Stevens Books

I just happened to pick up this book at the library because I enjoyed Fragments That Remain. The story about three sisters in post World War I Harlem swept me away into a time that is so important in African American history. Corbin did an excellent job interwoving the characters in actual events in history. The characters and the settings seemed more realistic, intriguing, and exciting. I could not put the book down. The pain and joy of these sisters and the people involved in their lives brought tears to my eyes and I wanted to intercede in their world (like their mother) and tell them you can do can better. But the reader is forced to let them live their lives and learn from their joy and pain just like their mother had to let go. I cannot wait to read his other novel.

I read this book in the early 90's and it still remains one of the best books I have read! It is a shame that this book is out of print and did not do better when first published. The story is so interesting and character development was done with such skill and finesse. Unlike a lot books I have read lately, my interest in the story and characters never waned. It took me a few months to finish the last few pages because I didn't want the story to end.

The book was very hard to put down, and more interesting than any tv show could ever be. It wasn't one of those types of books that was slow in the begining, interestings in the middle, but then ends in a way that doesn't make sense. This book is interesting from front to cover.

I found this book in a relatives book collection and now I refuse to return it. This is the first and only book that I have been able to read more than once and I can honestly say that I am anxious for a sequel.

Now, this was some good reading. I stumbled across this book around 1992-93 while in the library with my daughter. I hadn't read a book in 15 years. It opened my eyes to the world of reading. This book gave a clear view of life in Harlem during the 1920's, which must have been one of the most exciting times to be alive. It was so vividly written that I felt as if I knew every character. I could not put it down. I've recommended it to many, many others who also thoroughly enjoyed it. The only disappointment was no followup book. To this day, I yearn to find out what became of those three sisters. I haven't read anything yet that compares. Anyone who knows Mr. Corbin should let him know we await a sequel.

Why Hartov's name isn't right up there in popularity and acclaim with Daniel Silva and other better-known authors of spy thrillers is beyond me. In this fine novel, as in The Heat of Ramadan, his characters are complex and wonderfully drawn and developed - he has a knack for realizing secondary and 'throwaway' characters that is just amazing. Hartov's plotting is smooth, tricky, tight, and plausible. There is both technical expertise and a subtle, pleasurable literary touch to his writing (my half-star off on NHoG would be that the military/paratroop technicalese got just a smidge too thick for me at times). His books sizzle along - that's my one criticism (tongue firmly in cheek): I finish his books too fast because I don't put them down - and then what?! Wait another 4 or 5 years? Tell the man to get back to work.

While being an insider isn't a prerequisite for being a great writer of intriuge, it doesn't hurt Hartov's novel any. Thankfully he has the skills to flesh out three-dimensional characters. Benni Baum's attempts to reconcile with his daughter, Martina Klump's obsessions and Ruth's feelings for her father and for a NYPD dectective are positive additions to the conflict.

i don't understand why this author isn't being published more. he's a talented writer, with an obvious first hand knowledge of what he writes about. i think he's a potential clancy,ludlum or forsyth.

As usual with one of Hartov's books this book is action packed
and exciting.The book begins with a suicide bombing at the Israeli embassy in New York. Benni Baum is sent to investigate the bombing. While there he attempts to reconcile with his daughter.After looking at the bombing he and his partner believe
that the situation is being manipulated by Iranian agents.They
also discover that one of Baum's arch enemies Maria Klump from East Germany may also be involved in this plot.There are gun battles all over the place and intense action.This book gives you the feeling of having a front row seat.I wish that we could get more books out of Hartov because he has proven himself to be
an excellent author.

There is just one word which can describe The Nylon Hand of God - excellent. Steven Hartov writes with the expertise of an insider. The language itself is rich, as well as beautifully descriptive. This book is a definite must for anybody who is interrested in good fiction.

When my sisters and I are together a conversation often starts "remember when...". Reading On Seven Mile is like eaves-dropping on another family as they recall vignettes of their lives in the 40s and 50s. Although I was from another place, memories of growning up at that time is something with which I connect stongly.

