Trials Books

Prof. Colaiaco teaches in the Great Books program at NYU. His experience teaching high-level undergraduates shows in this book, which is very accessible to the educated non-specialist who wants to know why Socrates is so important.

The book is organized chronologically, following the events of the trial as they are presented to us in the dialogues of Plato. The style is clear and concise. There are copious footnotes, 670 of them in 227 pages, but they are all pertinent and they do not interfere significantly with the narrative flow. There is an extensive bibliography, almost as valuable as the narrative itself, for those interested in pursuing further study of Socrates.

Prof. Colaiaco deeply admires Socrates, holds him up as the first example of principled opposition by the individual to arbitrary state power. He is disappointed by Socrates' provocation of the jury into sentencing him to death, and in Socrates' refusal to accept exile as an alternative. Yet Colaiaco shows that the outcome was inevitable, given the desperate political situation of Athens at the time, and Socrates' stubborn lifelong mission to save the souls of his fellow citizens.

Colaiaco notes that the jury was obligated to make a decision that was in the best interest of the Athenian polis, not in the best interest of justice. This illustrates just how different Athenian legal and political ideas were from our own, even though Athens was a democracy. Under the Athenian legal system, the law was whatever the Athenian jury, chosen by lot, said it was on the day it rendered its verdict, and there was no appeal. Our concept of justice as "equality before the law" did not come into existence until some generations later, and then not in Athens, but in Rome.

I was disappointed that Prof. Colaiaco didn't comment on Socrates' last words, telling Crito to sacrifice a cock to Aesclepius. Socrates was no doubt being ironic, as always, but what did he mean? That his soul had been healed? That he was "cured" finally of the "illness" of life?

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the sources of the Western tradition we all share.

Related reading:

Gregory Vlastos: "The Historical Socrates and Athenian Democracy" in his book "Socratic Studies". This is aimed at the specialist, is more demanding than Colaiaco, but just as interesting.

I do not recommend I.F. Stone's book on Socrates [...] If you must read Stone, read Colaiaco and Vlastos first.

A.E. Taylor's "Socrates" is [...] dated, but still interesting.

This book is an excellent study of the trial of Socrates in its historical and cultural context. Unlike other studies, this book presents both sides of what the author conceives to be a tragic collision of values between the philosopher and Athens. The book is distinguished by excellent prose, clear and insightful analysis, and cogent arguments. This book is invaluable for anyone who wants to better understand Plato's APOLOGY and CRITO, which are dramatic re-creations of Socrates' trial, condemnation, and imprisonment. The author succeeds in transporting the reader back into the world of ancient Athens.
This book is suitable for the general reader as well as scholars. Many works, designed primarily for scholars, depict Socrates as a series of abstract arguments, depriving him of the humanity and passion that made him a great philosopher. Having read I.F. Stone on the trial of Socrates, which distorts the philosopher, presenting him as an authoritarian anti-democrat, I welcome Colaiaco's book for its presentation of a more objective view.
Unlike other studies which take either the side of Socrates or Athens, the author's approach is a balanced one. The reader is led to respect Socrates, the philosopher as hero who maintained his integrity until the end, and at the same time understand why the Athenians were threatened by his radical critique of their fundamental values. A glance at the table of contents will reveal that the book offers an enlightening intellectual history of Athens during the decline of its glory.
This book makes excellent reading for anyone interested in better understanding one of the greatest trials in history.

A graceful guide containing valuable historical and cultural description of Socrates' Athens, James Colaiaco's well informed and sometimes provocative exploration of an ancient conflict between democracy and dissidence evokes the scene and sense of the great philosopher's trial. It is a welcome addition to the literature on Socrates' trial and imprisonment that will enliven the modern debate over civil disobedience.

The main thing about philosophy in ancient Greece is that it produced the ultimate account of the case which is the subject of SOCRATES AGAINST ATHENS by James A. Colaiaco. It has the Notes, Selected Bibliography, and Index of a scholarly work, and the last page of the Index shows more pages listed for Leo Strauss than for I. F. Stone. There are even more entries in the Index for Friedrich Nietzsche than for Stone and Strauss, which shows an awareness of the larger philosophical questions involved. All the information in this book is an outstanding background for understanding what Nietzsche was trying to explain in Section 340 of THE GAY SCIENCE, called, "The dying Socrates." Nietzsche was impressed by the last moment of Socrates' life.

