a really great book because it is exciting, has great charachters, and an interesting plot. I liked City of Masks, also and strongly suggest you read that first to enjoy this book much more. This is a good sequel to City of Masks, I enjoyed meeting Lucien again and I like Georgia, the protagonist. I can't wait for City of Flowers! (The next book in the trilogy will be published soon... I hope!)

I was raised on this book from the age of 3 up, and it never "terrified" me; it was fascinating and a little scary to think these things COULD happen, but overall the lessons from the book stayed with me FOREVER. Stay well-groomed; eat your food; don't play with matches; don't suck your thumb... All great lessons, beautifully illustrated and cleverly told!

RE: "Having been raised with this book and terrified by it sixty years ago, I cannot recommend it as a child-rearing tool for the new millenium. I would hope that the parents of today would have developed better ways of socializing and civilizing their children."

I have to disagree. Parents of today obviously have not developed a better way of socializing and civilizing their childen. kids are crazy, rude, obnoxious and don't care about manners anymore these days. Adults have no control over their kids because of what you CAN'T do or say to your kids. Instill fear on kids again. It worked for me and it worked or my kid. This book has been handed down from generation to generation in our family. None of us ever got in trouble and we have learned respect for ourselves and others. Take a look at the kids of today. They are your future. Scarey, isn't it? You may want to reconsider your thinking.

As I just wanted to redeem a gift certificate and on this line looking for some books written in German I found Der Struwwelpeter that has been one of may be the best books to teach me as child like later as father to educate my 3 children. Meanwhile, each of them are living in his/her own families...together with their children and Der Struwwelpeter...That's great.

I am a American student learning German as my second language. My German teacher recently purchased this book and I thought it was wonderful!! It's a good book to read to children and it makes me not want to play with fire! :) I can't understand every word in the book because I'm only in my second year of learning German but what I can read of it is great! When I am older, much older, I hope to teach my child/children english and german at the same time. I also plan to read this book to them. Having children is a FAR way off but it's a plan! And don't worry about me talking about children because I plan to be married and 26 or 27 when that happens! lol.

This is a classic German children's book. My parents read this to me when I was a child; it was one of my favorite books. The book teaches children about manners. It teaches you that when you do something wrong, there are consequences. Der Struwwelpeter was originally written about 150 years ago.

"The Traditions of the Jews" 1748, Stehelin's selected English translation of Eisenmenger's "Entdecktes Judenthum", remained in obscurity for over 250 years until this republication by Independent History & Research. The 1700 Eisenmenger book has been kept in rabbinical libraries as their own secret source of authentic Jewish beliefs. In his introduction, Michael A. Hoffman II sets the work in its Enlightenment context. Though Enlightenment philosophers were re-examining the Churchianity and priestcraft then current among Christian denominations, Judaic intellectuals such as Saul Ascher rejected the re-examination of Judaism.

Contrary to establishment characterizations of Eisenmenger as prejudiced, Eisenmenger's opposition to Judaism was ideologically and intellectually based, in opposition to the prejudice and racism of Judaism that Eisenmenger documented.

Hoffman's footnote on p. 17 is priceless. His introduction to this book is a major educational Enlightenment.

Some examples of almost unimaginable rabbinic megalomania: P.717, p.418, p.557, p.349, p.573, p.296, p.364, p.370, and many others. All of Eisenmenger's quotes are footnoted with the section of the Talmud or Kabbalah that they are taken from. Eisenmenger makes timely comments to the rabbinic literature he documents. The book is in plain language and I found it easy to read.