WHAT A DELIFUL BOOK. BROUGHT BACK A LOT
OF MEMORIES OF GROWING UP IN THE LATE 40'S EARLY
50'S EASY EMJOYABLE READING

It is a delightful read. I so enjoyed this book, we are going read it for our book club selection this summer. It brought back such memories of my own childhood that I know it will evoke a great discussion for our club. It is a quick read but challenges us to remember our formative years. The author's family and friends come alive for us in the vignette style chapters and charming sketches of the Seven Mile Road neighborhood. Enjoy the smells of your grandma's kitchen, the games you played with your neighborhood friends or just sit at the table until you finish your peas. It will bring a warm heartfelt smile. It is a great read for all ages. I am looking forward to the sequel.

This book brought back the sights, sounds and smells of growing up in the 40's and 50's in the most delicious way. It recalled the long forgotten words and phrases, feelings, thoughts and past times of childhood. You once again feel the frustration of limping home with a broken roller skate, the dreamy pleasure of naming the shapes of clouds on a summer day, the piercing smell of those Toni home permanents, and the cozy sound of the rain on the front porch. The writing is elegantly simple. The author shares her loving extended family with you in such a way that you feel you are having coffee at the kitchen table with them. A must read. You'll love it.

This book took me right back to my childhood. All the memories of growing up in the 40's and 50's came flooding back. It was sweet, simple and fast reading but I kept pausing and thinking of my own memories of those carefree days of childhood.I would recomend it to anyone who grew up in those times and to anyone age nine on up,to give them a look at what life was like back then.

I once asked a relative of mine what he believed to be the biggest advancement in the treatment of mental illness, and his succinct reply, the invention of the tranquillizer.
Unfortunately, as we have no doubt have come to realize, the tranquillizer is not exactly the cure all. Just look at the terrible side effects of such medication as Prozac.

Sheryl J. Stevens, who has first hand experience in dealing with the mentally ill, or as she prefers to call these individuals "lost souls," has written a wake up call in her book Operation Soul Recovery (From Default To Purpose).

The author strikes just the right tone: direct and passionate, in pointing out to her audience that the treatment of these lost souls is very low down on the health care totem pole. Furthermore, as the author asserts, we are lacking in sensitivity in our understanding that there is no physical pain comparable to that of a broken spirit.

As pointed out, we would hardly expect someone with a broken leg to run a race. Instead, we would promptly treat the fracture by a qualified medical doctor. Why then is it so difficult to understand the basic requirements needed to treat the mind and spirit? There seems to be a tendency to cop out and either ignore the gravity of the situation or rely solely on medication. Do we really believe, as Stevens asserts, that these illnesses are incurable?

The book is an engrossing and soul searching read that provides a window into the mistreatment of the mentally ill and in particular with society's obsession in looking for whom to blame, rather than trying to find a solution to the cure. As mentioned, "it is the cure that should be capturing our attention."

After lambasting the system, Stevens does present several constructive ideas for improving the system in her chapter entitled A Manor Of Eden. It is here where she emphasizes the principle that no human being is a hopeless case, and it is essential that we treat the body, mind and the soul simultaneously, and not giving more importance to one over the other.
Furthermore, the program of treatment is to be divided into a series of steps that considers the whole gamut from dealing in depth with the past, recovering the wisdom and value of the inner-child, developing knowledge of healthy living and formal education, job training, and job placement.

There is a great deal here to ponder about, and as Stevens mentioned in her interview with me, the book definitely presents ideas and suggestions that are outside of the box. However, the question that remains is, who will be listening?


Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures.com

Sheryl Stevens writes with passion and insight about mental and emotional illness, which she is personally well acquainted with, and which is so prevalent in our society, but where treatment consists mostly of dealing with the symptoms with medication, rather than taking the harder but more constructive road to tackle the core issues that have caused the problems.
Sheryl's vision of "A Manor of Eden" is a plan to combine the spiritual and the physical, to make the person "whole", and to make them a productive part of society.

Is it feasible and is it worth a try ?
The system we have in place now is spiraling out of control, and as Sheryl points out, "statistics show that the use of anti-depressants has tripled in the past decade", with little or no improvements to show for it. Any plan that could do better than the current status quo should be given consideration, and Sheryl's plan would certainly have less recidivism than what we have now, with so many who, if they experience well-being after treatment at all, find it short-lived.

