Stuart Books

The Origins Of Order is a fantastic book. Not only by it's thesis, also by it's methods.
Errors, time and competition (natural selection) is so easy in order to explain all the complexity we see.
I Spend much time in my work with complex problems in order to know all the details, collect the inputs, etc before I build a big spreadsheet and a power point presentation with my economic recommendations. Stuart Kauffman tells us other posibilities:
with a computer, some skills in programming, common sense and knolowedge of the problem build a random model of the problem, collect a lot of simulations, and analize the outcomes. Not more, not less. You don't need more.
And some times, change the computer by a pen and paper and build some equations. Not more, not less. You don't need more.

The Origins of Order will be viewed in the future as a milestone in shifting the existing Darwinian paradigm in biology from a "survival of the fittest" (natural selection) to a new paradigm focused on explaining the "arrival of the fittest" through self-organisation.
Using a boolean (NK) network model and a extensive amount of biological facts, Stuart Kauffman demonstrates in a powerful
way the central role of self-organisation in the creative process of life. His vision that biology seems to operate
as self-organised non-linear dynamical systems at the edge of chaos will have as much influence in biology that a similar vision offered by Nobel prize winner Prigogyne in the field of thermodynamcis. The book connects a web of fundamental ideas from the fields of biology, physics, mathematics and computer sciences and requires a strong background in biology that I unfortunately did not possess. The laborious style, the lack of clarity in the writing and the (unnecessary) length of the book should not stop anyone from reading this amazing book.
Stuart Kauffman combines an intellect and a vision that only very few scientists possess. This book is a must.

Kauffman believes that spontaneous self-ordering, which both simple and complex systems can exhibit, must be incorporated into evolutionary biology, along with traditional random variation and natural selection. Certain complex systems will be spontaneously self-ordering. Natural selection then tends to push such systems to the edge of chaos. In addition to advancing Kauffman's theories, this reference provides a good overview the Neo-Darwinian synthesis, a review of origin of life theories, a review of genetic regulatory theory, and a review of cell differentiation.

It took me a whole summer to read this book in 1993 and it is still the most amazing book I have ever read. If you are computer/mathematically inclined, have an interest in biology, and have enough time to digest it, this book will blow you away. It contains the most amazing hypotheses to come out since 1859. Unfortunately, it takes a huge investment in time to really read this book, but an epiphany awaits those who get through it.

Stuart Kauffman has an MD and is a generalist. The book deals primarily with theory and understanding of computer simulations of state driven systems of large numbers of connected nodes. It examines how such systems evolve through mutation and gives a clear understanding of the limited role of natural selection in comparison to the self-organizing forces at work within such systems. It examines the meta-interaction of sub-systems of interacting states (attractor basins) that occur within a system. In English: it gives the first theoretical framework for understanding just how it is that cells which all contain identical DNA express themselves as some number of stable cell types. Normally a cell will react to a perturbation in whatever way will return it to its base stable cycle (attractor loop). One type of cell turns into another type when just the right perturbation kicks the system from one attractor basin into a different attractor basin.

This is heavier reading than his popular science book, At Home in the Universe, but preferable for anyone with the necessary tiny amount of knowledge of genetics and logic operations. There are few equations of any kind. The results apply to more than just biological systems.

The book is long because instead of just presenting a few principles that you can try to remember abstractly, he leads you through all the important steps of his research and gives you a real feel for how complex systems actually evolve and operate. The book raises more questions than it answers, as it should be for a book of such originality and importance.

When you fully grok the contents of this book you'll be so excited you'll want to rush and explain it to someone else, which will be utterly impossible, so you'll probably have to lend them your book, buy them the popular version, or face the fact that you are now relatively alone on a higher plane.

