Perry Books

The new addition updates this classic for the 21 century. The importance of history and examination continues to be the foundation, the limitations of imaging studies as well as their strengths are fully discussed. A most have for anyone caring for patients with abdominal pain.

As a General Surgeon in an undeveloped country (Dominican Republic) I have found this book very practical in order we may diagnosis in and acute abdominal pathology without the help of TAC. Must of the time we use clinics and ultrasound and the book gives the keys for a close aproximation to the diagnosis.
Perhaps is a popular book in USA but we have no translation of it in Spanish and I think it is excellent for helping medical students and residents to improve in their knowledge about acute abdomen.

historical point of view of surgical practice, this book give a concise but extremely useful method of clinical thinking.
items were treated with a logical approach, in a frendly manner , with wisdom and experience.
best then the chapters in the surgical or emergency txtbooks.

One of the most influential medical texts ever. Cope's work gets only more relevant with increasing fragmentation of care. I would argue the book is especially useful for those NOT planning a career in surgery. The work is concise, accurate, and filled with memorable language. If you spend half an hour on the appendicitis section you should be equipped to make the diagnosis correctly. Other sections are equally good, as Dr. Silen has the sense not to fix what is not broken.

I readed this book the first time 26 years ago, and it gave me a "sixth" sence as a suregon. Today I, as orthopaedical surgeon still have in my mind the essentials of the Dr. Cope's master-piece. I think it must be as a duthy ("a must be read book") in every serious medical school, to teach alumnii the surgeon's mind...even if the alumnii goes to clinical areas later on.

The map is terrific, but what sets this apart from an ordinary map is all the additional information and travel tips you receive along with it. It provides a wealth of "quick" reference information by identifying each location and then summarizing the different activities included in them. I haven't actually had the opportunity to use it on location yet, but it has been a tremendous aid in planning our travel and activities.

I just returned from Cozumel and this map was a great thing to have. It helped us a lot before going on our trip to kind of plan what we were going to do. It had great insider information that I trusted 100%. Every comment on the map was completely true. I highly recomend this to anyone planning a trip to Cozumel.

I was disappointed in the map, thought it was more, but that's not your fault. Service was excellant as always.
Thank you
Kathy Crone

Excellent coverage of Cozumel. ... Maps are available of Cancun, Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Playa de Carmen, and soon Isla Mujeres and Chichen Itza.

I buy new maps yearly, because the changes year to year are so drastic. Get one or all before you go!

We just returned from Cozumel, and used this map a lot. It had great advice, and was easy to read. There were lots of tips packed into a convenient package.

This is one of the best mystery books that I have read in a long time. The characters were very believable, and the story line made me keep turning the pages. This mystery is phenomenal without a predictable ending! A must read.

A great mystery read, one that takes off with a great story line, and plot. An excellent read, and it will keep you guessing. And this story line is so great it will keep you at the end of your seat! A must read for anyone that loves mystery books. Like Mary Higgins Clark, Kathy Perry, does a great story line in the way she writes. This is a 5 star and a must read!

This is a great read. I like how the author Kathy Perry, wrote the story line. All though the book she had the turns and twists going! But, WOW! The way she made everything come together in the end was magical! This book rates 5 stars from me. I never left my seat until the entire book was read! I JUST COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.! I hope this goes to film for this would be one best seller. I can't wait for the sequel,I hope another cliff hanger, what a plot! I am looking forward to "Brotherly Love." Thank you for this wonderful read.

This novel "Haunted Past," sure was an eye opener for me. Like all great mysteries, this held my interest, and had me turning pages, to see what turn it was going to take next.Like all great mystery writers this author, has made it interesting enough that you really don't want to put the book down. The author Kathy Perry, has done some really great work here, and has made this book tops in the mystery field. I along with many of my family members are looking forward to, "Brotherly Love." For the author to cover up the person, that was evil took some really great planning, on her part. I feel that this author will make the sequel to "Haunted Past," just as inviting. For those who hasn't read "Haunted Past," as yet, I suggest they do. It is one great mystery and written very well. I give this a 5 star rating. I also feel that this mystery story will make a great film. I have to say author kathy perry, has a great web site as well. You can reach it at; .... Check it out. Good luck to this new author. Once again a really great mystery story line. Thumbs up!

To sum up this Book by Kathleen Perry "haunted past" I just want to say it is a 5 Star book filled with Mystery, and Suspense. Awesome Book-Go Get it!!!!! Great Job!!! The best book I read in 15 years since "The Outsiders" by SE Hinton.

