Scott Books

The author provides a series of simple, powerful ideas that will be of great value to investors that are saving for retirement.

His writing style is easy to read, the concepts covered are easy to follow and apply, and best of all, he provides specific advice on the investment strategies that you need to follow to succeed in today's stock market.

Buy the book. It will be the best $20 you have spent in a long time.

This book delivered practical investment tips and advice in a straight forward easy to understand manner.

Despite the fact that the author works for Fidelity Investments and promotes Fidelity (and other financial services firms) in the book, he seems to have a genuine interest in helping average investors invest more successfully for retirement. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If there is one book on investing that you read in the next 12 months, this should be it.

This was one of the best investment books I have read in a long time. It contains dozens of practical straight forward ideas that you can use and apply in your portfolio right away. The strategies could save you hundreds--possibly thousands of dollars each year. By applying just one of the seven strategies in my portfolio I was able to immediately produce a hundred fold return on the investment I made in the book.

If your looking for a book that is full of simple, powerful investment ideas and strategies that you can use right away, this will be well worth your investment of time and money.

I've read many books on investing in the last few years. Most of the books I have read (Suze Orman, Charles Schwab, Johanthon Pond etc.) provided good information -but lacked specific actionable steps that I could use and apply right away.

Scott Magnacca's book is straightforward and gave me a lot of common sense- but not obvious- tips and ideas that I have been able to quickly use and apply to more effectively manage my portfolio and save money.

I highly reccomend it. If your planning for a "Successful Retirement" this should be required reading.

Anyone who owns a mutual fund or who is saving for a successful retirement should read this book.

The book was an easy read and shared a variety of 'real world' examples and case studies on how to apply each of the 7 strategies.

Unlike most financial books, this book wasn't filled with numbers and formulas. Just good, practical and easy to use advice.

I especially enjoyed the chapters on "tax-efficient investing" and how to evaluate and pick a financial advisor.

Here is one more secret. This book is worth way more than its list price.

Anyone, from novice to seasoned pro, interested in earning money making pictures needs this book. I am a serious amateur photographer. I plan to turn my photography into a lucrative hobby when I retire in several years. Thanks to 88 Secrets I will not have to waste time testing what will work. Scott Bourne gives the reader of his book a proven track record to follow.

Buy this book. You will find it invaluable when you put Scott Bourne's recommendations into action.

Making money from photography is everyones dream but a tough goal in reality. This book has helped me define my goals for marketing my photography. As an amateur turning pro this book has been a life saver. Bourne clearly and concisely outlines a variety of methods to market your work. The beauty of the book lies in it's set up. You can pick and choose what you want to use and attack each new obstacle one step at a time. I highly recommend 88 Secrets to anyone interested in turning their dream into a profitable business.

This book does just one thing for a person hoping to derive income from the sale of photographs. It tells you how to sell photographs.

It doesn't tell you anything about equipment, or picture taking, or processing, or even how to run a photography business. It doesn't even take a comprehensive approach to marketing. Instead it provides useful tips on marketing photography, period. Moreover, Bourne doesn't just limit himself to one market, like stock photography. He covers all the markets and if one secret isn't applicable to you, the next one may be right up your alley.

Calling it "88 Secrets" is a misnomer, because many of the ideas contained are simple common sense that someone interested in selling pictures could figure out for him or herself. Secondly, there are far more than 88 secrets because many of sections called secrets contain more than one idea for marketing.

The reader will sometimes say, I knew that, sometimes say, I should have known that, and sometimes say, I never thought of that. But if you read the book and you follow some of the tips, you will increase sales of your pictures. Although the book is quite short, it's also inexpensive and the person willing to follow Bourne's advice will soon amortize the cost of the book. It probably won't put you in direct competition with Art Wolfe, but it will increase your photographic income if you have the will power to follow the tips.

For example, the author discusses a traditional subject, query letters to editors to whom one hopes to sell pictures. He tells you what has to go into a letter if you want to get the editor's attention. He even provides a sample letter.

In the very next paragraph, Bourne discusses something relatively new, e-books and how to go about publishing them. He even suggests software that will ease the work, and even how to structure an e-book. He says photography e-books are most popular if they take a how-to, travel, or adventure approach. "It will be easier to sell an e-book that features pictures of Yellowstone National Park if it is written as a travelogue rather than an attractive Yellowstone picture book."