Is it too expensive ?
Not if you consider what we are paying now for a system that is not producing results, and not if you consider that if people are made well and productive, how they would enhance our economy.
Sheryl's vision has a strong spiritual heart, and the acknowledgement of a Creator, something certain sectors in our society are trying to eradicate, as judges who endorse and further the agenda of radical groups make laws that are systematically tearing God out of the fabric of our lives. It is my hope that the tide of this often nihilistic secularism be stemmed, and The Manor of Eden has ideas that if implemented could help do this.

In Part III, Sheryl writes about childhood memories, of the farm she grew up on, and the boarding school she was sent to at the age of 14; we all have different sensibilities, and what was good for other family members was not good for Sheryl, and what she experienced there would influence the rest of her life in negative ways, but also surely had a hand in her vision of "The Manor of Eden", making all things ultimately work for the best. This is a small book with a lot of content, written with sincerity and conviction, with ideas that should be seriously contemplated.

It is a little bit sad that it is not really 'news', but there is a crisis of sorts in the Western culture - America and other 'developed' nations are in fact suffering from a great number of addictions, mental illness symptoms (both real and imagined), and an ever-shrinking safety net for those least able to care for themselves.

One of the more ironic aspects of this crisis is that, in the midst of the 'lands of plenty', there would be such struggle. Even among those who fall into the affluent categories of people, depression and addiction troubles are at surprisingly high levels. What could be the cause of this? What would be the cure?

Sheryl Stevens has some suggestions. She calls for a charge against the kinds of sicknesses of the soul to be waged akin to the efforts we as a nation are putting forward in fighting the threats of terrorism. ' When it comes to diseases of the mind and spirit that inflict untold numbers of people in varying degrees on the spectrum, there is still that mysterious air of denial.' We must first face the facts of the pandemic proportions of the problems.

Stevens looks at some of the problems. She doesn't really cite statistics and case studies as much as she gives a more general, thoughtful approach to the problem. What is it that we need to change? What is it that keeps us in the dark? These are key questions for Stevens, who sees real opportunities in changes of attitude and aspect for us.

Stevens has a vision, a place called 'the Manor of Eden' - taking the name from the biblical reference, this is a place where humanity is found at its most basic, and where humanity in the early stories is seen to be at its greatest possible wholeness and happiness. People who are in need of help would find people to help them who from start to finish recognise the full humanity of them, rather than seeing them as problems to be dealt with or case problems to be solved.

Stevens has specific proposals for residence and treatment situations for those who would find help at the Manor of Eden. She writes realistically about the cost, but also points out the tremendous costs of what are being done (often ineffectually) about the various problems in today's society.

Stevens' motivation is personal; she has encountered problems in her life, and also writes with feeling about her own upbringing and feelings about our current situation in a post 9-11 world.

Worthy of consideration, and certainly in the same spirit as those pioneers of the American spirit who strive to make a better world for the entire community.

Some twenty years ago, single mom Sheryl J. Stevens watched as her daughter Kelly descended into addiction and mental illness. And then, when things seemed at their darkest, she received a vision. She received a vision of the United States in general, and the churches of America specifically, launching a crusade against mental illness. This is Ms. Stevens' story, her plan, and her plea.

This is a rather moving book. The beginning of the book reads rather like a stream of consciousness, as the author pours out her heart, begging for the reader to emotionally connect with the tragedy of mental illness in the United States. After that, the book moves into the author's plan for a mental health community that will use a holistic approach to heal body, mind and spirit. And last, there is the author's tale of her own life and experiences, which I must say was quite fascinating.

Overall, I felt like this book was a throwback to a bygone era: the nineteenth century, when Christian and secular leaders proposed large and daring projects for the betterment of humanity. Ms. Stevens obviously cares deeply for those caught up in mental illness; the sufferers, and those who love them. I found this to be a fascinating and touching book, and I hope that Ms. Stevens will be blessed with the success her project deserves!

Perhaps sometimes God allows us to wander in the wilderness to gain personal understanding of the plight of others, so it may lead to a higher good. ~Sheryl J. Stevens

Sheryl J. Stevens understands how difficult it can be to find support when you are depressed or you have family members who have a mental illness that leads to addictive behaviors. She struggled with her own depression and also realized the lack of support when her daughter went through a very troubled time in her life.