Readers looking to select a book about death, dying, and the afterlife come in two broad categories--those who have already found answers and are looking for books that reaffirm and don't challenge their beliefs, and those who may have found answers, but are still open to hearing about others' experiences. Readers of the second type--the seekers--will find much of interest in Yvonne Perry's collection of firsthand accounts, More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife.
Perry's point of view is by no means dispassionate and objective. She writes movingly about her own near death experiences and the spiritual journey that compelled her to study these subjects. No one religious ideology overlays the book. Rather, she shares views and experiences of many people, well-documented in her bibliography.
In "Souls and Ceremonies" (Chapter 4), Perry takes a fascinating look at the rituals of death from a historical perspective--from early Egyptian practices to modern embalming in the U.S. after the Civil War. Particularly interesting and comforting were the true stories of near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and spiritual visitation.
Perry's honest, straight-forward style is not bogged down by a lot of jargon or diversions that wander from the subject at hand. Seekers will appreciate this book and be glad for the time they've invested in hearing others' experiences with the Greatest Mystery on Earth.

The book touched on some subject that are sometimes considered taboo.
But, very important to look at them and understand them. Liked the book.

This book offers something for everyone. Whether you are new to learning about the near death experience (NDE) or have studied the phenomenon for years, this title holds a number of insights. Filled with multiple personal stories told from several points of view (including friends and relatives of the departed as well as those who've experienced an NDE), the stories are enlightening and comforting.

Many people question what will happen in the hereafter. Perry's book offers reassurance and comfort to those who've recently lost a loved one or are questioning their own existence.

I came upon this book at a time when I was looking for spiritual answers about Life/ Death and why we are here. The book spoke directly to some of the issues I was struggling with as well as areas of related interest. It is written in a manner that is easy to read without being condescending.
I appreciated the stories but even more the information about burial options, living wills and the commentary about how we handle death and the dead in our culture. I found the near death experiences and stories about contacting loved ones on the other side particularly comforting because they come from the experiences of average people, not folks preaching an ideology or trying to make a buck. I was also surprised to find my own experiences and developing beliefs validated by many of them.
My thanks to the author, this is one I'll hang on to.

The book was serendipity. At age 55, I realized that I was on
the downhill slide, and white knuckling it, on the way down.
My fear of death led me in search of reassurance, answers,
and peace. This book gave it to me. The stories were told by
every day people and by the author as well. I felt a great
sense of relief and peace upon finishing the book.
Dale Morrison

FINALLY!, here is a book that shows the practicality of faith for young people, specifically African American teenage males. As a mentor for an all African American high school athletic team and the older brother of a high school athlete, I found this book to be a great conversation starter for many of the issues faced by the aforementioned demographic and generally the teenage Christian population. Moore doesn't shy away from the issues of sex, drugs, the ensuing "teenage love affair" difficulties, complications of progressive friendship, and/or other issues normally quieted in Christian culture. Instead, she offers the simply, yet fervent prayers of Perry, the novels protagonist, and follows up with his clearly demonstrated actions of faith to see those prayers come to fruition.

As a recent graduate with an honors degree in English and World Literatures, I also find the novels easy to read and audience appropriate. My younger brother and I often finish the books included in this series within a days time. We enjoy every moment of it!

Perry Skky, Jr. is a very talented high school football player, and he's being recruited by the best colleges. He's an A student and a popular guy in school. It seems a lot of girls want him, but he's not like his player friends, Damarius & Cole. Perry's heart belongs to one girl, and that's Tori. He desires to share all of himself with her, but Tori's Christian beliefs keep him from getting what he wants. Being a Christian himself, Tori's decision is the right choice for both of them, but Perry's relationship with the Lord is a bit off track, so he doesn't always have God's will in mind. He does, however, get to where honoring God becomes his top priority... eventually, that is.
I don't know the first thing about football, so the many chapters about college recruiting and football games weren't interesting. But that's just me. However, Stephanie Perry Moore has enough knowledge about football to hold the attention of every reader who has an interest in this sport.
Perry's relationships with his family, his boys (their situations helped him to start appreciating being abstinent), and the opposite sex (quite a bit of drama there) - that is what kept me turning the pages. Perry rededicates his life to God during the story, getting his walk with the Lord back on track. He intends to put God first in all that he does, and by the end of the story he is beginning a relationship with a girl who feels as strongly about pleasing God as he does.
After reading this first book in the Perry Skky, Jr. Series, I did not hesitate to purchase Book 2 - Pressing Hard. I'm interested in finding out how well Perry resists temptation with his new girlfriend; someone he became attracted to when he claimed he was in love with Tori.
I recommend this novel to teens and adults who love to read YA fiction. And as for young people who are reluctant readers, this could be the one that ignites a passion for reading.

