Trials Books

In Trials and Triumphs, author Sorah Shapiro tastefully relates sixteen timeless stories from East and West describing the plight of the Jewish people in their various and varied countries of exile during the diverse periods of the nation's history.
In her beautiful style, the author transports the reader to years gone by into the life of the east European shtetl and the Spanish town, to their problems and dilemmas, to their ingenuity in the face of adversity and to their quiet heroism. By far more than parting the curtains and permitting the reader to peer into the lives of the people, the stories inspire and enrich the lives of today.

The characters in this book are true heroes, like "Yossele the Yeshiva Bochur" whose courage and quick thinking thwarted
the attempt by the "snatchers" of Czar Nicholas I in 1825 to kidnap Jewish boys for a lifetime of service in the
Russian Army -- and, of course, an abandonment of their Jewish heritage.
Or like Ephraim Mendoza in "A Spanish Chanukah," whose parents were burned to death in 15th century Spain
for the crime of being secret Jews, Marranos. The young boy was taken by the church and brainwashed into
thinking his parents were Christians who had been killed for helping Jews.
But eventually, he discovers the truth and leads his sister, cousins, uncle and aunt out of Spain to freedom.
These and many more inspirational stories and values of high priority in Jewish living await
the reader. In the words of the author, "as we watch each of them (the heroes of the stories)
confront and cope with his dilemma, we gain strength and are inspired by the faith and hope that
can see a person through even the worst of times."

Since 9/11, people have been talking about how the event changed the world in general and their lives in particular. For many, it did not reinforce their faith but left them with doubts about life, why the attack occurred and their place in the scheme of things. They became more introspective, searching for answers, for strength and inspiration, for ideals to live by, for reassurance that there is no need to fear, that good will finally prevail.
Along comes a tiny book and takes the whole burden upon
its shoulders. A pocket-size volume, Trials and Triumphs is packed with the tools we need to maintain our sanity
and reinforce our faith in this time of global crisis and uncertainty - inspiration, hope,patience, wisdom, guidance and even laughs. All of this comes to the fore in sixteen stories
that encompass much of the Jewish experience from 18th century England and Ukraine to 19th century Russia, Poland, Spain, the Ottoman Empire - and of course to Nazi-controlled Europe. In each vignette, the protagonist grapples with doubts and challenges which he ultimately overcomes and becomes a spiritual hero. The characters instill in us the resources to deal with our own inner selves, the strength of character and strong faith to think bigger, try harder and move onward.
People from all walks of life, the simple, the great and the in-between, are the heroes who stand alone and fearless in the face of danger or despair. Suffering personal sacrifice
to meet a challenge or act on their Torah convictions, they focus on the important values,like saving lives, comforting the afflicted and living as honorable Torah Jews. Ultimately, they reap their proper reward for their true love of the Creator.
In one of the stories, "Earrings from Mecca," Zalman the tailor risks his life to stave off Moslem attacks against the Jews. Before interceding with the Sultana, he offers up a
prayer to the One Above, "Ribono Shel Olom," he says, "You know that I am just a simple Jew, a humble tailor. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to be a scholar. My parents were poor, and when I was eleven I had to become the family bread winner. But my intention has always been to do Your will...I am afraid my chances are slim unless You help me, as You are the source of all wisdom and all salvation." His prayer was answered.
In "Double-Edged Sword," the king commands Leibel to behead a soldier with his sword. Leibel prays to the One Above and says, "Ribono Shel Olom, You know that I never committed murder, and I will not do so now. You know that my faith in You and in Your holy Torah has never wavered, and that I always accept life's circumstances lovingly, as we are required to do...." His prayer was answered.
In addition to stirring the spirit and instilling us with virtues and lasting faith, the book allows us a glimpse into a bygone generation, into the psyche of people whose every
moment was permeated with spirituality - with genuine Judaism.
Just as she did after 9/11 with her best-seller City on Fire, the author has brought us comfort and strength in her new book, Trials and Triumphs. Her stories enrich us and help us triumph over our own trials.