From the outset, readers might think that this is a book for children. In actuality, this is a new-age book about Ping, and Ping being metaphoric about every and each of us that is seeking for meaning of life. Some of us are perfectly contented with the way they are and they are happy enough pottering around the well. However, there are some of us that are curious about what's beyond the well and they would go searching. Naturally, there are times when we aren't able to see beyond the woods and there are times when we are just about to give in and give out because to get to our destinations can prove difficult and almost impossible. Then, someone comes along (in this instance, in the form of an ageing but wise Owl) who would give us inspiration and dispense with anecdotes about life which subsequently strengthen our resolve to keep on going when the going gets tough. For many of us that believe in good-ending, this book brings us back to reality. Just when we think that everything is looking up, everything go pear-shaped. That's when we are at the cross-road (not at the cliff) deciding if we shall continue going or turning back. The book ends open-endedly and it's entirely up to you to decide what you wish to do with your own lives. I applaud the author for being courageous in doing so rather than being condescending, in preaching the readers to do what he deems is the right thing to do. On the contrary, he empowers the readers to actualise their actions which they see fit. Highly recommended and truly inspirational!

The person who rated this book with two stars is the perfect example of someone in need of reading more books such as this one. Learn to relax, open your mind, and enjoy. Put your red pen down while reading this book, because it's not needed. The book was very well written and very smooth in vocabulary choice. As a teacher, I would find it easy to use as a read-aloud in a high school classroom. It was very uplifting and inspirational, while still making me think and reflect on my life. Amazon customer for four years and never felt moved enough to write a review until now!

I loved reading Ping, it made me laugh and think and it made me realize how to advise my employees on the importance of accepting risk and dealing with change. This book is especially rich in wisdom and insight for graduates, supervisors, managers and executives and can help create a more supportive workplace. As a Christian, I came away with many insights that I had not realized before. The story of how Ping is mentored by a wise owl is an upliifting one, owl's teachings like those of Jesus, Moses, Mohammed and other prophets and spiritual leaders is an invitation for us all to become living examples for others to follow. This is a small book with a huge message that I invite all to discover.

Ping is an amusing and enlightening story that reveals profound truths about how to deal with change in your work and in your life In this simple parable Ping is a frog in search of a new pond who confronts his "stuckness," and overcomes his fear by discovering and welcoming the power of change. The lesson from this witty and endearing read is that change is ultimately about taking action and control of our own destiny. It is something that we all have the power to do. The question is, "Will
we?" The story of Ping is a tale of empowerment. That empowerment is a gift we can give to our selves, not something that is bestowed by others. At 90 pages this book is a life manual that should be part of every curriculum. As a business enhancement it is inspiring. If you are in management of a company that goes through changes, you need not only to read this, but give it to your employees too.

I loved this book for it's postive motovational message and lessons that one can apply to their career and life. The story follows a frog named Ping who is forced to find a new pond when the one that has offered him security for so long has dried up. The journey he takes is inspirational and teaches us that despite great obsticales our goals are always within reach if we would learn to reach within. Like Who Moved My Cheese, Ping is a book that will be enjoyed by recent graduates and seasoned business professionals.

Hi,
OK! This book is just toooooooooooooooo CUTE!!!!!! I've read the whole first series twice!!!!! And this just happens to be one of the sweetest EVER!!! You HAVE to buy it! For those of you who are on the first books and LOVE Ichigo {and no her name is not Zoey}you will love the ending of this series! Also mew mew continues in Tokyo mew mew A La Mode!!! So if I were you I would keep reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh boy, this is the best book yet! I LUV Kish, he's soooo HOTT. I'm so mad at Ichigo for liking Masaya instead of him. If I were her, I'd consider myself lucky. I cried when Kish died, it broke my heart that he would die to save the girl that doesn't even love him! ANYWAY.......I HIGHLY recomend that you read this book.

By the way, im not a kid. Im just a girl who used the kids review so i wouldn't have to log on. im 14, seriously. Luv ya!

-Rezurii

This book was great. I've read it over 5 times in the first month I've gotten the book. The book is great, and the petite mew mew and extra pages are great!

I loveddd this book it's probably the best book out of the series. It seems so happy until the suprise twist. I'd really like to tell you but it would destroy the suprise part. Read IT!!!!!!!

It was a great book, but it was sort of sad. I mean, Kish dies and he really loves Ichigo and all that. It does have it's happy moments, but in my opinion, it is just plain sad.

I tried, and failed, using a variety of techniques for 'value' or 'fundamental' investing; then I stumbled upon this book which really opened my eyes to the fact that playing the stock markets really is (for amateurs, at least) gambling or speculating. And yet, it is possible to make money. Not by trying to predict where markets will go; but by reacting quickly to market moves and by practicing effective money management to limit losses.