A. E.- Baltimore

This 2006 reprint of J.P. Stehelin's 1748 _The Traditions of the Jews_ is an abridgement of a much longer work, _Entdecktes Judenthum_, a two volume tome originally published by Professor Eisenmenger in 1700. Eisenmenger was a Lutheran scholar of the Hebrew and Aramaic languages, in 1700 who studied Jewish texts, including the Talmud and other rabbinic documents, and translated excerpts of these into German for publication. The text itself is beautiful--preserving the original 18th century font. In spite of the sometimes archaic spellings and letter shapes, the font is easy to read because of its large size. Hoffman's introduction sheds some light on the history of this book's publication and subsequent banning and seizure by wealthy Jews in Frankfort because it documents the Jewish teachings regarding Christ and followers of Christianity. The introduction also gives some examples of this book's influence on the European intellectual and literary climate of the later 18th and the 19th century. The worst thing about this book is that it is still an abridgement. Stehelin, who may or may not have been the actual translator, did not translate the entire corpus of Eisenmenger's work into English. As such, this edition does not contain much of the material that made the original German edition so controversial. It does, however, contain page after page of extremely bizarre stories and fables derived from Jewish sources. As Hoffman's introduction relates, on page 57:

"It seems likely that Stehelin, or his party, desired to publish Eisenmenger in English in order to show forth the annals Talmudic and Midrashic fantasies. Stehelin's prolegomenon to _The Traditions of the Jews_ allowed him to distance himself from Eisenmenger's explications and conclusions, while acting as the curator and custodian in the English-speaking world of the exotic, Xanadu-like treasures discovered as the result of Eisenmenger's indefatigable exhumations."

Anybody interested in bizarre and irrational thought for its own sake, as I am, will find plenty of fascinating material in this book. Hopefully the complete unabridged text of Eisenmenger's 1700 edition will be published in an English translation some time in the future. This is a book that must be brought to the attention of thoughtful people on the book's own merits, not whether the book is considered "anti-Semitic."

I also recommended: _Jesus in the Talmud_ by Shafer, _Judaism's Strange Gods_ by Hoffman, and _Jewish History, Jewish Religion_ by Shahak.

This is a magnum opus of vitriolic poison. Drinking from this fountain of hatred will get the reader no closer to truth.

It is unfortunate Eisenmenger's other books are not translated. I'm considering undertaking that project myself. In the meantime, you won't be disappointed. This a badly needed critique of Talmudic Judaism. Israel Shahak lifted a lot of his material from Eisenmenger. And many others have been inspired to study the anti-Christian and anti-nonjewish rhetoric of the Talmud. It was Eisenmenger who opened Western eyes to what was hidden in the Hebrew tongue. Eisenmenger studied the Talmud in its original language and was shocked at what he read. Eisenmenger has done the public a great service, and his works are a blessing for us today.

This is a great book and a must read for anybody who wants to study this subject.

The book reviews the newest treatments of a really complex disorder. It also has some of the most recognized experts that work with addiction. It helps you understand addiction and it is a great source to help addicts.

This book and DVD set were so informative and they help the person or persons that have an addict in their life understand the decisions that the addicts make.

This book was very informative and educational. I even earmarked a couple pages that I will reference in the future. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking to understand substance addiction, it's causes, effects and treatment options.

Highly recommended.

This book starts off with Al-Gore-type big lettering at the beginning, which I guess is supposed to subdue us into accepting its message. Next come CAT scans of brain slices, showing "addicts" on drugs. I guess this is designed to cull those of us who have never seen a CAT scan before into thinking that it means something or proves something. Next come a bunch of scare stories on addiction. The overall ideology of this book is that the human brain on drugs is "hijacked", and that once addicted, the addict is can't stop using. Not withstanding the "all or nothing" approach here, which obviously is wrong, the "hijacked brian" or "diseases brain" has already been refuted (for instance, read the book "One Nation Under Therapy", by two clinical psychologists, which totally refutes the "brain hijacked by drugs" theory.

This book is hugely disappointing, and does not reflect the current thinking on addiction. What it does reflect is the addiction treatment centers, which of course have a vested interest in making us believe that we can't quit substances without their expensive "treatment" plans. I find it interesting that people can't see beyond this in the U.S., that there is a pharmacological/medical/treatment complex. In short, let's face it, there is no money to be made if we all just stop using and don't need pharma products, $ 200-an hour therapy, and "in-patient treatment" centers.

Despite this, we all know people who quit various drugs, without "treatment".

To read the current thinking on addiction, see Miller of Univ. New Mexico and read up on Motivational Interviewing. This book is not, and I repeat, NOT up to date on current thinking in this field.