Is there any greater pleasure for the dedicated reader than to curl up with a book of stories that not only entertain but also inspire? I'm talking about the kind of stories that keep you turning the pages in an avid desire to see how it all turns out, while at the same time quietly depositing their timely messages to carry away with you. It is an imaginative banquet, fully matched by a lingering, reflective aftertaste. A delight for the mind and a feast for the soul.

Sorah Shapiro's little gem, Trials and Triumphs, performs this trick, and very neatly,
too. The pocket-sized compendium will put a new gloss on old values, and buff up a faith
that may have grown a trifle stale. It's also, simply put, a great read.

Though the tales are historical, they bear a definite relevance for contemporary
times. In The Double-Edged Sword, for instance, a powerful king sets out to find one truly
contented man. When he finds him - and when we read about Leibel's ability to find joy in

whatever Hashem decrees, though he is put to the test again and again - I found myself
wondering why I can't be that way. Leibel makes it seem easy... In the rush-and-tumble of
our lives, we can lose sight of the things we should be aspiring to. The shining examples
of character and faith on these pages --Yossele's courage in the face of hot-headed
Russian soldiers, a Marrano family's desperate clinging to the faith of their fathers, a pious
couple's unwavering belief in their rebbe - are there to remind us.

One of my favorites was Earrings from Mecca, which brought to vivid life the dangers
and dilemmas of Jewry under Muslim rule. A wicked imam's anti-Semitic initiative provides
a humble tailor with the chance to play hero, and to surprise and delight the reader with his
ingenious plan to (literally) catch the Sultana's ear for the benefit of his fellow Jews.

As the subtitle indicates, these stories are timeless. The author's use of descriptive
language and her tightly-woven narrative style evokes seasons and feelings that will
capture the reader's heart in any day and age.

I know they did mine.

"TRIALS IN YOUNGSTOWN,OHIO" is a wonderful book written by Wolfgang Cooper. Although a short story, "TRIALS" is chock full of more fervor, passion and intensity than a lot of books that run 500 plus pages. For anyone who grew up in the seventies, and remembers big cars, big industry, down and dirty local rock and roll bands and all the effort it took to win over family and friends when you were 18 years old, this is definitely a book that will get your blood pumping. Teenagers of today will also enjoy the story. Cooper has an interesting writing style that is easy to follow. I blew through it in one weekend. Enjoy!

"TRAILS IN YOUNGSTOWN,OHIO" is an interesting combination of the J.D. Salinger classic "Catcher In The Rye" and feel-good football film "Rudy," where an upstart from a steel mill town makes good on his promise to attend Notre Dame and make the varsity football team. "TRIALS" will hit home with baby-boomers who grew up in the midwest, giving them a chance to remember the anxiety of being a teenager, as well as the final glory days of the steel mill era and local rock and roll. Just about everyone went through ego-depleting moments when they were young, from constantly being harangued by parents to not being hip enough to get a date, to not being talented enough to make the football or baseball team. It's a wonderful series of events that occur when the main character of the story, Matt Burns, finally gets his moment in the sun after being degraded by both family and friends. This is a short, easy to read book, that I would recommend to teenagers or parents. Wolfgang Cooper has a simple yet interesting writing style that reads almost like a screenplay. I liked it a lot.

Since we've all faced adversity at one time or another, this is a story that everyone can relate to. Cooper effectively captures the confusion and frustration faced by a young man growing up in mainstream America, where winning is often the only thing that counts. The writing is colorful, and baby boomer readers will particularly relate to the sights and sounds of the 70's. Highly recommended!

Incredible. That's the only word I can use to describe this book. I spoke with Thomas Mesereau (Michael Jackson's lead defense attorney for his trial) and he had recommended I get this book. I'm so glad I did. If you want to know why it's wonderful, BUY IT!!! It's definitely worth the money!!

And one last thing... MICHAEL JACKSON IS 100% INNOCENT!