I've read a few books on marketing pictures and sometimes find reasonable marketing advice buried in the verbiage. Often it's aimed at just one market. Here it's simple and effective. All one has to do is read a secret and follow it. And of course, take a reasonably good picture.

I was thinking this would be a book about places to sell your photography like post cards and bookmarkers or stuff like that. I guess I just didn't look it over enough. It is pretty much just basic stuff about how to run a business in photography. Some I thought were a little simple, like it says you should have a seperate phone for your business. Also, you should tell family members to not use that phone for anything other than business. That would be true of any business be it photography or selling comic books. Some of it is good business practices that many would not think of but I think you could get a book on operating a home business or small business from the library and learn most of this stuff. It is not an expensive book so I'm not going to complain much. I would suggest though that a person that is going to do photography work might think of staying with one or two areas and get books on those. For example, wedding photography and stock photography and learn how to make it in those areas. Go ahead and buy it, if you don't like it you are not out much.

Scott Bourne is an outstanding teacher and successful marketer. The book exemplifies this by being well organized, very readable and packed with valuable information for any photographer wanting to market and sell photographs.

The three divisions of the book are well thought out. As I considered marketing my photos the section on "general secrets" was very helpful. The last two sections provide valuable information on who to contact for sales and all the issues that need to be considered to complete a successful business transaction.

I have always been interested in culture and human aspects of the firm. This book was highly recommended by my teacher on strategic management as his favorite on change management. It's an easy read on the human aspects of change and is helped by a novel structure in the book (each subsection of the chapter reads like an individual chapter, which assists the dropping and picking up). It's no nonsense. Anyone who liked 'The Fifth Discipline', will much appreciate this as well. I hope to read more of this type material.

I have always been interested in culture and human aspects of the firm. This book was highly recommended by my teacher on strategic management as his favorite on change management. It's an easy read on the human aspects of change and is helped by a novel structure in the book (each subsection of the chapter reads like an individual chapter, which assists the dropping and picking up). It's no nonsense. Anyone who liked 'The Fifth Discipline', will much appreciate this as well. I hope to read more of this type material.

very updated, helpful in managing change in big organizations

If the Business environment is as smart as it should be this book should be a Best-Selle

The Accelerating Organization is an excellent resource of ideas on how to develop a constantly learning organization. Maira and Scott-Morgan provide many clear and concise concepts in developing a new organization or moving an existing organization into a learning system. Every point is illustrated from a plethora of international business situations. Not only is "The Accelerating Organization" informative, it is "do-able."

I read an advanced copy a few years ago. My cousin wrote this book, and now, I'm surprised that I'm buying it from Amazon. I found the story to be very engaging from page 1. Its along the same line as highlander, but much more interesting and exiting.

This book has a different feel than anything I've read before. It is everything that The Matrix was hoping to be, and more. You simply need to read it...

This story breaks the science fiction mold, and takes you to a place you've never been before. If you read a lot of sci-fi, like I do, then this book is what you've been waiting for!

It's hard to know what to say without risking giving something away in the story. But most sci-fi books spend a lot of time building, then climax, and then try to tie up a bunch of loose ends in the end. Not The Accelerators! This story just grabs you in the first few pages--you can instantly feel that you're reading something different, something new, something unlike any other book you've read. And the story goes full-throttle all the way to the last page! You won't want to set it down!

It is really two stories, separated by thousands and thousands of years. But the stories intertwine and grow together until they become the same story. I don't want to say much more than that, for fear of giving something away. Let me just say this, though--this will be your favorite book! It has already made the rounds at my work, and it's all we talk about anymore!

If you read very much, then you've already realized that the really good, truly original stories are few and far between. This is one that you can just keep reading over and over, because it will be a long time before another one comes along that is this good! If it goes to movie, I'll be there every weekend, and then buy the video! If it goes to television, I'll be sitting there watching every episode! But, and this would be even better, I hope that the author considers doing at least one sequel!

I just can't say enough about this book! If I had to come up with one thing that could have been done better, it would be that I thought the picture on the cover was a little strange--I eventually understood its significance, but it took a while. Other than that, this is the perfect book, perfectly written. I wouldn't change a thing!