Since the use of anti-depressants has reached shocking levels, you do have to wonder why the current system of care is not working. Sheryl J. Stevens presents a unique idea which places all the care a person might need in one location. She calls this sanctuary: "A Manor of Eden."

If you have been watching a variety of movies lately, you may have noticed how the vicious sub-culture in schools is almost celebrated and while there is humor to be had, there are also people who never recover from the emotional abuse they receive in school or just in life itself. You could be a very loving person and be rejected at every turn simply because other people have been hurt and have closed their heart to love itself.

In a world where depression might be the unfulfilled desires of the soul, it can be quite trying to maintain some semblance of hope in a hopeless environment. Women have shelters, there are camps for teens, but for the most part these places are quite different from the environment Sheryl has envisioned.

While reading the condensed narrative of personal experiences section, I realized why it can be depressing to move from a smaller town where you feel you have many connections to a larger town with few, if any connections to the people you love.

With that said, I was not sure anyone would want to go away for 90 days, but the programs in this book are divided into three 28 day sections. Stage 1, 2 and 3 are described in detail. Many of the items in this book could still be done while you were at home and seeing a psychologist or counselor. Although, at times it is probably best to leave an unhealthy environment.

Not only do many people not know where to turn, many don't have medical insurance and during times of great stress, Sheryl's idea would sound like heaven to a distressed and depressed soul in need of care.

I think she is right, something has to be done and while you might not agree with all the items like wearing uniforms, some type of customization for each soul might encourage participation. We have emergency rooms for hospital care, but how many of us would know where to go in a time of emotional crisis? I know you can pick up the phone book and find information, but A Manor of Eden seems to be a much more highly organized way of mending broken spirits and caring for hurting souls. I hope this book gets into the hands of someone very influential because it will take organization, planning and more than volunteers to get this idea off the ground.

~The Rebecca Review

I'm a working DBA but my exposure to PL/SQL has been light. This book not only teaches how to write the code but introduces better ways to perform typical tasks. Easily worth the money.

This book is a must have for DBA's!

It highlights so many of the powerful features and functionality of the Oracle Database, encapsulated within the PL/SQL language, that the first 5 chapters is worth the entire cost of the book!
(Especially Chapter 3 - Table Functions!)

Not only is this a must have for DBA's, it should also be required reading for PL/SQL developers, data warehouse developers and database architects alike.

It's no surprise that learning Oracle is one of the most challenging things to do for any person that works in the IT field. This massive database application has a long and storied history, becoming one of the de facto standards for storing database on massive scales. A huge chunk of the web is stored on Oracle systems, and it's a system that keeps growing and expanding over time.

With the complexity involved, it's nice that a book like this has been written so that DBAs can quickly get their feet wet with Oracle and learn the ins and outs in an efficient manner. At a size of 400+ pages, this is a nice guide to learn the basics of becoming an experienced Oracle DBA. Containing 8 chapters that cover the basics, this book covers Oracle up to Database 10g Release 2. It's up to date, written well, and a perfect companion resource on any DBAs desk.

**** RECOMMENDED

Are you a developer or database administrator? If you are, then this book is for you! Authors Arup Nanda and Steven Feuerstein, have done an outstanding job of writing a book that allows you to take advantage of the PL/SQL-based functionality in the Oracle database that is the most critical for DBAs.

Nanda and Steven Feuerstein, begin by providing a whirlwind tour of the PL/SQL language, touching on all of the topics DBAs will need to become familiar with--from the basics of the PL/SQL block structure, identifier construction, and program data declarations, to the use of control and error-handling statements, to the construction of procedures, functions, packages, and triggers in PL/SQL. Then, the authors describe PL/SQL cursors and how you can improve database performance by taking advantage of such features as cursor reuse, cursor soft-parsing and soft-closing, and various characteristics of implicit cursors. Next, they explore the use of functions that can be used as data sources for queries and that are used frequently in Extraction, Transformation, and Loading (ETL) operations. The authors then explain how you can use Oracle's tools to build basic encryption and key management systems to protect sensitive data. They continue to explain how you can define policies on database tables so that you can restrict which rows particular users can see or change in those tables. Then, the authors show you how you can extend traditional Oracle auditing to capture both database changes and queries. Next, they discuss situations in which you may need to generate values. Finally, they describe the use of the DBMS_SCHEDULER package in scheduling jobs to be performed at regular intervals.