`Whether it was death or the poison or piety or malice--something loosened his tongue at that moment and he said: "O Crito, I owe Asclepius a rooster." '

Colaiaco puts so much emphasis on "the moral claim that one's duty to obey God is superior to one's duty to obey the state" (pp. 1-2) that the final words of Socrates must seem much more sarcastic after reading this book than for anyone who has merely shared I. F. Stone's interest in Athens as an origin of judicial process, democracy, and free speech. I. F. Stone's THE TRIAL OF SOCRATES (1988) hardly mentions Nietzsche and Gregory Vlastos, but his knowledge of Greek language and culture provide an interesting political background for understanding Stone's imaginative chapters, "How Socrates Easily Might have Won Acquittal," and "What Socrates Should Have Said."

In fact, the trial put so much emphasis on Socrates' failure to observe the customs of ordinary Athenians, having his last words call for a sacrifice to the god of health might seem to be a continuation of the point Socrates was making in the conclusion of his argument at his trial. "Surely, he presumes, unable to resist one final barb against his accusers, philosophers would not be executed for critical activity in the underworld." (Colaiaco, pp. 184-185). Colaiaco accepts Socrates' willingness to participate in a death sentence as the ultimate triumph of philosophy over the judgments of this world, though his own acceptance of this judgment is hedged by the comment, "Significantly, he omits any mention of a possible encounter with Achilles, the Homeric warrior-hero whom he, as philosopher-hero, superseded." (p. 184). On the scale of truth in philosophy and politics, this could be some indication of why modern politicians have so little expectation of being confronted by philosophers, as Hitler hardly ever heard anything from Martin Heidegger.

A friend of mine who raises and shows dogs raved about this book, so I picked it up. It has been very helpful, even though my puppy will not be a show dog, it has helped with my understanding her better.

I like this book because I am just starting to get interested in showing my dogs in obedience. The author covers almost every imaginable topic including what to wear and what to expect at a show. I also like that she assumes that the reader is working with a trainer as it encourages the reader to find a good one. The illustrations are very helpful as well.

The author does not miss a trick with this book. If you are at all interested in AKC Obedience, whether you already compete or are even considering it, this is THE book to read. Rather than give lengthy training methods for the basics of obedience (any book can do that), Handler specifically covers what and what not to expect from an AKC obedience trial or sanctioned match, and gives wonderful advice on "proofing" your dog for each required excersise. This book is nothing short of a necessity for the AKC obedience competitor.

If you are serious about competition obedience this book should be a required read. It was a great help for me when I started to show my first dog. It points out all the little things that can make the difference between a qualifying and a non-qualifying score. If this book was 5 times more expensive it would still be worth every dime.

This is an excellent resource for litigators, whether novices or 30 year veterans. GREAT material here!

Professor Ball uses his special skill in Theater Arts and perceptions of jury reaction to instruct the advocate in trial techniques.
I often refer to this book in CLE presentations along with Wellman's work on Cross Examination.

I am a defense attorney and this book is fabulous! Its an easy read and creative. I highly recommend it for any attorney that goes before a jury.

This book is the perfect supplement for a trial advocacy textbook. David Ball brings a valuable and fresh perspective to trial lawyers. He can do so because he is not a lawyer, but rather has an extensive background in theater such as being the former chair of the theater department at Duke University. Now, he is a professional trial consultant. For example, Ball urges lawyers to take the lessons that actors, directors and playwrights have mastered (such as the importance of telling a story that reaches the emotions of the audience) and using those techniques at trial. He makes one of many great points when he suggests how a lawyer might have ended Hamlet (badly) as opposed to how Shakespeare did. He then shows how anyone can take the lessons from Shakespeare to craft a strong ending to a closing argument in trial.