The Accelerators grabs you in the very first chapter, and doesn't let go even after you've finished it. It's unlike any book I've read before, and as soon as I read it I had to buy it for almost all of my friends. It was amazing the way the story included so many actual historical events, making you think about reality and the entire history of the world in a whole new light. I've never read a book this good before! Thinking about it makes me want to go read it again!

In my job I have the chance to read quite a few books, and I have to decide which ones I think will do well and which ones won't. I hadn't even heard of this author until a month ago when I started getting flooded with calls for The Accelerators. I placed the order and out of curiosity got one for myself too.

To put it simply, you won't read a better book than this one--ever. After reading it, I'm convinced that no summary or one-line phrase can boil this story down to its core. You just have to read it. It's a fantastic combination of adventure and science fiction unlike anything you have ever seen!

I've read it several times now, and it has quickly become my favorite book of all time--and I've read a lot of them! All I can say is to read this book! You won't be able to put it down even when you're done--you'll just flip back and read it again!

Alamo Heights is a wonderful, entertaining book. Buy it

This book is very entertaining. One of the best ways to judge a book is to ask yourself, "Do I want to learn more about this topic?" With Mr. Zesch's book the answer is emphatically "Yes!".

This was a fascinating read. Mr. Zesch has taken a sweeping historical saga and distilled it to its human core. It was refreshing to read that the battle for the Alamo was about more than Davy Crockett and his coonskin cap. I celebrated Rose's triumph as if it were my own. I am convinced this author has much more to say. I can't wait to read his next work.

In 1903, the Alamo was almost destroyed. A large eastern business interest came with plans to raze the abandoned Hugo-Schmeltzer warehouse and erect modern buildings in its place. The old warehouse was an eyesore and stood as a daily reminder that perceived progress is only transitory.

The problem? The gaudy wooden building, that in some ways resembled an amusement park structure with it's crenelated exterior and fake cannon, sat atop the original stone construction of Mission San Antonio de Valero's convent--a.k.a. the Long Barracks. In short, they wanted to tear down the Alamo.

Under the leadership of two extraordinary women, Adina de Zavala and Clara Driscoll, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas engaged in what became known as the "Second battle for the Alamo."

Clara Driscoll, a wealthy socialite, put up the $75,000 necessary to buy the property with the understanding that the State of Texas would buy it back and assign custodianship to the DRT. Adina de Zavala, a Mexican-American woman whose roots ran deep in Texas, was a fierce advocate for preserving the historical structures of San Antonio. Two women from two different cultures, but with a common goal.

Because we hold the Alamo and all that it represents so dear, it's surprising, that the people of Texas were once politically divided on this issue. For five long years there were turbulent disputes. It finally took Adina de Zavala barricading herself inside the Alamo for three days to bring resolve to the situation and to protect the buildings from demolition.

In Scott Zesch's novel, the title "Alamo Heights" represents the social struggle between Anglos and Hispanics and within the strata of Hispanic culture itself. In 1903, Alamo Heights was the Knob Hill of San Antonio. If you lived in Alamo Heights, then you had arrived.

In the novel, Adina De Zavala is characterized by Rose De Leon Herrera, the wife of a young aspiring lawyer, Antonio Herrera. In one sense, she and her husband "have arrived" and are part of San Antonio's social elite. At the same time they must struggle to remain there. Antonio Herrera is constantly mortified by his wife's outspoken behavior for fear it may topple him from his hard-won social position. Rose Herrera wants to protect the Alamo as a symbol of her heritage. To do so, she comes to odds with nearly everyone.

Clara Driscoll is characterized by Alva Carson Keane a young girl of privilege who has become a popular modern romance authoress. Alva's reasons for saving the Alamo property, we find, are to erect a monument to her late cattle-baron father.

Both women are strong characters and conflict ensues as their egos and cultures clash. This conflict becomes clear when we discover that Alva is heir to Tres Piedras, a large cattle ranch near Laredo that once belonged to Rose's grandfather. Bad blood, culture and race separate these two women, but they are brought together by a common bond: to save the Alamo.

Zesch introduces us to an equally strong character in sculptress Mathilda Guenther, a composite of several real artists. Matilda is an older woman, but a free spirit who was born too early. A friend and ally to Rose, she would have fit in nicely into the bohemian communities of Soho, Paris or Berkeley.