The reality is, millions of people have quit even the most serious addictions on their own, without expensive in-patient "treatment" or 12-step programs. In the U.S., we have allowed some people masquerading as "experts" to cull us into this ideology. It is time we start to say: the emperor has no clothes !

If possible, I need to order (1) copy of the old VHS Video cassette in "Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop".

Please e-mail me if available.

Thank you for an opportunity to respond.

Long on joy and short on perils, this book is full of mathematical excitement. The thirteen chapters, each of which could stand alone as a mathematical essay, describe some of the most fascinating problems in pure and applied mathematics. Although some of the problems have remained unsolved for centuries, the book is so well written that even someone who has never heard of the problem will have no trouble understanding it or the solution.
The first three chapters deal with number theory, and the accent is on the use and limitations of computers in solving problems. Emphasis is placed on the famous cattle problem of Archimedes, which is the source of the book's title. Chapter four deals with cryptography and explains some of the historical consequences of faulty codes. The famous Beale ciphers are explained in detail.
The large egg pictured on the cover is the topic of chapter five, with extensive forays into the tiling of surfaces. Of particular interest is the fact that the topic of the first paper of James Clerk Maxwell was the construction of true egg shapes. The computer solution of the famous four-color problem is covered in chapter seven, with new directions in the use of computer graphics cited.
Turing machines and NP complete problems along with the possibility of a combinatorial explosion are the topics of chapters eight, nine and ten. Particular emphasis is placed on the chess-playing computer. Chapters twelve and thirteen deal with the mathematical flaws in the search for a perfect democratic system. Whether contrived or from history, the examples are fascinating and at times counter-intuitive.
An excellent source of material for anyone researching an essay in mathematics, this book deserves a place in all libraries.

Well written and the author anticipates current interest in number theory
and cryptography. It reminded me very much of the earlier Martin Gardner " Mathematical Magic Show".

This book is perfect for math buffs. The author discusses the
intricacies of dot patterns, prime numbers, codes, geometric
shapes, conic forms, states and the Palindrom check-just to
mention a few of the topics treated. Math majors would find this
work a delight. It is perfect for a school math project.
You could also develop a thesis from some of the challenges
proposed in this book. It is worth the price for persons
interested in higher mathematics and the sciences. It could be
useful for computer scientists and machine language specialists.

This book might always have come across as a disjointed read (as it delves into four separate areas of mathematics) but it also suffers because these areas fail to hold the reader's attention. The four sections covered are number theory, shapes and topology, computer science, and the mathematics of voting.

Of the four, the number theory section is the most interesting, but a more in-depth and charming analysis of this area of mathematics can be found in Simon Singh's two books: Fermat's Last Theorem and The Code Book.

The chapter on computing machines is weakened by the fact that the book was published first in 1989 and consequently is rather dated.

Overall I would describe this book as a page-turner but only in the sense that I skipped pages to swiftly conclude certain chapters.

Most people have math-phobia, which is too bad, because math exhibits a certain beauty and perfection. The great thing about Paul Hoffman's "Archimedes' Revenge" is that he shows you the beauty and perfection without your having to be a math major to understand.

Moreover, for anyone who's wondered what use math is, Hoffman can answer that as well. Among the subjects covered are: cryptology (code making and code breaking), architecture, computer science, and political science.

The book is divided into a number of sections, ranging from number theory to topology to game theory. While these may sound like esoteric (and useless) concepts, Hoffman masterfully weaves in stories, such as the (in)famous Beale cipher, a secretly coded treasure map that has resisted all attempts to crack it for over 100 years.

I recommended to a colleague of mine that she buy this book for her teenage son, who is bright but a slacker. She reported that he raved about the book and was so eager to discuss it with her!

As an example of the sort of thing covered in this book, Hoffman describes a game where A, B, and C all have balloons and darts. A hits his target 80% of the time; B hits his target 60% of the time; and C hits his target 40% of the time. If each person attacks his strongest opponent, who wins most often? Surprisingly, the answer is C, because A and B concentrate their attacks on each other.