For opening statements in a personal injury case he teaches that instead of beginning with a saying such as "Driving too fast is negligent," you should capture the jury's attention with "Last August the truck driver sitting over there was going too fast and killed a little girl." Lawyers are too often focused on the details executing techniques and Ball reminds us that developing the art of trial advocacy is the most important skill of all.

This is an awesome inspirational book! It's remarkable proof that one determined individual can make a difference and that "when you're right you have to stand up for yourself or you're dead". I plan on making sure my kids read and sharing with my friends.

Mr. Radulovich is an inspiration on the value of family honor and loyality in our society.

What the country must read how one person can make the difference for the rights of the American people. The loyalty for your parents and this country are a must. The author and Mr. Milo Radulovich make the point. An outstanding book, Thumbs up

OK, so I am biased because Milo Radulovich is my cousin, but speaking as an (amateur) historian, I can say this is book is excellently researched. Michael Ranville gives you not only an incredible story of the "little man in turbulent times" (which is an incredible way to learn history) but also places the chronology of the Radulovich story against other US & World events of the time, giving the book a depth and range that many stories written in this fashion lack. This book is also fascinating from the perspective of the immigrants and "third culture kids" who shaped (and continue to shape) the American vision. This book is a must-read if you teach or study American history 1945-Present professionally. I wish everyone could meet Milo Radulovich; his courage then AND now, and that of the entire family, shines.

Here are some professional reviews sent to my publisher:

"Campbell's book is magic. It sings. It dances. The law ought to be about people-- people in trouble, people with claims for justice who need to be heard. Art Campbell knows this. He also knows how to bring you into the lives of the people he has-- with wit, grit and dedication-- represented over the years. This is a great book. " -- Mike Tigar, internationally renowned trial attorney.

"Professor Campbell's Trial & Error reads like a fast paced work of fiction with fascinating real life experiences, laced with poetry. I am grateful that he had the insight to record and preserve these images from his life so that the public and a generation of lawyers will have the unique opportunity to peek into his past and share these vivid courtroom scenes, his keen wit and his growth as a burgeoning attorney. Campbell's journey, while sometimes painful, is remarkable for the intensity of his feelings and his single minded desire to always improve. And improve his does as we watch the birth of an outstanding lawyer. Sit back, read this book and be prepared an exciting tour through the eyes of a truly talented person." -- Mario Conte, former Executive Director of Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.

"Art Campbell provides us with brilliant flashes of insight into the mysterious workings of the legal system. His prose poems are heart-wrenching, powerful, compelling. As an insider, Campbell is in an unique position to provide vivid glimpses at the colorful characters on both sides of the law. His prose poems are full of compassion and a generosity of spirit. In sharing with us his 'tales from the trenches,' he reveals the heart and soul of a young trial lawyer." -- Nancy Kim, lawyer and author of critically acclaimed novel CHIMHOMINEY's SECRET.

"For anyone who is now, or ever has been, or ever wants to be, a criminal defense lawyer, Art Campbell's book of prose poetry is a must read. Art, who has been there and done that, is a compelling storyteller of the life of one representing criminal defendants- good, the bad and the ugly; not even the judges are spared his acerbic pen." -- Rt. Hon. James Stiven, Judge, San Diego Superior Court, Retired.

"Lawyers, the best and the worst of them, are storytellers. When the stories cluster around an ever elusive justice, as they do in Campbell's Trial and Error, law amounts to little more than tragedy. And yes, there are a few hard fought victories for clients along the way. The law, as we see in Campbell's stories, is a life of the bitter and the sweet; it makes for lawyers, a topsy-turvy life." -- Jim Elkins, Law Professor and Editor of The Legal Studies Forum.

In musical prose and poignant self-analysis, Art Campell's tales of his early years as a defense attorney in Washington, DC, are ripe with clear-eyed portraits of the down-and-out, the untrustworthy, and the over-confident, namely, Campbell himself in the guise of the young self-proclaimed "freedom lawyer." Whether his clients are innocent or guilty matters not to this author---it's his defendants' humanity that propels him. With each drug dealer or burglar, he tries to find a way for the law to bring stability to their wayward lives. That rarely happens. I loved reading the deftly told "The Thanksgiving Addict" about a man Campbell thought he had saved but couldn't or "The Weird Case" in which the trial becomes a showdown over due process for the client and not the client's guilt. The judge's verdict is often a surprise but the truth of what the law, the prosecution, and the accused teach Campbell about life is not.