Read this book in one go and currently re-reading it to really take in all the facts. This is a thorough, well-researched book written by a man with respectable journalistic credentials.
There are long asides and explanations to work through before you get to much information about Michael Jackson himself. However, this approach is better than wild conjecture. Guest maintains a cool head when talking about Jackson. He is certainly no fawning lap dog, mentioning several times that during the 1990s the star was overtaken by his own ego, yet he conveys sympathy for Jackson's plight.
Guest's analysis of the main players in the case is interesting. He makes some pertinent points about the (in my opinion)dastardly Martin Bashir and his role in 'cornering' Michael Jackson - and the fact that Bashir has never really been been taken to task over this. The details he provides about Sony, and the entertainment business in general, certainly hammer home the fact that showbusiness, pop, rock, whatever you want to call it, is no bubblegum business. Perhaps not a book for the fervent fan as Michael Jackson is not at the centre of it - Sony is - but a good read for anyone who wants to know about the machinations of the music industry.

At long last, to all the naysayers and michael-bashers that would not believe the innocence of this highly gifted icon. Lynton Guest, the inside man of the evil corporation of Phony... I mean Sony, lays out the evidence that Michael and his fans have long proclaimed. Here, in solid print, is the burden of proof of how highly vulnerable a mega-star like Mike can become. The conspiracy, behind the trail, that no one saw and how calculated the media hunted for negative headlines to destroy not only a man but honest journalism as a whole. If only this book can be submitted as evidence to wipe out the label of guilt, given by public opinion, from a truly innocent man and superstar. Here is your burden of proof!

This book was introduced to me about 10 years ago by a dear friend whom I was helping with her computer. She learned of my maiden name, LaMastus, and told me a book she was reading mentioned a James LaMastus from the same part of the Delta from which I come. Lo and behold, Mrs. Hamilton speaks of my great-great grandfather.

I loved the book. Mrs. Hamilton's straight-forward style allows you to experience life in the 1800's after the Civil War and in a wilderness that wasn't the west.

A great historical account of family life as the wilderness of the Mississippi Delta was slowly transformed into an agilcultural society and a place where many call home. This book takes you back to how hard life was for those who paved the way to where we are today.

As a native of Mississippi and a woman, I appreciate the historical value of this story. I loved the fact that the reader knows Mrs. Hamilton was not a professional writer (she says in the intro that she had only written letters before Helen Dick Davis asked her to write out her memoirs), but nonetheless, she eloquently and honestly told her story. Although this book is an autobiography, it reads much like fiction. It is an enthralling story and held my attention like few autobiographies or biographies do.

I must say I did enjoy the book. It was interesting to see where the stories on
Law and Order originally played out. I am not a long time fan of true crime
stories and although this book was well written with facts clearly stated
I perfer fiction. Although I would probably buy subsequent versions.

This book is amazing, just like the first one! It's well written, and I would highly recommend it for any true crime junkie, or Law & Order fan! Try it -- you'll love it!

I'm a newer fan of the TV show, but have a long-time fascination with violent crime. So when I heard SVU had a book describing real-life murders in relation to the series, I absolutely had to look.

Dwyer and Fiorillo do a stunning job. Not only do they present 25 fascinating cases, but they delve into the details you normally don't find when researching the particular crime. Done and solved crimes like the BTK killer are widely known about, but the authors go into side details that most writers forget to cover in 20-page tales. There's even a crime the show only lightly touched upon--the scizophrenic man shoving someone in front of a train.

Dwyer and Fiorillo have outdone themselves. This book is a brilliant compilation of true crime. The old seems fresh, and the new is horrifying and captivating. Even if you're familiar with most of the crimes in here, it's worth taking a look. I highly recommend this book to any fan of the show AND fellow true crime intrigues.

Karen Donovan's book is something of a biography, a Grisham novel, a history book, and a litigation primer all wrapped into one. (As a litigator, I'm actually thinking that some of the strategies related in the book would be helpful for me in court.) Thoroughly engaging and entertaining, Ms. Donovan has a great deal of respect for her subject's talents but is careful not to gloss over his significant flaws.