This most excellent book is here to help you get your job done. More importantly, this book is focused squarely on the language topics of special concern to DBAs.

Simply put, this book is a must have for any Oracle DBA. Many new and advanced features within Oracle are implemented using PL/SQL. As an Oracle DBA, you must have a firm grasp of this powerful language and how to take advantage of features in Oracle10g that include:

*) Security
*) Auditing
*) Encryption
*) Optimizing Performance
*) Automating Tasks
*) Scheduling

To start, Oracle PL/SQL for DBAs provides a solid foundation of the PL/SQL language including syntax, data types, cursors, control logic, exception handling, abstract data types, procedures, functions, and packages. The introduction is well written and packed with many explanations and examples. The book continues further to describe in great detail the use of cursors and table functions in chapters 2 and 3.

At this point, the Oracle DBA should have a firm understanding of the language and move on to more DBA-specific features that involve the use of PL/SQL. Chapter 4 explorers the fundamentals of encryption and how to implement advanced encryption techniques within Oracle. The chapter focuses on the use of the PL/SQL packages DBMS_CRYPTO (Oracle10g R1 and higher) and DBMS_OBFUSCATION_TOOLKIT (earlier releases prior to Oracle10g R1). Algorithms like DES and Triple DES along with other encryption fundamentals like hashing and key management are explained in easy to understand terms and illustrations.

Chapter 5 is dedicated to Row-Level Security. The authors do a fantastic job of explaining policies and how they work. Once again, the extensive amount of accurate examples is what makes this chapter easy to understand and implement. Special attention is paid to the use of the PL/SQL package DBMS_RLS and using it to create policies and control user access. A special section is provided on troubleshooting common errors with row-level security along with how to interpret and resolve them.

Chapter 6 explains the use of Fine-Grained Auditing (FGA). Like previous chapters, the authors lay the foundation for why, how, and when to use this powerful feature along with specifics to how it works with different Oracle releases. The DBA will learn just what is captured with FGA and how to customize it to their environment. FGA makes use of the PL/SQL procedure DBMS_FGA. Detailed examples are provided for creating and editing policies along with methods for administrating FGA.

Chapter 7 deals with generating random numbers and how to take advantage of DBMS_RANDOM. Here you will find great explanations of how to check for randomness and following statistical patterns. Again, all of this is put together with accurate examples.

Chapter 8 was my favorite - Scheduling. This chapter focuses on DBMS_SCHEDULER - Oracle10g's replacement for DBMS_JOB. Sections are also provided on how to prioritize jobs with the use of Database Resource Manager (DBMS_RESOURCE_MANAGER).

I enjoyed this book from front to back. Very well thought out explanations, real world examples and illustrations.

I read Joann's book in a few days and only put it down because I had to. What a wonderful evangelist tool and a plus for any libray, whether Christian or not as it is a fictional depiction of the life of the thief on the cross alongside Jesus who found salvation. I have recommended the book to everyone I know.

I FOUND THE STORY OF THE THIEF ON THE CROSS VERY FASCINATING AND WELL WRITTEN. IT IS VERY EASY READING AND I RECOMMEND IT FOR ANYONE, TEENAGE AND UP.

THE TIME PERIOD IS DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS OF CHRIST'S LIFE AND TELLS THE STORY OF A YOUNG THIEF, HIS ESCAPADES AND CONTACT WITH VARIOUS PEOPLE. THE STORY HOLDS YOUR INTEREST AND KEEPS YOU IN SUSPENSE, CULMINATING WITH THE THIEF'S CRUCIFIXION AT THE SIDE OF JESUS, AND HIS JOURNEY INTO PARADISE.

An exciting novel of the life of the thief who was crucified with Jesus; from 17 years of age. "Couldn't put the book down"
The course of events was very interesting; thought-provoking and challenging.