From the first to the last page, Art takes me to legal hearings, describing strategy, tactics, sharing his victories and defeats. Each poem is a mini-lesson for anyone interested in Law, and in Defending, in particular. A quick, fun book, not easy to put down.

Art uses interesting and colorful language; afterall it's prose poems -"...how easily a defense can crash when splayed on spindly legs." (p49); "...drawn a warp and woof of words..." (p54).

I enjoyed the many adages and quotes sprinkled throughout the poems, like "...When facts stand against you, pound the law. When law stands against you, pound the facts. When both stand against you, pound the podium." (p94) and the Contemporary Zen adage: "A closed mouth gathers no foot." (113).

I plan to order Art's next book - Trial & Error Volume II: For the Prosecution.

What a surprise to find a book written by an attorney about being an attorney that is rich in insight and yet doesn't take itself too seriously. In language that ranges from profoundly true to wryly ridiculous, this collection of story poems follows a student lawyer from his idealistic beginnings through the end of his first year by which time he has become the first student lawyer to argue before his state's Supreme Court. Along the way he wins some and loses some and learns that to some clients saving face is more important than the verdict. This is not a glamorous view of the law but it's clear as you read that Campbell loves the law and respects even the lowliest of his clients. He calls himself a freedom lawyer because he knows that all of us -- the scarred exheroin addict, the man denied a jury of his peers, the boy in the wrong place at the wrong time -- depend on the the fair administration of justice for our freedom. This was lots of fun to read.

This book is a must-read for any trial lawyer, and especially for criminal defense lawyers. It is a very inspiring book. John Tucker is my hero!

John Tucker offers a wealth of tactical insights gleaned from an impressive career as a litigator, mixing the pathos of legal practice for good causes with the legal theories deployed on behalf of a wide array of clients.

By striving for objectivity, Tucker avoids the self-aggrandizing tone of some other such memoirs and instead focuses on the meaty tactics, the rush to file, the strategies behind certain suits, and a bit of background to explain why things mattered to him. The diverse cases he litigated at every level, from initial motions to the Supreme Court, are presented fairly. Many are not the blockbuster cases one might have heard of - esp. Clark v. Universal Builders - the case Tucker fought for harder than any other, and though he ended up losing in court, some sort of justice prevailed. Tucker's may be the only enduring account, and as such, he offers a gift to litigators and civil rights activists alike.

Two flaws: first, the promotional packaging focuses on the Chicago Eight case, in which Tucker played a small part, as if it were the focus of the book. It's not. In some 20 pages of 360, Tucker explores it and moves on. Lazy publisher might not have read further...More relevant, Tucker evades criticizing his partners and associates (his piercing critique of Judge Hoffman drips with justified acidity), dropping only a subtle hint about other frictions. But that's a forgivable indulgence: who could fault him for refraining from offering anything but praise for mentors and colleagues?

Tucker's career is a model for litigators worthy of emulating. While much has changed since he started practicing, the ongoing struggle for justice (and clients able to pay for it) goes on.

A must read for future litigators, if only for the tactical insights.

For any who lack faith in the America's legal system or think all lawyers are worthy subjects of jokes, Tucker's book is the proverbial lightbulb in the cave. Tucker recounts his journey through a lengthy career as a trial lawyer and along the way demonstrates that our judicial system, while short of perfect, is still the best in the world. Tucker helped the poor, the wealthy, the politically powerful and powerless and the reviled through the judicial system. Some cases he won; some he lost.
Win or lose, however, Tucker fought the good fight for his clients, often pro bono.
His story is complete. He reveals the importance of trial preparation -- an element that truly separates competent lawyers from their clumsy brethern (the latter of which I always seem to retain; while the former retain me as an expert witness). Tucker tells some wonderful stories about judges, good and bad. Like Tucker, I am from the Chicago area and am very familiar with bad judges. Tucker discloses that there have been many good judges in the area as well and provides useful insight into their judicial reasoning.
All in all, a wonderful book that will redeem lost faith in our judicial system. "Trial and Error" is not a courtroom thriller: it is far better than one -- it's real life and I for one am glad that Tucker decided to take the time to write his memoir. It is well worth reading.