Rafael Menchaca is the only strong male character in the novel. He is a coarse and uncultured mariachi/street vendor who calls himself the "voice of the people." He expresses his rebelliousness by idealistically voicing the struggles of his people through his songs. Socially, he is the antithesis of Rose Herrera and resentfully describes her kind as the "Tejano Bourgeoisie"

An intergral subplot develops when Rose's son, Enrique, a promising musician, aspires to become an apprentice to Rapheal Menchaca. In the process he falls in love with Menchaca's daughter Eva, a beautiful and talented sculptoress. Menchaca's opposition to this relationship soon draws Rose away from her lofty position in Alamo Heights.

Scott Zesch's novel, Alamo Heights, is a fictionalized account of the fight to preserve the Alamo. He has brought to life another time and place and thoughtfully interwoven this landscape with fully-developed characters, most of whom are based on real individuals.

The groundwork for his characterizations comes from his in-depth research of Zavala, Driscoll and others and of a time in San Antonio's history where women, especially strong outspoken women were a rarity.

The author's grasp of the cultura, or Tejano culture, at the beginning of the twentieth century is comprehensive. He examines Hispanic's attitudes toward women as their community struggles to inculturate with the growing Anglo population.

Each character is dynamic and self-determined, possessing an individual agenda. Zesch skillfully orchestrates his characters through his main story line and numerous subplots, creating a fascinating tale not of history, but an intriguing interpretation of real historical events.

Though heady stuff, Alamo Heights, is a light, easy read. It is well written and has inspired me to look further into its historical story behind the story. I look forward to future offerings from Scott Zesch.

Randell Tarin, Managing Editor(emeritus)
Alamo de Parras

As a native San Antonion, I picked up this novel because of its name. I was pleasantly surprised to find such an interesting and entertaining historical novel. I didn't remember the story of the woman who saved the Alamo from History Class, but I enjoyed learning about it. The main character, Rose, is very intense and passionate about her cause, saving the Alamo, and about her family. It was fun to watch the twists and turns of the plot unfold. I stayed up two nights in a row till 2a.m. to find out what would happen next. I liked the style of including letters and telegrams throughout the book, as well as Spanish words sprinkled among the text. I would recommend this highly.

I really enjoyed reading The Alchemist. It's the kind of book that you
want to read to the very end without stopping. I think its secret is
the author's ability to awaken not only our adventurous imagination but
a sense of justice and heroism as well.

Imagine you are transported into the darkest time of the Middle Ages,
when freedom of thought and heart was a life threatening reality; when
dignity and respect of individuality were blackened by the mud of
ignorance.

The story shows that the forces of ignorance can be fought with Love.
Even in the darkest times there is always light and hope - It
demonstrates the importance of courage.

I recommend this book!

"The Alchemist" transports you back into the Middle Ages. It's a novel about the search for meaning and truth in the midst of chaos and ignorance. The story is about the life of Pablo Simon, a young alchemist searching for truth during the Inquisition. It's also based on the life of Giordano Bruno, a philosopher, who lived in the 16th century. The portrayal of the anguish and oppression that happened during this period of history is particularly vivid and I became totally engrossed by the characters in this story. Livraga has a knack for developing believable and engaging characters that fit into a historical setting.

The Alchemist is a fascinating novel that makes you feel as if you were living during the Renaissance. It's a great historical window into the 16th Century. I especially like the focus on Alchemy - an art that is not only material but rather spiritual and leads to a real transformation of the human being.

The Alchemist is a wonderful novel with insite into the 16th Century. It brings you to another dimension in time and takes you on a roller coaster ride through the period. The turmoil of these times is deeply felt and makes you appreciate the true essence of Life. It reminds you of what Giordano Bruno went through when speaking up for what he believed during a time when certain truths were unspeakable. Surfice it to say, "I thought this book was inspirational, to say the least." Take a chance and experience a reading adventure!

I loved the Alchemist. It is a riveting novel and seems to have so much profound knowledge. It is also wonderful for those eager for more knowledge about the medieval philosopher Giordano Bruno whose progressive, yet ancient philosophical theories led to his death at the hands of the Inquisition in Rome.

Highly Reccomended!