I really love Perry. He's a great character and a good role model for young men. I've always loved Stephanie Perry Moore's books but I hate how she always makes her characters either the star of their sports team, Miss Popularity, or like in the case of the Laurel Shadrach series a person who dates the popular star jock. Can't she write about any other types of characters? I also hate how it seems that although it has been two years, Payton's life is still exactly the same and the fact they killed off Dakari's brother.

Being a Young African American Christian Male myself, this book indeed shows the stuggles that young men go through trying to live there lives on the straight and narrow with everything that swarms around the world. I have read the first two books in the series, and i plan on buying the next two. Great Book! Keep up the phenomenal work.

This is a great book for teens and young adults. It's hip and with the programme and talks about stuff that teens and young adults talk about and deal with on a daily basis. Things like curfew, sex, virginity, going steady, dealing with parents - it's all here. There's no preaching down or preaching at - just real talk. I'm a mother and I enjoyed the book. It also gave me MORE insight into what kids deal with today. Sometimes as adults, we forget what growing up is like. Even if you are not a christian you will enjoy this book.

Payton Skky Series2, very good book, love it's story, well written and leaves you satisfied to continue on to the next chapters. Highly recommended.

Mrs. Moore does it again. She has written another outstanding book in a series that makes you look forward to reading the next one. Originally I brought this book for my pre-teen daughter because she read all the books in the "Carmen Browne" pre-teen series. I read this book first and decided it was not for pre-teens. The story lines are too mature for her now. Because the stories are true to life and well written, I plan to save them for her to read later.

Mrs. Moore has an excellent way of addressing real life issues and demonstrating how young people can make God honoring choices in each situation. How refreshing to read a quality book.

I could totally relate to this book. Even mmore, because this takes place in the Georgia-S.Carolina area, anD that's where i live!!!!I just finished it today!!!!!! it was great. i wont spoil if for you but plz go out and read it. if your not sure then first read it from ur library(like i did!)

I gave 4.5/5 because there were some words/phrases I didnt quite understand, but that is probably because im 12. ;)

I cant wait to read Stephanie's other books

This book was even better than the first and I can't wait to get copies of the rest of the series. A great read for young christians and older ones as well. Buy it for your daughters...they will love it.

When I got the 1st book of the Payton Skky Series(was a gift!) I didn't read it right away, but when I did I was truly blessed and had to read them all! A lot of the choices Payton made were poor ones that could have easily been stopped if she used her head,for instance,telling Tad the truth about her date with Dakari to the prom. Tad truly had to have been sent from God because everytime she messed up he always forgave her.I really wish Stephanie Perry Moore wouldn't stop at book 5 of the series and continue ministering to my life because as Tad is a blessing to Payton she is a blessing to me!

i liked the pictures in the book though there is not a whole lot of written material on Tibet. it is a perfect book for someone who is curious about Tibet with all its beatiful pictures and some history. this is a good book to ocassionally go through the pictures again. it is an excellent book to show to a friend who drops by your house or a gift to your children.

The following is a review of The Tibetans: Photographs by Art Perry that appeared in the December issue of Photo Metro magazine.

Perhaps the best book to date on Tibet. This work goes beyond the easy cliche images of dramatic landscapes and content-less smiling figures that populate so many other books. This is no parachute in, shoot pix, and fly out to publishers and galleries book. Perry spent five years on the project and represents both the beauty and the grit of day-to-day life. It shows. The book is quite well designed with intelligent text by Robert Thurman.

The following is a review of Art Perry The Tibetans: Photographs that appeared in The Toronto Globe and Mail, April 8, 2000.

(Headline:"Turning the spotlight on photography books," by Martin Levin.) For many years, B.C. writer and photographer Art Perry has documented threatened cultures, including the Nubians and the Mayans. Here he turns his attention, and his fine black-and-white photographic sensibility, on Tibetans, the world's most famous enigmatic people. Perry takes us to remote monasteries, up the Chang Tang Plateau and to the Tibetan exile communities in India and Nepal. The whole conveys a powerful sense of meaning - and loss.