In summary, if you have math-phobia but would like to conquer it, this is a great place to start. There are no equations to speak of, just concepts explained in (relatively) plain English. It may take a couple of readings to understand it all, but it's definitely within grasp for those who progressed no farther than Algebra 2 in high school.

To all of you who got this book for your kids and were so dissapointed with it: The last word in the title of the book is "gourmet". Nothing about the word gourmet ever involves kids. Don't buy this book for kids. Buy it for adults, like I did. I got for someone who is a major "foodie" and loves the food network and never had an Easy Bake oven as a kid. Of course "Cooking with Mommy" is a great book for kids. But not a good book for my friend, he doesn't want to cook with mommy.

I recently saw the author interviewed on "Unwrapped", and knew I had to have this book. Yep, I was one of those who always wanted - but never got - an Easy-Bake Oven! The book is a blast. The trivia and facts are interesting, and I especially loved reading the chefs recollections of their first experiences cooking with one. Some of the recipes are quite complex (I'm not sure I'd even be capable of trying them in a regular oven!) but that's all part of the fun. Would love to see a show like this on TV, where chefs compete to create gourmet dishes using a not so gourmet (but hugely popular) item. Anyone at Food Network listening?!?

Well I will have a blast with this book but my daughter asked me mommy whats a quail? I knew we were a bit out of our range with this book with the first recipe in being roasted hot mexican peppers. I was dissapointed that there was no recipe for pretzels, I remember making those as a kid? They needed more kid friendly feasts. We loved the old school photos in the book, history and the photo essay of changes through the ages with the oven.
But...
Then I saw the the Warm Kumquat-and-date Sticky Toffee Pudding? bleeech!

if you want a book to show you how to make your own easy bake mixes for the fraction on the cost, this is NOT the book for you. buy the Baking with Mommy Cookbook: Recipes for Kid-size oven. (highly recommended)

this is a great book if you want to see the history of the oven and other really cool facts. the recipes are great for OLDER teens and adults. what kid really wants something with lobster in it? i got it for my kids when they get older. i thought it might be a neat thing to look through.
ok...i also wanted to hit the $25 mark for the free shipping.

Having fond memories of my sister's Easy-Bake oven and being a fan of cooking shows, I enjoyed thumbing through the Easy-Bake Oven Gourmet. Being rather practical, I was glad that "Warm Memories" recipes from past Easy-Bake oven cookbooks were included; my kids and I are more likely to try those than the more complicated recipes created by the well-known chefs. I'd agree with an earlier reviewer that Kristen Joyal's Baking with Mommy Cookbook is a better choice for families who want delicious kid-sized oven recipes that are kid-friendly in terms of ease and taste.

The sequel to the first, Hungry Eyes, is almost as good as the first. It's addictive, thrilling, and well written. The characters are strong and easily latched on to (except Shara gets on my nerves a little at times.) A lot happens, and the ending was an incredible finish. An excellent sequel to Hungry Eyes, if you were left wanting more -- this is a great runner up. Even as a stand alone book, Eyes of Prey is a great read with a multitude of social commentaries.

This would have to have been the most amazing book i have read to date. Barry Hoffman is superb. I think it was one of those books where you just care so much about the characters and you just get sucked right in. As i said before, an amazing read that i would recommend highly to anyone...