David Hirschorn Coral Gables, FL

I ordered this book from my daughters book order form, it was just great. It was a great way to tell her about a time she knew nothing about and how mistreated these people were. She felt so sorry for them. Telling it through the dolls perception was a great tool to utilize... just excellent would recommend to all...

This story will bring many a tear to your eye. It is a wonderful story that shows children what it was like to run away from slavery. Good story and great illustrations!

Nelson, an accomplished storyteller, brings young readers and listeners an exceptional story of the Underground Railroad. Sally is a rag doll belonging to Lindy, a slave child. She has a "right important job" as comfort and companion to Lindy throught the hardships of slavery and her family's flight to freedom. Sally is lost on the trip, and after a lonely, weary time, she becomes comfort and companion to another slave child. The illustrations by Colin Bootman are stunning, capturing the warmth and drama of the story. Another fine tale adding to Nelson's award-winning work.

Some stories have to be told over and over, every which way possible, in order to drill their history home. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson has penned an exciting tale of escape and freedom, set before the Civil War. Children's picture books that follow the lives of slaves always run the risk of watering down their material. It is exceedingly difficult to tell a story about slavery to little kids without making light of the nasty aspects of it. In this book, however, Nelson has adeptly told a story of escape through the eyes of a rag doll owned by a little runaway slave girl. She has done this without compromising any of the uglier aspects of the time, while softening the point of view to that of an inanimate object.

Matching Nelson's sure-footed storytelling come the illustrations of Colin Bootman. His painting style uses thick oils and paints that somehow manage to convey emotion and depth. And just for the record, the father of the little girl who owns the doll is probably one of the hottest men ever to grace the pages of a picture book. I'm not kidding. Go out, find this book, look at her dad, and tell me he's not absolutely drop dead gorgeous. Wowzer.

In and of itself, this book is well-made but not extraordinary. However, Nelson has included a couple instructional tidbits at the back of the book for further contemplation and understanding. In an author's note, she tells how she came up with the idea of the story. Kids can see a photograph of a real black rag doll form the 1800s. Then Nelson explains what the Underground Railroad was and how it worked. Finally, a glossary of terms that kids might not be familiar with (dear = expensive) is included for a final considerate touch. It is not a book that will necessarily blow you away, but "Almost to Freedom" accomplishes the difficult task of telling a fearful story in a manner appropriate for the young. No small task.

"Almost to Freedom," by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, is illustrated by Colin Bootman. The story is set during the era of American slavery. The book's narrator is Sally, a black rag doll owned by Lindy, a slave girl on a Virginia plantation. Through Sally's eyes we see the odyssey of Lindy and her family.

The story is told in vernacular English; for example, Sally declares, "Bein' Lindy's doll baby is a right important job." The atmospheric, colorful illustrations effectively enhance the emotions of the story.

Particularly interesting is an "Author's Note" at the end of the book in which Nelson explains how she was inspired to write this story. Telling the story from the doll's point of view is a memorable and effective device which contributes greatly to the success of this moving and beautifully illustrated book. "Almost to Freedom" is a powerful use of African-American history in a children's book.

This is an excellent guide to the wildlife in Antarctica. Great drawings of the animals and descriptions. It only deals with wildlife south of the Antarctic convergence, so if you are looking for a book which covers all species of penguin, this isn't it. It has a map on the inside cover and maps for each species and where it can be found. It also has a brief history of the wildlife after discovery and the hunting which took place. My only gripe is that I would have liked the maps for each species to be more specific.
The book is small and not very thick, so very easy to carry around on the boat or in your backpack.
This book made me even more excited about going to Antarctica, if that's at all possible!!

This has got to be the single best guide to Antarctica's unusual wildlife. Everything is covered here, from Gentoo Penguins to Crab-Eater Seals (which don't actually eat crabs). Beautiful illustrations make it easy to identify birds & other animals while your out on the ice. If you're going to the White Continent, you'll want to stash this little book in your daypack. This book was useful when my husband & I visited the Antarctic peninsula, which we chronicle in our DVD "T&T's Real Travels in Antarctica" (also available on amazon.com).