The following article appeared in The Vancouver Sun, May 10, 2000

'Tibetan images snag major prize for local photographer' by Michael Scott, Sun Visual Art Critic

Vancouver photographer Art Perry has won a major international award for his large-format photographic book The Tibetans: Photographs. Perry, an instructor at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, becomes the second winner of the $30,000 Roloff Beny Photography Book Award at a ceremony in Toronto. (Magnum photographer Larry Towell received the first Beny Award for his book El Salvador.) The publisher of Perry's 1999 book, Viking Studio (an imprint of Penguin Books), will share in the award, receiving a $20,000 prize of its own. Perry spent five years collecting images of Buddhist societies in the Himalayas, working primarily in Tibet, but travelling also to Ladakh and Nepal. Last year, the Washington Post named his book one of the year's 10 best. A Vancouver Sun reviewer wrote: "Perry takes us from the slightly familiar markets and brothels of Lhasa clear through to the monasteries and mountaintops that have not been otherwise documented. The text is as clear-eyed as the pictures, but the message it contains is not entirely pretty. Though Buddhism practiced by the Tibetans will certainly endure, Tibetan Buddhist culture is very much under attack, perhaps by we western cultural imperialists, certainly by the country's Chinese occupiers. Read it, or just look at the pictures, and those Free Tibet bumper stickers will seem a lot more immediate." Here in Vancouver, Perry teaches a multi-disciplinary course at Emily Carr on the history of bohemianism - a course that covers film, punk rock and jazz as well as visual art. (I start by telling my students to stay up all night before coming to class," he jokes.) Perry also teaches a course in contemporary literature, a field that has sparked his interest in his own Irish roots. He says he will spend part of the Beny prize money on a sabbatical year in County Monaghan in northern Ireland. Perry plans to pursue both writing and photography during this time. "I have to say I am very, very honoured to be receiving this award," he says. "My father had some of Roloff Beny's big books and I grew up handling those incredible pages. There aren't people in those images, but they were lush and magnificent." Expatriate Canadian photographer Roloff Beny made an international name for himself in the 1970s and early 1980s chronicling a world of sensual beauty, with major large-format books on subjects such as pre-revolutionary Iran and Italy. He died in 1984.

The following is an article that appeared in the National Post, Toronto, May 11, 2000

(Headline: Photography book award, by Finbarr O'Reilly, National Post)

Vancouver-based photographer Art Perry has won the second Roloff Beny Photography Book Award for The Tibetans. The country's top photography book award, presented last night in Toronto, earns Perry a cash prize of $30,000. His American publisher, Viking Studio/Penguin Putnam, also gets $20,000, while two runners-up, Courtney Milne and Linda Rutenberg, get $5,000 each. Perry, who is a lecturer at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, spent five years travelling throughout Tibet and the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal, documenting with a camera the people he met along the way - monks, nomads, city dwellers. Through the Dalai Lama, Perry gained access to seldom-visited monasteries in remote regions where he captured a traditional way of life that is being threatened by the Chinese occupation of Tibet. In a current project, the Ottawa-born Perry has been documenting in both writing and photographs the fractured cultures of Northern and Southern Ireland. The project, which he began in 1998, is a lifelong dream of Perry, whose family is from Belfast. The award was created in memory of Roloff Beny, a world-renowned photographer who was born in Medicine Hat, Alta., and is intended to encourage excellence in photograph publishing.

There are many great books on life in Communist China...Wild Swans, Life and Death in Shanghai, Mandate of Heaven, Iron and Silk etc.....Confessions is a great addition to the field.

Well translated and utterly captivating and scary. A look into the horrors of life under Mao's totalitarianism.

Some guys might be put off from Life and Death in Shanghai or Wild Swans which are told from very strong female points of view....Confessions is from a males point of view...I am not saying the other books are chick books and this is a guys book...but to some who might not want to read about generations of females this is a good alternative.

Its a great book and I hope it reaches a wide group of readers.

In his highly readable memoirs Yale University Professor Kang Zhengguo almost apologizes for not having it so rough in the Chinese Communist prison where he suffered privation and humiliation for three years, from September 1968 to September 1971. He reminds us that others have had it far worse, and points us to their books. But his tale of the common ailments including constipation and hunger that he and other prisoners suffered under the tyrannical rule of Mao Zedong's all-knowing and all-powerful party apparatus might be enough anyway to bring beads of sweat to a reader's brow. And for this precocious child of Xian, Shaanxi Province, who would never stop reading or learning or thinking, the prison term imposed for ordering Boris Pasternak's Dr. Zhivago by mail from the Moscow University Library in the "revisionist" Soviet Union was not the least of his suffering.