This book has been a big influence on my trading style, and was one of the key inspirations behind the writing of my own book.

Tony Loton -- author, DON'T LOSE MONEY! (in the Stock Markets)

An excellent book for the beginning trader because it does away with the misleading ideas about the marketplace that most beginning traders fall victim to. I wish I had read this book prior to my first trades because if I had, I probably wouldn't have gone through all the "fundamentals" nonsense and other hype that doesn't mean squat in terms of making money.

A good book to accompany Darvas first book.

This book is no way near as good as the first. It is mostly the same material told in a less engaging way. He uses the metaphor of Wall Street as Roulette Game in a Casino which cheats it's clients. If you like Darvas's first book it is certainly worth reading to gain little insights on his method which youdon't get in the first. There a few new anecdotes and a chapter which explains his method but on the whole the book is not as amusing a read and lacks the freshness of the first, nor do I think it takes his story much farther than where the last ends. I would love to know what happened to Darvas in the late sixties and early seventies but not in this book.

I spent $150 on this book with no regrets. After reading over 70 books on stock trading and studying the greatest stock traders of all timen in my opinion Nicolas Darvas is the greatest stock trader who ever lived. No one that I am aware of ever made so much money in such a short amount of time with such a small starting point. Darvas started with a few $2,000 in stock, his 1st stock quadrupled in a few months. With in a few years of trial and error he had turned $8,000 into $100,000 then finished out his final 18 months turning that into $2.4 million dollars. He then removed his money from the market due to no stocks meeting his criteria and avoided the bear market of the early 60's. On his journey he never lost any of his own money, only losing previous winnings.
I love this book and his previous one because he gives specifics, with dates and amounts of stocks he purchased and when he sold. His books are text books for stock traders. In this book he discusses how brokers and tip services make money off each generation of suckers in Wall Street and how to keep from being ripped off. I agree with his point that if your broker or the tip service were so great they would be following their own advice and making a killing in the market instead of working and selling you services and information for a few dollars. It is very important to be very careful in the Wall Street casino and not getted ripped off.
This book goes into much more detail than his other book and explains exactly how to use his techno-fundamentalist system.

His method of stock investment:
TECHNICAL-
Only buy stocks that have established solid price boxes and have moved through them consistently.

Buy stocks that move into higher boxes on increased volume.

Only buy stocks breaking into all time new highs after coming out of a previous solid price box.

Set on stop buy orders to enable you to buy the stock as it breaks out of the box into the next one. This is where the big moves happen.

FUNDAMENTAL-
Trade stocks based on there capitalation. This will determine proper volume and price movement due to number of outstanding shares.

Buy stocks in strong industry groups.

Buy stocks that have the greatest expectations of future earnings.

Even though this book has not been recommended by Willim O'Neal it is an excellent companion book for followers of the CAN SLIM method of stock trading. Darvas encourages us to bet on the fastest horse with the best record not to worry so much about the kind of hay it eats or spectators opinions. I have made $1,000's of dollars using these methods and you will to. This book is a jewel in the ocean of stock trading books.

This book continues from where How I Made 2,000,000 left off. Nicolas refreshes the reader on his sound methods with his box theory and stop-loss. What i liked alot about this is book is how he actually draws in a great comparison on how Wall Street is much like Las Vegas! (Go figure)... Darvas gives us the realities to investing; its gambling! But dont worry, you can learn to clean the house in no time with the help of this book. Accept the facts, trust your instinct and gamble with confidence baby! But other then the gambling aspect, Nicolas repeats himself frequently throughout the book, which is the only downside. I would definetely recommend this book to anyone interested in what Wall Street really is!

As a serial startup specialist, I am always looking for resources that can help venture-backed companies succeed--nearly every business book falls well short of the mark. "Where Value Hides" is the exception. Jackson has used his varied consulting and management experiences to clearly and concisely demonstrate how to strategically manage any company from the startup phase all the way through to the Fortune 50. It is already paying dividends for my current company.

Honestly enjoyed this book and find it provides useful insight into better understanding what drives value and how to make decisions that uncover and create it. Probably one of the more practical strategy books out there and worth the time it takes to learn its lessons.