An exciting novel of the life of the thief who was crucified with Jesus; from 17 years of age. "Couldn't put the book down"
The course of events was very interesting; thought-provoking and challenging.

This is just a great book for casual reading. The classic book summaries, biographies of important people, etc. intersting, well written, and they cover things that are important to know. My education was a bit heavy on science/engineering, and light on liberal arts - for that reason I appreciate this book even more.

I received this as a gift, but would definitely buy it for myself. I have removed it from the "loo" and put it on the nightstand. Great gift idea (kind of a gag gift, but actually very nice to have), or worth buying for yourself.

This is a terrific book! I received it as a gift and want to give it as one. It contains many short essays on various topics, biographies, classic book synopsis, quotes, business advice, health information, anecdotes, self-help information, vocabulary building, grammar rules and on and on. A mini library in one book. Great to keep in the bathroom for your reading pleasure. It won't disappoint. You'll keep enjoying it for a long time.

This book is crammed full of useful information, short synopses of books by well known authors, biographies, advice, etc. It would be a poor soul who failed to find something useful in it.

I bought this for my Dad. He loves it and feels like he is becoming well read because of the synopsis of all the classics. He even forced me to read several to insure him they followed the real books. They did. Great gift idea.

Just Perfect

Unfortunately, we purchased ours at Restoration Hardware and paid more :(

Lots of fun info about fascinating people, events, things, without the filler that bores you.

Cannot wait for future volumes.

The author's purpose was to reduce to a minimum individual opinions by a statistical approach that converted differing ideas on the part of so-called experts to a decimal conclusion. These results were compared with other presidents examined in an attempt to determine who among them were best qualified for the highest position of the land. They were also compared to the average American. My rating of just four stars is based on the description of the method used that took up a considerable part of the first part of the book. As essential as it probably was, I found myself bored by what to me is less than an interesting discipline. At the same time I agreed with their conclusions, although I do not believe that a single discipline standing alone is sufficient adequately to assign qualities to particular presidents. I was truly enlightened by what I discovered from the method used, and must admit that the characterization formed by the connection of the dots, so to speak, concurred with many of my own opinions based upon the discipline of History alone. I question whether the technique can actually foretell how well a candidtate will perform if elected as president. It would be helpful, I think, if the test were applied to Vice Presidential hopefuls because there are several significant instances where a Vice President assumed the office of President without being elected. In the most recent election, I felt those chosen to perform as Vice President was vital to my decision, and honestly placed my vote in jeopardy. By the same token, after seeing the performance results as indicated by the author's technique, I am of the conclusion that whoever is elected, or who assumes the presidency, will not necessarily result detrimentally to our nation. Nevertheless, the evidence drawn from the author's endeavor might give the electorate the means to better decide who should be selected based on more than emotion alone. There is no doubt that the work, audacious as it seems, will be of interest to all who read it. It would be well worth the time.

In my opinion, this is a landmark book. The first to evaluate the presidents' personalities in a scientific way. I will refer to it again and again. Parts of it are dense, especially the first part where they describe the methods used but it's well worth the read. Each chapter begins with a brief biography of the president profiled. If you have read other books on the presidents you may disagree with some of the things you read in this book. But regardless of that, this is a great book for comparing the presidents with one another and understanding their similarities and differences. It's a good starting point for further reading. I highly recommend it.

This charming, entertaining book will appeal to readers with interests in politics, American history, or personality. The authors persuaded numerous historical experts to rate each of the U.S. presidents on personality questionnaires. The ratings were then pooled and used to "profile" each president on such qualities as Character, Assertiveness, and Extraversion. Some of the results are about what one would expect (Abraham Lincoln was tender-hearted and exceptionally concerned about the well-being of less-fortunate people) but others are more thought-provoking (recent U.S. presidents seem to be more extraverted and perhaps less intellectual than their predecessors). The personality profile for each major president is accompanied by a brief and colorful biography. I had difficulty putting the book down, as I learned intriguing new facts about such colorful presidents as Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Andrew Jackson. This book is not only a great deal of fun but may also be useful to teachers of U.S. history, as well as instructors who want to introduce their students to modern personality theory and what psychologists call the "Big Five" personality traits. A sampling of the book's findings (and enlightening profiles of the 2004 presidential candidates George W. Bush and John Kerry) can be found on a website established by the book's authors at http://www.personalityinhistory.com/Default.asp