The Cultural Revolution rendered an already ailing China almost useless as a productive country. In a land where education and scholarship had been given almost religious importance for more than 2,000 years, questions and the people who asked them suddenly became suspect. Students took over classrooms; workers became the arbitrary, vengeful bosses. Kang Zhengguo's father always urged him to stick to the sciences as he was growing up in a middle class family in Xian - knowing instinctively and through his own suffering that books and the ideas in them could ruin a person. That's the way it was under the Communist tyrants. Yet Kang would read, and write, like his grandfather before him. Suffering was his calling.

His writing and reading cost him his place at college, alienated him from his father, landed him in prison, left him a second-class citizen for a decade and haunts him even now, he explains in Confessions: An Innocent Life in Communist China. He can't return to China - or won't. The last time he was there, in the enlightened year 2000, he was detained and interrogated and threatened for two days. Only his connections to Yale saved him. The Chinese citizen has no power in China, not political power anyway. Mao's death in 1976 changed little and the reforms of Deng Xiaoping brought economic prosperity for a few but at the price of everyone forgetting that they were stuck in a political quagmire. Kang Zhengguo escaped all that for the idyllic life of the bookish language teacher in New Haven, Conn. His writing got him in trouble, then provided his escape valve. His story will be especially compelling to writers and others who trade in ideas. But it will provide delightful reading for any student of China, filling in the details of the lives of ordinary people living through an extraordinary time in world history. - THOMAS BRENT ANDREWS / more reviews at http://chronicdiscontent.wordpress.com ##

Highly recommended for the reader interested in how one thoughtful young person might have survived during the madness of Mao's years. Professor Kang Zhengguo provides a well-written reaffirmation of the ultimate power of the lone individual. He, while adapting to hard circumstances, quietly strove for what was just in a time of unjustness.

A harsh, deadeningly corrupt political/economic system, seemingly designed to bring out the worst in all people, is described in powerful detail.

I am now reading the book Confessions and it is very interesting and well written.Kang gives you a very descriptive picture of what it was like to be in China during the cultural revolution. Very frightening! I think it also gives one some insight into the culture of China today,and why their culture seems to drive their economic growth to excede sans a sense of responsibility or morality.

An excellent memoir of the madness that was China's Cultural Revolution. Well-written, in-depth and even-handed. The author's description of his imprisonment for "thought crimes" is chilling.

This book was a real revalation to me. To read a firsthand account of a gay man's journey, back in the late 1970s, was truly a rare, and positive experience. This was the era when gays were fiinally getting positive public recognition (at least on TV and in the press) other than being labeled "not normal," mentally ill, or other negative call-words. These were the days of gay marches, people "coming out" publicly, and the dawn of a new and positive age for homosexuality. Reading this book was a very
mind-blowing experience. To read, and understand, David Kopay's struggle and coming to terms with his own sexual identity, "coming out" to his parents and family, and the discrimination he experienced in searching for a job in the sports field, truly shows the social climate of the times; and also might show others that the human experience is similar to most people.
Perhaps "straight" people, right-wing Republicans and religious fantaics of the Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell types might gain some insight into the human condition by reading this, and similar, books. Too much time is spent on negativity and extolling people's differences by some groups and people; when there is still homophobia and gay-bashing still going on -- as shown by the sad episode of Matthew Shepherd, not too many years ago.
This book is a must-read for any gay man, also friends and family members of gay persons. The book may just show people that there isn't much difference between people, whatever their race, sexual preferences, or even religious beliefs. Even though I read this book almost twnety years ago, it's message is still strong, and I highly reccomend this book to anyone who has a gay family member, a gay friend, or if you are a gay person reading this.

You don't need to be a gay man or a football fan to connect with this emotional and enlightening page-turner. Bravo to David Kopay and Perre Deane Young!!!!!!

This book is of a true hero, David Kopay. What a story of courage and inspiration. If you want to be inspired, read this book. One of the best!!

Before Dan Woog's "Jocks," before "The Front Runner," before the whole genre, David Kopay rocked the homophobic world of sports by coming out and telling his story. An amazing personal journey and a great historic account, this is a must-have for your gay library. Not as sexy as you'd think, instead it's a harrowing and touching tale of the first pro football player - the first jock of the 20th century - to come out big time. We all owe this man a lot, but beyond that, this is a compelling story.