Acquisitions are a tricky business. Deciding whether to move forward on one, or to pass one by, too often depends on an opaque understanding of strategic fit and growth potential. I found Stuart Jackson's discussion of how Strategic Market Position can create a clearer picture informative and practical. Jackson states that, "for a business or product line that competes in only one strategic segment, SMP is simply the market share of the business in its strategic market segment. For a company competing in multiple strategic segments, its overall SMP is the average of its SMPs in each strategic segment, weighted by the businessâ(tm)s sales or investment in each strategic segment." Pretty straightforward; but when you read the case examples in the book and learn what it takes to dissect a company's value drivers, you quickly realize this is no simple task. When considering acquiring another company, though, the upside to doing this legwork can be tremendous.

Jackson says we should ask four key questions when analyzing an acquisition target:

1) What strategic segment are we entering and who is the competition?
2) Will the new business improve our SMP in segments where we already compete?
3) If we are entering a new strategic segment, can we leverage our SMP in adjacent segments to ensure we achieve a strong SMP in the target segment?
4) Bottom line, will the new business make the weighted average SMP for our overall company better or worse?

Answering these questions can help you know, for example, what types of acquisitions make sense long-term, if you should "overpay" for an acquisition, as well as know when it is wise to sell off or merge a business. I think Jackson's Where Value Hides does a good job of outlining the steps necessary to get to the heart of these questions and make better decisions.

I found Stuart Jackson's book, Where Value Hides, entertaining and in many ways illustrative of best practices when it comes to thinking about how to go about analyzing a company's strategic options. The examples of BMW, Emerson Electric, and General Mills clearly show how a deep understanding of key value drivers is immensely valuable but often elusive to even the most accomplished business leaders. And his discussions around applying the principles of strategic market position to reality are very useful. It did strike me as I was reading the book, though, that to really appreciate the impact of this somewhat subtle approach to business analysis, readers would probably benefit from something like a "how to" guide or "toolkit" to walk them through applying the insights to their own circumstances.
All-in-all, a very valuable read, but would like more guidance in learning how to apply SMP to my own situation.

Don't confuse Strategic Market Position (SMP) with your run-of-the-mill market segmentation everyone talks about. The concept of SMP that Stuart Jackson lays out in his book, Where Value Hides, doesn't so much turn the concept of market share on its head as show how positioning your company based on a simplistic understanding of market share can lead to strategic decisions that are dead wrong and can ultimately be very costly. The importance of getting a handle on your company's market position becomes clear when you realize that its impact goes far beyond sales and marketing straight to the heart of your organization's operations, cost structure and overall strategy. SMP is not about market segmentation, although it has very real implications for your sales and marketing organization. Rather, as the title implies, it's about uncovering what creates value for your company and turning that insight into clear strategic decision criteria. Simple on the surface, but so rarely implemented in reality.

I will keep this review brief and to the point. This book is fabulous. The magick in it works. As an exercise in expansion of a Witch's conciousness, this text is unparalleled. I don't care what you have to do to obtain this book -- you must get it.

It is a shame that this book had to go out of print. In many ways, this book picks up where Ellen Cannon Reeds "Witch's Kabbalah" leaves off. The Tree of Life is given a Goddess centered spin that makes perfect sense if you think about it. The discussion of the four worlds is tied together with the Middle Pillar exercise, whuch is the best way to illustrate the concept. Best of all, this book contains practices which will lead up to actual Pathworkings. The book is difficult (probably the reason for its low sales) but worth pursuing if you want to tie your Craft to the Kabbalah. Look around; if you really need the book, it will find you.

I got this book when I was in UK many years ago. Since then, I have been practising all the exercises stated in the book. It has given me the conviction to continue practising Witchcraft alone. Every exercise I do WORKS! I am glad that I bought this book when I first saw it in a bookstore in London! I strongly recommend anyone keen in Witchcraft to start sourcing for it. Would there be a sequel to "Between the Worlds"?