The second novel in the "Eyes" series by Barry Hoffman is EYES OF PREY. This novel is to HUNGRY EYES what SALEM'S LOT was to CARRIE. It's longer, more detailed, delves deeper into what makes the characters tick, has a number of returning characters from the first novel, and touches somewhat on the supernatural. This time around the story deals with Lysette Ormandy (a.k.a. Cassandra Knight) who was almost beaten to death as a child, while she watched her family being murdered. Now, Lysette's a stripper in Philadelphia and performs under the persona of her assumed name. One night while riding home on the subway, she watches as a mugger pistol-whips an old man for his wallet. Remembering how her family was killed, she recklessly intervenes to help the victim, snatching the gun away from the surprised mugger and then shooting him in the head when he tries to knife her. Believing that the police will arrest Lysette for homicide, the old man tells her to run. It isn't long, however, before Lysette is considered to be a hero by the good citizens of Philadelphia. The police, led by Lamar Briggs and assisted by Deidre Caffrey, want her to voluntarily come in, but something changed within Lysette the night she killed the mugger. She's tired of being a victim and wants to be able to walk the streets at night without fear of being attacked. This leads her to doing what Charles Bronson did in the movie Death Wish--she begins patrolling the streets and playgrounds, killing only when attacked by the night predators. She's soon nicknamed the Nightwatcher, a protector of the people...a woman who isn't going to be intimidated by the muggers and rapists. Soon, the people of the city are rallying against crime and are attempting to take back the streets for their families and children. The police aren't happy with this. They're afraid innocent bystanders are going to be killed before it's over. An all out effort is made to track down the Nightwatcher, but someone else is also looking for her. Feeling connected to this new vigilante in some mysterious way, Shara Farris has returned to the city of brotherly love, instinctively understanding that she's the only one who can find her. EYES OF PREYS takes this remarkable series to a new level of intensity and excitement. Mr. Hoffman delivers in full force, offering us a slightly different take on the usual "vigilante" format, mixed with subtle supernatural overtones. He gives us a darker, more complex lead character in the form of Lysette Ormandy, while at the same time, fleshing out the returning characters of Deidre Caffrey and Lamar Briggs in much greater detail. There's even a secret organization called "The Fist" that's made up of several extremely rich and powerful men, who seek to control the status quo by manipulating events to their own satisfaction, resorting to murder and assassination when necessary. If that isn't enough, there's also an unusual area of woodland near the beach that Lysette likes to frequent in order to relax and calm down from the stress of her rather unusual activities. It's a small forest where strange things seem to happen to those who walk through it. In EYES OF PREY, Barry Hoffman has weaved a delicious morality tale of revenge and redemption, mixed with edge-of-your-seat suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages at a frantic pace, hurrying to find out what happens next, not to mention an array of strong female characters who aren't afraid to take the matter of justice into their own capable hands. I'm anxious to read JUDAS EYES and discover in what the direction the series is now headed. I sincerely hope Mr. Hoffman will further explorer "The Fist" in his future novels. Not only is this is an organization that I want to learn more about, but because of the way it's described, I can't help but wonder if there's an element of truth behind this deadly entity. Anyway, if you want some good bedtime reading, picked up a copy of EYES OF PREY, then check out Mr. Hoffman's other novels, HUNGRY EYES and BORN BAD.

Barry Hoffman has outdone himself again. This sequel to Hungry Eyes is just as good as the original if not better!!!

To my shock, Hoffman has left Leisure because a lack of PR, but this guy is too talented to remain unsigned by a major publishing house. He has a keen insight to sociological issues and is branching out to include the supernatural (Or so I am led to believe by Judas Eyes, which I will review when I get my hot little hands on it). YEAH!!!!

This novel is so good on sooo many levels. Hoffman's signature characterization is splendid here and he includes a whole cast of personalitites here. He writes a smooth story and as previously written in other reviews, he has a clear and concise voice, avoiding "over-writing."

Hoffman is going to become a great writer and I am shocked he is only selling in the 200,000's on Amazon.com. This guy needs to be displayed to the public so they can gobble up everything this man dishes out! I for one am a life-long fan and will search out is work! And I was only so-so happy with the first novel I read by him, BORN BAD. That was a decent novel, still worth reading, just not overtly impressive. Sorry, Barry!!

Look up the Prey series, you'll be glad and so will your mind!!

Once I started I didn't want to stop. It has just the right amount of suspense, drama, and supernatural and at just the right times. These characters are almost like people he knows rather then people he has created. I didn't read Hungry eyes-yet. But it was nice that these characters were able to stand by themselves without having to read a book before or after to figure out who they are. I know they have a history; I don't need every detail as to why shara and deirdre have the relationship they do I know them and I can fill in the blanks...I eagerly await any sequels and hope Barry hurries up...