This is David Kopay's account of growing up gay back when there were very few books or support groups to turn to, which makes it stand even taller. He describes his experience as a college and professional football player as well as being in a fraternity. I find him candid, readable and likeable. He never asked for any special favours, just the right to live his life his way and do what he knew how to do.

I'm proud that David is a fellow Husky; his name adds honour to the reputation of the University of Washington, both as a hard-nosed athlete who hit like a freight train and as a man of courage. Just about anyone could benefit from reading his book.

Testing has often been the misbegotten portion of the software development process. Frequently neglected until the semi-chaotic end of the production cycle, the testing phase has traditionally been shortened to accommodate a fixed release date. The relationships between the developer and test groups are to some extent adversarial, but in so many cases it often breaks down into open hostility. Among developers, it is often considered demeaning to have to soil ones hands by actually testing the code. With such a sullied background, it is no wonder that production code is generally riddled with bugs.
As the authors of this book point out, all of the above are dangerous conditions. With the expansion of code reuse and RAD tools, the development of the initial iteration is going to be done at a faster pace than before. Since the number of pathways through the code is operationally infinite, the only way relatively bug-free code will be developed is by allocating more resources to testing and making the choice and tracking of test cases a more scientific endeavor. The most significant point of the ten made in this book is that the testing process should be considered on an equal basis with that of development so that both groups communicate as equals. Without that, all the fancy, efficient tools in the world are reduced to the level of mere toys.
This is a book that can and should be read by developers, managers and yes, even testers, as all will benefit from the simple words of wisdom.

This book gives excellent insight for the beginning QA professional. It not so detailed that developers and managers will not want anything to do with it either. It explains ways to communicate quality assurance without offending anyone. The content is concentrated on the expressing QA in a brighter light without ruffling too many feathers. I recommend it for everyone in a technical environment with the goal of attaining quality. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY QA PROFESSIONAL.

Much has changed in software development and testing practices since this text was written in the late 90's. However, many of the identified challenges are still with us. I find myself rereading this book as it is a useful reference for a test manager. The authors identify dual disparate roles for the software tester. In role one, the focus is on the task of testing software, such as test planning, test design, and execution. In role two, the tester or test manager's role is more as a politician and marketer to protect the test staff and promote the value they bring to each project . The text focuses on the second role, which elaborates on what the authors identify as the top ten people oriented challenges for the software test professional.

The first section of the book includes an assessment to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in meeting people related testing challenges. The bulk of the text contains individual chapters on the top 10 challenges. The challenges are explained along with guidelines to overcome the challenge. Chapters can be read out of order and this format allows you to focus on your weaknesses as identified in the self assessment. The last section of the book describes a six step change process to implement improvements. My favorite two chapters were "Explaining Testing to Managers" and "Getting Trained in Testing." Highly recommended.

This is an excellent review of the biggest recurring problems of the software testing world. As I read the descriptions of each of the 10 challenges, I was astonished at how many of the pitfalls I fall into on a regular basis. Perry & Rice don't just lay out what the challenges are - they also discuss how to meet each one. Each item on the list has its own chapter with sections on the impact on testing, solutions to the challenge, impediments to implementing the solutions, and helpful guidelines to creating a plan of action. This is without a doubt an excellent book for those of us in the trenches of software testing each day. (One bit of advice, though - if you're looking for a book on "how to do software testing", look elsewhere. Perry and Rice have other good books on the subject, but this one is really intended to help you step back from your daily testing work and see where you could improve on your approach to it.)

When this book was written software testing was starting to consolidate into an 'honorable' profession, and the number of good books about testing could be counted on your fingers (and probably a few toes). The discipline has matured into a profession, and there are so many excellent books on the subject now that it boggles my mind.

You'd think that the top ten challenges listed in this book would have been long ago resolved and replaced with a new set. Sadly, that isn't the case. Each challenge listed is as valid today as it was when this book was written, and except for #10 on the list (getting trained in testing), which has dramatically improved, the other nine are still there. Read the book. Take the advice of the two authors, both of whom are seasoned professionals who give the solutions to these challenges, and move the profession forward.

Here are the top five challenges that I see today, drawn from the list in the book:

#1 today, #6 in the book: Communicating with Customers -- And Users
#2 today, #3 in the book: Hitting a Moving Target
#3 today, #1 in the book: Having to Say No
#4 today, #4 in the book: Testing What's Thrown Over the Wall
#5 today, #2 in the book: Fighting a Lose-Lose Situation

Your order may be different, but I am willing to bet that the list will be the same. This book does give realistic solutions to these problems, so if you agree with the list, then you'll find this book valuable.