Stuart Myers was one of my first teachers when I began my study of Wicca. His insights and in depth study of the Qabalah lend an excellent interpretation of practicing Wicca. I recently recommended this book to a friend who was seeking to understand Qabalah theory. The only books available were huge tomes on Qabalah. I led her to Stuart's book. After reading Between the Worlds, the reader will not only have a good understanding of Qabalah but a good understanding of Wicca and how the two work together. I anxiously await Stuart's further writings and wish my once teacher the best of all that can be found "Between the Worlds".

"Between the Worlds" was a labor of love for me. I wrote it to share with others my own interpretation of the Tree of Life, and wove into it an intricate fabric of my own personal, Goddess-centered Qabalah. Unfortunately, Llewellyn Publications allowed this text to go out of print, and because they had no plans to republish it for years, I took the rights to the work back.

Daily, I receive dozens of emails from other wiccans asking when, or if, I will bring this book back into print. To date, I do not have a publisher for this volume.

...I would love to bring an expanded, revised edition of this work back into print. As many reviewers have noted, it is ground-breaking,and is perhaps the first new interpretation of this ancient science since the days of Isaac Luria.

Blessings to all:
B Stuart Myers.

Stuart Dybek is truly a gifted writer. But moving beyond my humble opinion, this unique collection of short stories shines. Dybek's prose is haunting, his language at times startling and spare, at others languid and nearly musical. His characters are alive and absolutely believable in their mistakes and victories. Each story stands as a reflection on everyday beauty; Dybek that takes time to notice the details other authors overlook or dismiss as mundane. In 'The Coast of Chicago' Stuart Dybek has managed to do something quite rare in the all-too self-conscious realm of short story writing-- create stories that are rich yet still real without trying too hard to be so. Allow yourself to get sucked up into the twisting paths of his Chicago-- it's a journey you won't regret.

Lovely stories that take place in the intersection of dream and waking life, stories you'll want to read again and again from one of the most original and lyrical writers working today.

You would have to search long and hard to find stories anywhere with this originality and beauty. They will stop you in your tracks. Dybek has staked out a territory purely his own, the lost and dispossessed of Polish Chicago. Chicago has proudly produced Dreiser, Norris, Algren, Levin, Bellow and Farrell--and now Dybek. His work is enduring, funny, incisive and unforgettable.

I have read all of Stuart Dybek's books and have even had the privilege of having lunch with him and discussing his works. Being of Polish descent, I have lived in the neighborhoods that he describes. All of his books accurately depict real Southside Chicago people and their histories, their hardships, their heartaches, their woes and their lifestyles. I read his stories and I am transported back 20 years to my childhood neighborhood. I am always overcome with a feeling of nostaglia after I finish one of his books.

It is only fitting that this collection of 14 short stories was chosen for the One Book - One Chicago program hosted by The Chicago Public Library this spring. What a better way to promote communal reading in Chicago than to sponsor a book about life in their own city. While reading each short story it is apparent that Stuart Dybek has an intimate knowledge of Chicago. He successfully uses his memories and fondness for the city from his childhood of growing up in the Little Village and Pilsen neighborhoods during the mid-20th century. Each short story details with the passage of time and what it means to live in Chicago. A sense of place is an important factor running throughout each story and successfully unites each story into this collection. The story that resonates the most for me is "Chopin in Winter" about one boy who is immensely affected by an upstairs neighbor who plays the piano each night. The portrayal of the grandfather Dzia-Dzia and his relationship with the principle character are noteworthy and memorable. THE COAST OF CHICAGO is a wonderful collection of short stories that will remain in a special spot on my bookshelves for enjoyment for years to come. I love living in Chicago; and these stories resonated strongly with me. Highly recommended.

My husband and I, while living in the area did our first boating at the Jenny Willey State Park. We were there for three years and I never met any of Jenny's descendents to my knowledge. I wish I had. The early settlers had a strong desire to move west and a determination to survive. They walked and rode horses packed with very little into a wilderness that many Indian tribes used for their hunting ground. These tribes were not happy to see the white men coming. The French and Indian war was also a factor. They fought for their land in their savage way of life. Many of the settlers fought back in the same manner. It was not one sided. This is a very interesting story of Jenny's abduction and her escape. By Ruth Thompson author of "The Bluegrass Dream" A Wilderness Adventure of Early Settlers


Natchez Above The River: A Family's Survival In The Civil WarThe Bluegrass Dream: A Wilderness Adventure of Early Settlers

As a 3-Great Grandson of Jenny Wiley (Through her son, Hezekiah) this book is of course a great interest to me. It along with "White Squaw" and others tell a graphic story of pioneer life in the eastern U.S. mountains in the late 1700's. I am, of course, proud to be a direct descendant of this great pioneer woman.