Personality, Character, and Leadership in the White House: Psychologists Assess the Presidents by Steven Rubenzer and Thomas Faschingbauer is unusual in that it combines a number of ingredients (an interesting subject, solid science and a good read) in a way that one seldom sees in a non-fiction book and does it successfully. This is a book that will interest history buffs and mental health professionals equally. In Personality, Character and Leadership in the White House, the authors have used a well know psychological test of normal personality dynamics which can be completed by individuals who know a living or deceased subject well. Rubenzer and Faschingbauer assembled groups of historians who were very familiar with particular presidents and had them complete the test on American presidents based on their knowledge of their personalities and behavior. The results provide insights into the qualities that make a good (or bad) president as well as how these leaders differ from the general population. The book is straightforwardand the authors do not inject their personal political beliefs into the mix. In addition, it is well written and jargon/psychobabble free. I highly recommend this book to both professionals and general readers who want to know more about what motivates our presidents, past and present

I found Personality, Character, & Leadership in the White Housse to be a very thoughtful, creative work that clearly has no equal in what it attempts to do. I have 12 years of graduate work in mostly Political Science, Psychology, Statistics and Public Administration and an extensive research library dealing with topics related to to study of Presidential Leadership. Given this background I believe I am qualified to say that there is no book like this. A great deal of work went into it and it takes the study of Presidential Leadership to a level no other study has reached. Clearly it is one that should be considered for use in many Political Science courses and perhaps in some other fields as well. It is hoped it will stimulate serious discussion of just how much we can learn about the strengths and limitations of using scientific personality research and quesstionnaires to evaluate political leadership at the highest level of the U. S. government. It also is a delight to read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the areas its title mentions. I know it will be a great help in my own research and should be for others too. I also beliieve the general thoughtful concerned citizen will find much food for thought in it.

i have always enjoyed lee falks hero the phantom. it is nice to see many writers views on this character. there are 17 short stories and i enjoyed every one of them. it is good to see even though lee falk is no longer with us,his hero is still kept alive. thank you.

The reason I bought this book is because I've long been a fan of the Phantom via its comic strip even since I could remember. I have to admit that I've been hooked to the Phantom as far as I know, and couldn't get enough of him! Oh, WOW!! I also hope to obtain more novels of the 'Ghost Who Walks'!!

An ok anthology this one. A limited resources type publisher, so it is a trade paperback sized book, but a cheapish one.

The story average here is 3.24, hampered by the fact that a couple of the entries are not up to professional writing standard. If they were, this would be close to your solid 3.5 book. As it is, I'll give it a bonus for the cover, and actually having a go at a superhero anthology, which is certainly worth something for fans of the Phantom.

The other thing is that some of the takes can see The Phantom as grim and humourless, and far more aggressively violent than the comic strip version - perhaps taking their cue from Moonstone comics work, which appears to be like that.

The best work here is at the end, barring Henderson, Murray and Oliveri.

Phantom Chronicles : 01 White Knight - Mike Bullock
Phantom Chronicles : 02 The Ghost Who Dies - Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
Phantom Chronicles : 03 Debt Of Honor - C. J. Henderson
Phantom Chronicles : 04 The Fastest Animal - Ron Fortier
Phantom Chronicles : 05 Truth Or Consequences - Jim Alexander
Phantom Chronicles : 06 Stranger From Walker's Table - Will Murray
Phantom Chronicles : 07 The Servants Of Set - Michael Oliveri
Phantom Chronicles : 08 Here There Everywhere - Nancy Kilpatrick
Phantom Chronicles : 09 Bad Medicine - Mike Bullock and Ed Rhodes
Phantom Chronicles : 10 House Of Ghosts - David Bishop
Phantom Chronicles : 11 The Promise - Grant Suave
Phantom Chronicles : 12 Not That Kind Of Girl - Trina Robbins
Phantom Chronicles : 13 Lessons Learned - Richard Dean Starr
Phantom Chronicles : 14 Reflection Of the Ghost - Dan Wickline
Phantom Chronicles : 15 A Ghost Without Yesterday - Dan Michelinie
Phantom Chronicles : 16 The Hungry Swamp - Martin Powell
Phantom Chronicles : 17 The Ghosts Who Walk - Craig Shaw Gardner

Rescuing Diana and her driver, from Aid robbers.