If you are visiting the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands, this guide is a good field guide to identifying, and learning about, the most common Antarctic fauna you will experience, including birds, mammals and cetaceans. (It is not a comprehensive guide for htose desiring in depth information and identification of every species.) José Kirchner

I bought this book in preparation for a trip 'South' in December 1999/January 2000 and it was an extremely useful guide to wildlife in general but especially good for penguin information. The drawings by an ancestor of Robert F. Scott's are lifelike, and engaging art as well. The brief summaries of natural and exploration history are accessible and informative. If you are looking for a portable guide to peninsular wildlife get the book--you won't regret it.

The price tag may seem steep for the fourth edition of this 144-page paperback - but where else are you going to find details on the wildlife of Antarctica, tailored as a take-along tote for the Antarctica-bound traveler? Color drawings by Dafila Scott accompany nature history descriptions of each creature and discussions of identification specific to Antarctica, from contending with visibility factors to seasonal identification features. Antarctica: A Guide To The Wildlife is a unique and strongly recommended "take-along" handbook essential for any Antarctica-bound traveler.

I had been told by many people that this was the definitive book for people looking to setup a shark or ray tank. I had heard nothing but good things about this book and after reading the book I concur with those opinions. The book gives you a great overview though this should be supplementary to other research you do. There is much more information that people will need to know about properly caring for which ever shark they choose and the best way to learn it is through multiple sources. The only thing remotely negative I have to say about the book is the tank sizes listed tend to be smaller than most expert shark keepers would recommend. Other than that this is a great book and a must buy for those looking to start a shark tank.

I have Stingrays and i use this book as my guide. its great!! Very Helpful

It goes into so much detail, from the family to each individual fish (only ones found in aquarium trade though). There is a chapter on common parasites and a range of different treatment methods for both bacterial and parasitic infections, which foods might induce feeding in a new specimen (and which to avoid), size and housing ratios, different methods of filtration, descriptions of many different fishes that can and can't be kept with sharks/rays, a chapter on captive reproduction for many different species and how to care for the newborns, if necessary- how to force feed, materials suitable for custom tanks, plus so much information (ph, specific gravity, copper sensitivity, feeding habits, acclimation to aquarium, degree of rarity in trade- from exceedingly common to rarely seen, ease of captive care, suitable size tank ex.110 gal or whatever number in liters [from metric to imperial applies to dimensions also], to each species distinctive features) about the individual sharks and rays themselves. Plus so much more. A definite 5!

I have read a pre-release version of this book and it is great. Anyone intersted in the aquaria of sharks or rays really needs to get a copy of this book! It is the 1st book ever to deal with the selection and maintaining of sharks and rays in home aquarium. Not only that but the book is very well priced.

This is a great comprehensive view of aquarium sharks and rays. Unfortunately this book points out the truth, sharks are big! Even for a professional marine aquarist such as my self, you'll learn that the husbandry requirements for these animals is often obsured. This is a great book for professionals and those involved in public aquariums. With an overview on breeding, feeding, and health, this book is an excellent introduction to sharks and rays.

-Andy Nicola
Iowa's premire marine aquarist

5 stars for Axis of Evil World Tour! This book is a great read with something for everyone. Whether you are a student, diplomat, traveler, in the military, business person, or cultural anthropologist, there is something for you in this book. This book may make you want to travel to these, off the beaten path, countries, or may make you think that those places are not for you. Either way, it will make you think. This book will make you consider as to whether you should pity the people who have to live under their governments rule, or hold them accountable for not doing enough to try and change their governments.

We often hear in the news about the dire conditions that exist in these countries, but is what is said really the truth? This book will shed some light on that issue as it brings to light that perhaps the west is not right for trying to influence these countries, and governments, and that the people may really be happy living there. Or perhaps they are just too brainwashed to know the difference.

Contrary to what the title suggests, this book is not a jab at George Bush, but does bring up an interesting point of view about the term "Axis of Evil".

This book is so much more than a travel book or a travelers diary. Scott Fisher writes in a way tries to take you along on his trip. It is well done for a first book of this genre by a new writer. Not nearly as extreme as something by, say Michael Moore, Scott is not afraid to let his thoughts and political views be known, and this book contains enough sarcasm and cynicism to be a really fun read.

Part PJ O'Rourke and part Paul Theroux, self-described writer, business owner, and professor Scott Fisher embarks upon what may be considered by many a fool's errand; travel to each of the so-called "Axis-of-Evil" countries: North Korea, Iraq, and Iran.