I must note though, that I am quite disappointed in the editing done by the Jesse Stewart Society in this revised edition. Unfortunately, political correctness has "softened" the savagery of the Indians from what was originally published by Caudill. Other than that, and as was noted by a previous reviewer, Caudill's softening the impact of her supernatural encounter(s), this is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Also, if you find the original publication in a used book store, buy it!

Jenny Sellards Wiley is my 5th great grand aunt. This is an excellent book, especially for children. It is a tale of struggle and survival during the pioneer days.

Although i have only read the first three chapters of this book at the library i have found it extremly interresting. my grandma has informed me that jenny wiley is an ancestor of mine. after hearing this i thought i would chek it out. after reading very little i have learned so much and would love to read more. In other words im glad Harry M. Caudill worte this book. if other people read this book i know they will love it too.

I'm a decentant of Jenny Wiley.I've heard thestory about her,when I was a child growing up.I've also shared this book with my 4 childen.Who enjoyed it alot.They tell all there friends how famous & brave she was to escape from the Indians.I like to see more Kids read books like this.They sure would be suprise what people went through back in those days.

A beautiful book for anyone you know touched by DES-women, men, family, friends, lawyers, and physicians. DES exposed people deserve acknowledgement and information about the drug they were exposed to before they were born. DES Stories does this while also bearing witness to the massive disruption of people's lives, which chemical exposure and drug breakthrough can cause. Get this book to feel empowered. It helps speak the truth.

Two of my sisters are exposed to the drug DES and are affected with infertility and cancer. DES touches every one in a family for the rest of their lives. This book brings home the impact of DES in an unforgettable way. I poured over the stories and photos. The stories are incredibly validating and candid, especially to see people's faces. It does a remarkable job of balancing the pain and suffering of DES but emphasizes people's positive, heroic emotions in dealing with DES. The timeline telling the truth about what was known about DES and when it was known is excellent. This is a very special book.

This book was a great book on true life stories and DES. It was so great for someone to write a book on illness which effect people everyday. I recomend it greatly!!!

HI folks - thought those of you who have not read "DES Stories" would enjoy these little excerpts re how I felt and others felt when they read it, and a bit of why Margaret wrote it. Please tell me what YOU think:

My response:
Reading this brought back to mind my experience reading your book. The first friend who gave it to me, a male, left it on my doorstep on November 6th last year, my 39th birthday, as a surprise little gift.

I remember being hugely excited as I unwrapped its package and I remember thinking that it was 21 years before on that same date when I found out I had cancer for the first time, on my 18th birthday.
(A nurse from the clinic at Balboa Hospital had come by and left her card with my roommate, reminding her that I must see the doctor again and why - she had left 2 previous messages the week before that I did not return, because it was my first day on the job at the Bank where I was then on that date, a full-fledged employee, instead of an intern. And I had not called back because I was busy preparing for that day and thought it was about more volunteer work, anyway.)

Anyway, what a gift. The first thing I usually do when I get home is run to the bathroom... I remember reading practically the entire book right there on the porcelain goddess.
(I had part of my bladder resected when the cancer spread the 1st go-round. It's fine now - all that delicious balloon stretching that I adored so much (yea, right!) had done a good job...I still drink a LOT of fluids.)

I know one woman who had cervical, vaginal and ovarian cancer and along with the clear cell adenocarcinoma they found choriocarcinoma when she had ovarian cancer. She had her cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes and spleen completely removed. She has had 1/3rd of her bladder removed and reconstructed, 19 inches of her intestine and part of her omentum removed and my vagina reconstructed two times. She had 7 surgeries, external and internal radiation therapy and 4 separate mutli-round sessions of chemotherapy - all encompassing eight years of her life (18yrs old-almost 21 and 30yrs-37).
Today, she still has two tumors in her lumbar vertebrae - one the diameter of a quarter and the other a dime.
BUT - she is healthier than most anyone she knows! (Can you guess who "She" is?)