Jerry

Twenty-one different courtroom cases are covered in this book by a most successful attorney who has his head on straight; by that I mean he mixes the intricacies of the law with living a "normal" life. He certainly puts in long hours in preparation, but that goes along with his job. The author states, "In the American Legal System, a lawyer's job is not to seek justice, but to win the case for his client." He relates many interesting cases, but two exceptional ones are defending a rapist who is truly mentally defective and one about defending the "Chicago Eight" in 1968. A lot of detailed information about that political incident is fascinating. Mr. Tucker does a lot of pro bono work and one of this type was defending the Contract Buyers League in Chicago...a race conflict of great proportions. Fine writing delineates complex legal cases that are most understandable.

A terrific read about Mr. Triangle Offence.
All basketball fans you like Offencive Str-
ategy should like this well written book.
Even if he only Ast. Coaches for L.A.'s
second best (now) team. If only Tex would
defect to Clipper Nation!

Trial by Basketball is the Slaughterhouse Five sports book. It's a fascinating history into Laker coach Tex Winters rise from garage band gymnasium roots, college sucess, the amazing Bull Run to current Los Angeles Laker status. As a Long Beach State 49er booster and renewed Laker backer, I recommend TRIAL strongly to fans from N.Y. to L.A. The authors unique style is a keenly accurate flashback account of Tex Winters classic career with insights into the world of sports and life as it is! A humorously intriguing One of A Kind Biography. The book equally satisfies the golden age Wilt Chamberlain transition era as well as the Rodman, Kobe X'er generation. ONCE YOUR IN TO IT, YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF IT--- MARK BENDER CLEANLY RUNS THE TABLE!------------------------ Linda Fallico-Coto De Caza, Ca.

Bender's succinct, edgy style carries the reader through Winter's life while racing down the court with Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and other NBA giants. Bender tells it like it was--no holds barred. Winter's coaching philosophy of discipline, hard work, fairness and individual intergrity comes alive as we watch him lead individual players to become not only the best players they can be, but also the best men that they can be. Bender brings basketball personalities to life as we watch them struggle to learn Winter's famous "triangle offence" and to balance their individual desires for achievement and glory with Winter's emphasis on the ultimate good of the whole team.

The pace is fast, and the anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tidbits entertain as we go with the teams through Winter's unprecedented 53 year professional career as a coach. From Kansas State, Washington, and the Houston Rockets to fourteen years with the Chicago Bulls, and the current LA Lakers, we travel the backroads of behind the scene basketball. Bender gives us the inside story on the conflicts, the joys, and the frustrations of coaching mega-stars with mega-egos while trying to teach them values of character and integrity.

This book would be a perfct gift for any high school athlete. Bender gives the reader deep insights into not only the sports psychology that Winter uses, but into the secrets of what it really takes to be able to uphold personal values in the rip-roaring jungle of professional sports.

I loved every minute of this great ride, and if you love basketball, you will too!

I started the book on Friday and finished it on Saturday (a real page turner). Bender does an outstanding job covering Tex Winter's Life up to and including his joining the LA Lakers in 99. The book covers the life of a 78 year old basketball guru (the Master of the Triangle Offense) and spans his 50+ coaching years at the college and professional level.

Bender's writing style is well balanced...and is completely honest. Tex Winter's coaching philosophy is covered with frequent quotes from Tex Winter's 1962 Coaching Book, the Triple Post Offense.

Some readers may see this authorized biography as kind of a "Forest Gump of Basketball" due to it's basic story telling of Tex's as a folksy, nice guy with a willingness to tell the "unvarnished truth".

More importantly, the book serves as a useful reference tool on how a person should face conflict and live life in a stressful world. Bender writes a biography that illustrates the importance of good character, hard work, integrety, having a sense of humor, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Basketball coaches will find the book instructional with the many lessons learned from a coaching career spanning 7 decades...specifically it descibes how a coach deals in a competitive must win environment.