3 out of 5


The only female Phantom's son is jealous and goes for the doppelganger act.

2.5 out of 5


In a big surprise, The Ghost Who Walks breaks a pirate leader out of jail.

3.5 out of 5


The Phantom comes across Diana and a young assistant who have been attacked by Aid robbers.

3 out of 5


The Phantom is involves in an anti-ratzi castle spy operation.

3 out of 5


The sixteenth Phantom has some land pirates to deal with in the Old West.

3.5 out of 5


Pirate and cultist, a hard task for The Ghost Who Walks, with many hostages to rescue.

3.5 out of 5


The only female Phantom comes out of retirement for Jack the Ripper.

3.5 out of 5


The Phantom has to stop an athletic poisoner.

2 out of 5


A girl will be pleased to see the big purple variety that walks.

3 out of 5


A slaver ship to deal with, for the Phantom.

3.5 out of 5


An actress looking for work ends up as a stand-in goddess in a nazi Xenium plot.

3.5 out of 5


Another impostor tries to kill the Phantom, this time a hitman with honour.

4 out of 5


A dodgy German is dealing in super ammo, but a tough woman helps out The Phantom.

3.5 out of 5


The Ghost Who Walks comes to New Orleans, to help an old friend who runs an animal shelter.

4 out of 5


A trap is laid at an old hotel for the Phantom, but he does have help.

3.5 out of 5





3.5 out of 5

As a dyed in the (purple) wool Phantom fan, any collection of NEW Phantom prose is welcome. The quality of the 17 stories easily matches the comic book series published by Moonstone.

With a forward by Valerie Falk, contributions from Phantom scholars Ed Rhoades (consultant/artist/author), Will Murray (Doc Savage/Shadow) and accomplished authors David Michelinie, Mike Bullock, , C J Henderson, Ron Fortier, and Craig Shaw Gardner, the variety is outstanding. Disney artist extraordinaire Ruben Procopio's art is a good addition to the tales.

It's hard to pick out a favorite, but many capture the spirit of the Phantom very succinctly.

Can't wait for the 2nd volume.

Tim Lasiuta
www.moonstonebooks.com

These stories are bringing The Phantom back to life and doing it very well. There is one story I found to be a long stretch, but I'm not reviewing stories, but a volume of stories. In this volume the Deep Woods call, The Ghost Who Walks remains undying, justice prevails over the darkness of the world, and even when The Phantom seems helpless, he is just about ready to make his next move. A must for any Phantom fan! Quoth the Raven...

This book is a marvel of an analysis on the works of the great Philip Roth. It is extremely well-written, with beautiful diction and prose. Yet that isn't all: his analysis of Roth's works are very original, and Dr. Milowitz's book has enriched every reading of Roth I have done since I first purchased the book two years ago. In addition, it is written in a way that's appealling both to the literary critic as well as to the general public. Bravo!!

Dr. Milowitz is an awsome english teacher! Hes a genious. I know this from experience as a student of his in high school. This book is a must read for anyone intrested in Philip Roth's works.

Steven Milowitz gives an in-depth analyses of the mind of one the greatest American authors ever. The book literally drew me in, I read it in one sitting. An informative and very well written book, I reccomend it to everyone.

It's high time someone wrote an insightful book about this Brilliant Jewish-American author, and Dr. Steven M. Milowitz has risen to the task. Milowitz whisks us away on a provocative and challenging magic carpet ride through the concentrationary Universe of the pulitzer-prize winning author. It is a masterpiece of modern literary critism: combining intensive scholarship with insightful anicdotes to bring us a work of such staggering genius one can not help but marvel. Hats off to you, Doc!

Steven Milowitz takes us on an unforgettable journey through the mind of one of the greatest Jewish-American writers of all time. It has completely changed my Phillip Roth reading experience. This book is a must read, tour de force.