I remember the tears rolling down my face and rejoicing at the same time, that now the world would know it's true, it's still true and it still will be true and true anew for many yet to come, unfortunately. But now, it was in writing and not just in medical journals or my own doctor's handwriting. There were documented "others" and I was not alone. I, and my DES sisters were validated. And, if any MD dared mention to me that it was a long time ago and nothing of consequence today, I would have something in hand to proudly show him or her before I quietly walked out of their office forever.

The feeling of AWE that sticks with me today continues to amaze me. I brought it to a family picnic around Thanksgiving time last year to give to my mother who was visiting from out of town, and my oldest brother picked it up and read the whole thing right there. My mother picked it up and began reading it very shortly thereafter and even asked me questions! My boyfriend read the entire book the night I gave it to him to read.

What continues to strike me is how this book appears to magnetize the reader, pulls them in and keeps them there all the way through. I've never come across that before or seen someone else experience that either.

Why is that? I believe it's because the book is so subtle. From the colors on the cover to the pictures on the pages, the message within speaks loudly, yet softly of a quiet strength, of endurance. The details are not of morbid skeleton bones found in a closet or of gross deformities or fantastic miracles. Depicting man, woman, child - they successfully link all humankind. Which, combined in this wonderful book, induce the quiet force, revealing the present triumphs of real-life people. "DES Stories" chronicles each individual's rising to the purpose, of finding the answers with mastery of oneself and of circumstance.

It is a peaceful, very special honor to have something in common with these very brave human beings. They are prevailers. We are prevailers! For we are NOT victims, which is what the word 'survivor' connotes to me. We have overcome and become stronger and yes, better.
Love, Suzette

If you thought DES was a thing of the past - guess again. DES is alive and well. All you have to do is look into the faces staring up from the pages of this book and listen to the personal stories of the people exposed to this drug to know you are in the presence of a powerful force. No, I'm not referring to DES, although its impact is profound. I am referring to the miraculous ability of the human spirit to survive and transcend experiences most can only imagine. I know. I'm one of the survivors.

While you will not find my story contained within the pages of this book, I am there. I am a DES daughter, a cancer survivor. I am also a psychotherapist specializing in health psychology. Through my work, I hear a lot of stories, but few compare to those associated with the widespread medical mistake of DES.

Despite the scope of the problems created by this drug, those of us who live with the aftermath are in danger of being forgotten, or at least overlooked. Upon seeing a new physician recently, he said, "I was told in medical school that we wouldn't be seeing any more people exposed to DES." I informed him that I certainly hoped he wouldn't see any new cases of DES exposure, but there were plenty of us still walking around to tell the tale of DES and of our experiences with it. This book does precisely that - tell the tale.

Many thanks to Margaret Lee Braun and Nancy Stuart for a well-written and graphically poignant book. It is tasteful, respectful, and a much needed reminder that we are still here.

If you are not a biologist or MD, and want to see where the application of genomics to medicine is going, try Brown's book. In clear language, he and other writers explain the key ideas and promises in this field. Like what can be done with massive genomic databases, by aiding the search for inherited diseases, and isolating these to certain places in the DNA.

One chapter looks at gene therapy. Currently, still mostly speculative. Much remains to be done to make it viable for many people. But this chapter is perhaps the most far reaching, if its potential can be fully realised. Related to this is another chapter about proteomics, which is another buzzword. We see that protein structures are another field, closely related, that also holds big promises for understanding and treatments.

"...this book was exactly what I was looking for: a high-level overview of genomic technologies and their application...Brown's book is highly recommended..." (Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 20, No. 6, June 2003)

"readable account of the underpinnings of genomics and its medical applications...a clearly written book that makes a complex discipline understandable..." (New England Journal of Medicine, July 24, 2003)

"...a good purchase for...academic or medical libraries as well as large public ones." (E-Streams, Vol. 6, No. 5, May 2003)

"It will be quite useful to anyone from other fields who is interested in a taste of what emerging technologies in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics can bring to bear on questions of potential importance in biomedical research." --American Journal of Human Genetics