I especially liked how the book started off and closed.

Foreward is by Phi Jackson. MJ, Pippen and Rodman fans will enjoy the second half of the book which deals largely with the Chicago Bull years (some new stuff too). As Mickey would say, "Try it, your Like It" or better yet, just read it!

This was an brilliant book!
It is full of action and adventure and I loved reading it.
This book is for all Bionicle fans.It has all the toa metru in it.There is a plant called a Morbuzack who is trying to take over Metru-nui.The only way to stop it is to find 6 great disks.Will the toa find the the disks,will they defeat the Morbuzack?To find out read this great book.I'd like to thank Greg Farshtey for writing this amazing book.I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
Max

Hi.(...)This is a very good book, and it follows DC Bionicle comics #17 and #18 very well, but also have the missing adventures of finding the other Great Disks. I rate it 4 stars because, well, it is very good and a nice, long read. Great job, Greg Farshtey (writer)!

From a true Bionicle fan.

I enjoyed "Mystery of Metru Nui," but this was a better book. Lots of action, some really creepy stuff (loved the Morbuzakh seeds scene!), and a plot that moves really fast. I would definitely recommend it!

The 136-page book is well-written as all Greg's books, and is age-appropriate for the audience. It moves the story along well without getting bogged down, or trying to address too many side issues.

The action follows a trio of foursomes as they search out the hidden Great Kanoka disks in Metru Nui. Two Toa, two Matoran journey throughout each section of the giant city, avoiding the Vahki and learning to work with their new powers - and each other. All the while, watching to make sure the Matoran don't slip away unnoticed.

The book provides more detailed descriptions of Metru Nui, enough to really get the feeling of how different this environment is from the island of Mata Nui. The archives of Onu-Metru are a particularly intriguing place, where just about anything can happen... the place is a treasure trove of possibilities. The furnaces of Ta-Metru likewise had a good description, although most of the rest of Metru Nui's suburbs could've used some more description to bring them more to life.

As each pair of Toa follow their (sometimes unwilling) Matoran guides in search of Great Kanoka, it becomes increasingly apparent how different the entire culture of Metru Nui is from Mata Nui. Instead of taking the easy route of recreating Mata Nui in an urban setting, the Bionicle team has really created a totally different feeling for Metru Nui. The characters retain some familiarity, but they are essentially new characters. Whenua, Nokama, Onewa, and Matau as Turaga never seemed to have as much personality as they do as Toa Metru. Vakama and Nuju were more fleshed-out as Turaga, but even their personalities are quite different from what seasoned Bionicle fans know of them in later (storyline-wise) incarnations.

It's impossible not to compare these six characters to Tahu, Kopaka, Gali, and the others. The Toa Metru generally seem more timid in assuming a leadership role, less confident in their abilities to access and control their powers. Probably the largest difference is the fact that Toa Metru were "promoted" from Matoran to Toa, so they have existing relationships with the Matoran the Mata Nui Toa didn't initially have. This may be the reason there's more petty bickering between this bunch - not that Tahu never argued with Kopaka, for example, but there's definitely a difference.

The Matoran are also different in a way. More world-wise, for one, more confident of their place. At the same time, they show a greater range of "human" foibles than their later jungle incarnations. Each of the six Matoran guiding the Toa toward the Kanoka display signs of self-interest overcoming the good of society, which never really happened on Mata Nui.

And the last thing very obviously different: the mysterious ruler of the city, Turaga Dume and his Vahki enforcement squads. The Toa Metru, far from being revered guardians, are forced to sneak and avoid the Vahki squads. The suspense and mystery of Dume leads to the third book of the series, The Darkness Below, which itself presumably leads into the storyline for the upcoming second Bionicle movie.

The latter part of the book is a confrontation with the Morbuzakh, which seemed to have been given short shrift... the climax of the book seemed a tad rushed, especially after most of the book having been given over to the search for the disks. However, most readers should like the confrontation itself and its aftermath.

In all, this is a worthy addition to the Bionicle line of books, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series, which will be available in June.