-North Korea-

The book begins with the author traveling deep into the heart of the Never Never Land of Kim Jong Il's North Korea. There he encounters fully brainwashed and sycophantic followers of the "Dear Leader." The government-run tour is the only way that foreigners may travel there and he describes the surreal experience with amusing insight and an alarming penchant for annoying the aforementioned sycophantic followers. His often heated and always honest exchanges with his guides and a few everyday Koreans demonstrate the truly insidious nature of the last true bastion of communism left in the world.

-Iraq-

From the government-run mishap of North Korea, the book moves to another one in Iraq. Mr. Fisher was sent to Iraq by the State Department, where he was employed as a China analyst (even though he has a graduate degree in Korean Studies). This seemingly ridiculous fact highlights the mismanagement he will come to describe in his book. Due to the increasing violence at the time, he was unable to see much of the daily life of Iraqis, but he details his battles with "by-the-book" Marine colonels and even on-base traffic police with scathing humor. Wherever he goes, he certainly has a way of irritating the powers that be, he but describes these encounters with such wit and charm that one comes away with the impression he'd be a great guy to sit down and have a beer with.

-Iran-

Although Iran neighbors Iraq, it took him thousands of miles, piles of red tape from the pentagon, and a long nervous wait for an Iranian travel visa to get to the final country to complete his axis trifecta. It is during this third section where Mr. Fisher's talents as a writer and observer really shine. This section of the book easily matches that of a travel-writing master such as Paul Theroux. Surprisingly, it was in Iran that he was most free to travel and meet with the people of the country he was visiting. Despite what today's news headlines say, Mr. Fisher describes a country of uber-friendly and welcoming people caught between the forces of conservatism and the forces of reform. He visits, of all things, a Jewish shrine, the tomb of Daniel (of the lion's den), the burial place of the late Ayatollah Khomeini, and travels within spitting
distance of the suspected home of the country's nuclear program. Throughout his journey he is accompanied by the "Professor" his local guide who does his best to educate, enlighten, and protect the intrepid traveler.

-Conclusion-

He ends his book with this observation: "I was specifically looking for the kind of ties that could help bring together the three distinct parts of this narrative. After months of research and reflection it finally dawned on me--THERE IS NO CONNECTION!" Anyone who reads this book will realize that a few days, weeks, or months in a country will reveal the
emptiness of simplistic descriptions of complex situations foisted on us by our political leaders. By all means, read this book for its humanity and its humor, but remember it for its honesty and insight.

Very well done. Scott's first hand experiences and engaging writing style make this book a pleasure to read. It's a MUST read for anyone concerned with the face of our "enemies."

This is a great book. It tells the story of an individual who would not accept "No" for an answer. When government officials said "no", the author found ways go after what he wanted.

It is a must read for those who dare.

I purchased this book on a whim, mostly because I was fasinated with what sort of bizarre place North Korea is like. I must say, Scott seems to give a fairly honest account of the people (what few he could talk to) live and what a total personality cult state North Korea is. I did wish for a little more detail about the little things in the country in general, but keep in mind he probably wasn't thinking of a book when he made that trip, so I'll cut him some slack. It certainly had enough detail to make for a good read.

That being said, the section on Iran was also great, and the most detaile
of all the three 'axis' countries. His experience mirrors what I hear from most westerners in Iran, that the people are pretty friendly and tend to seperate the US govt. from the average US citizen. Scott also manages to tell the story at face value (heck, I wasn't there so I don't know that for sure, but he gives that impression).

Even the section on Iraq was decent, although the weakest of the three mainly because he didn't venture out into much of the war zone and into the real country. Can't say I blame him, but in a book that explores the countries of places the average US citizen can't get a handle on, it does contrast. That being said, it was ceratinly an amusing look into the cluster-youknowwhat that is the US buerrocracy in all its forms, be it military and civilian.

Overall, I was impressed with the book and would recommend it. The North Korea and Iran sections are worth it alone to me, while the Iraq section is an amusing little extra, that does round out the 'axis.' The other refreshing thing about the book was that you didn't get any sort of over the top politicizing. Sure, there were instances where you could feel his political slant a little, but it was farily subtle and not preachy at all, which I find refreshing.