This book is wonderful reading. I read the first book "Sixth World" and I couldn't wait to read the next one. I enjoyed reading about the Mayan characters and the way their mythology relates to "our" world. I strongly recommend this book! I like action and adventure in my books and this book provided that. However, if you like a little romance, you will find that in the book as well. You can't loose with Trial in Jade.

Part two of a trilogy, this story is about the coming of a new Mayan empire in the very near future. In December, 2012, according to Mayan prophecy, big things are supposed to happen.

Amy Magee, and her husband, Joe, are well-known archaeologists and Mayan experts living in rural California. In the nearby woods, a buried Mayan pyramid is being uncovered. It will become the centerpiece of the new Mayan capital city. As Bringer of the Sixth World, Amy's task is to travel around the world, leaving packets of seeds in certain places at certain times. One day, she might hand a packet to a street musician in Florence, and the next day, she might leave a packet in the mouth of a stuffed tiger in a shop in Thailand. Along the way, Amy comes into possession of many pieces of jade, which she must fashion into a mask.

There are two separate groups vying for the position of King of the Maya. Will Rodriguez, one of the good guys, has to undergo a trial, including ice, bees, grasshoppers and fire, while wearing the jade mask, in a certain cave at a certain time. The bad guys kidnap a little boy named Carlos, who has an important part in everything, and take him to Guatemala. Candis, his mother, enlists the help of Leo Martinelli, Joe's cousin, and a government intelligence agent, to rescue him and get him to the trial on time. Candis and Joe run into each other in a supermarket parking lot, which was not supposed to happen, and Joe has been obsessed with her ever since.

This is intended more as a thriller than as an accurate portrayal of Mayan culture. Even if this book just gives a peak through the keyhole at Mayan culture, it works (also as a thriller), and is worth reading (but read part one first).

In 2012, the Mayan calendar will end. Some believe it is the end of the world- the apocalypse. Others believe it is the beginning of something entirely different, a new start for the world.

Amy Parrish Magee knows that she has a part to play in the drama, whatever that outcome might be. As an expert in all things Mayan, she has always known in her heart that her destiny was complexly intertwined in that culture. However, it is only when an ancient book of knowledge and a single piece of jade are delivered to her that she begins to fully realize the significance of her role and her connection to the future Lord of the Maya in the Sixth World.

Trial In Jade is the second book in the Maya Earth Trilogy. Despite not having read the first book of the series, I had no troubles getting completely immersed into the action and drama of the second title. This book seemed pretty self-contained and the characters fully developed. I will definitely be on the lookout for book three in this series.

Trial in Jade, like Evans first book, was totally gripping. Again, I had to clear my weekend to read it because I knew it was futile planning to do anything else until I had reached the end. It is the second book in a trilogy. Evans has the ability to create characters that you can relate to, and like, and a story that is believable yet out there enough to constantly capture your attention. If you like mysteries, this is the book for you! I cannot wait for the third book in the series to come out.

This book is about more than just the obstacles and victories in sports; it gives insight into how players can get the most out of their sports career and LIFE. It is a WONDERFUL book that high school and college students and their parents should read. My 3 children who are in Middle School and High School read it and loved it.

If you have children participating in athletics, this book is a must for their reading list. I couldn't put it down. Read it from cover to cover in one night and then went back and re-read it to appreciate it further. Just when you think that the trials and tribulations in your life are all encompassing, you realize that life is suddenly much better than you imagined it to be. Wonderful read.

I did get the book and I must say that I can't put it down. Just tonight I read another chapter with my pen and highlighter by my side. It is so cool to see athletes with the same dreams, beliefs, problems, and aspirations. I have told my friends about the book, and there is a line to get it after I have finished it. Thanks again for providing a book that can reach, teach, and motivate an athlete

What I found so interesting and worthwhile about this book was the author's unfliching and focused desire to let people see and feel the emotions an athlete lives in the world of sports. You hear the fear of "what if I'm not good enough to make it afterall" and "do I really want to go further". What if that person is injured...have their dreams and aspirations become nightmares? I really liked the idea that someone saw a way to let other atheletes express their feelings and put that together so that they had a voice. Katie could do that because she has felt those same emotions because she too is an athlete. Neat twist and good prespective and talented too.