In this insightful and yeomanly researched book, Karen Donovan paints a vivid picture of a man who has achieved iconic status among America's trial lawyers. Thanks to the access granted the author by David Boies, we get not only a ringside seat for some of the last decade's most high-profile trials, including, of course, the one that put the current occupant of the White House in office, but we're there for pre-trial strategy sessions and post-trial dinners as well. Throughout, Donovan maintains a keen-eyed objectivity and isn't afraid to deflate balloons of bravado when need be. All in all, it's a compelling read.

Most of pieces of Boies border on idolatry. Donovan's work is special because although she clearly admires Boies and his work, she also points out his faults. The best reading in the book includes her digging behind the scenes to reveal what really happens in trials, settlements, and negotiations. While Boies is obviously one of the top trial lawyers in America, he often gets credit for things which are actually the result of other events. Donovan captures this wonderfully.

As a lawyer, I can tell you that this book will teach you how to negotiate and convince people. It will tell you how to stand and gesture so that you are perceived as an authoritative person, if you want, or as naive if that's what the situation requires. A great book which will be extremely helpful to everyone, and a must-have for lawyers, businessmen and politicians.

As a student entering my third year of law school, I find my trial classes to be the most exciting. Noelle Nelson's book is giving me an edge over my other classmates, and I expect the same results when I enter practice. If it works in the legal environment just imagine how effective it can be when the techniques are used in the general public!

Ever notice how some people seem to always get their way, even though they're (arguably)"wrong". This book will teach you how! This is not a Machiacelliv book, but it will certainly teach you how to relate with other people in a way that makes them empathize with your cause and agree with you. Once you've learned this, you can use the knowledge to win trials, close a business deal, get a promotion, bargain, or simply relate to the world in general in a way that will make everyone love you!

From posture to body language, argumentation, organization of thought, etc., this book really works! Did you know, for example, that people believe body language over your actual words because they think that is more natural? So learn to control your body language, learn the "social stereotypes" and you're off to manipulate everyone into agreeing with you!

Also check "What would Machiavelli Do?" By Stanley Bing, "The 48 Laws of Power" by R. Greene and J. Elffers, and "The Prince" by Machiavelli

I really enjoyed this book. It was written by one of the top historians on the subject and it gives an overview of the witch trials in Europe and why they occurred. It is easy to read and informational.

THE PERIOD OF THE WITCH TRIALS is the 4th and last volume to be published in the six-volume series edited by Bengt Ankarloo and Stuart Clark `Witchcraft and Magic in Europe'. In some respects, I found this volume a small disappointment as it's thinner and less interesting than earlier volumes about `Biblical and Pagan' societies and `Ancient Greece and Rome' which relied heavily on archeological work. Still, the book contains first class scholarship and tells an important part of the total story. The volume includes several essays.

Part 1. "Witch Trials in Continental Europe" investigates the secular record of the "trials" legal and otherwise that took place in Germany, France and the Mediterranean. William Monter suggests that since the 16th Century, many scholars have attempted to understand and explain the "witch burnings" which racked Europe in early modern times. He suggests while it is incredibly difficult to decipher the "mind of a different age" it is impossible not to link the burnings in the 16th Century with major developments of the age including the Reformation, counter-Reformation, and various political changes.

Monter suggests a major criticism of Luther and Calvin regarding the church of Rome was that it tolerated "pagan" behavior. Early Christian theologians like Augustine linked the devil with witchcraft (from whom witches were thought to draw their power), but from the perspective of the reformers the church had not done an adequate job of acting on this information. The Catholic Church held that not believing in the devil was heresy and the church tried people for heresy--not witchcraft per se.

Monter compares the relative moderation of the tribunals of the Mediterranean Inquisitions with the secular jurisprudence of central, southern and western Europe. He says that during this period "diabolical witchcraft" became a criminal offense meaning an activity involving secular government. People were tried for witchcraft by secular governments but seldom executed. Monter suggests most of the witch burning took place in villages where neither the secular government or the church had absolute control, and these villages (both Protestant and Catholic) tended to be East of the Rhine.

Part 2. "Witch Trials in Northern Europe" covers the Netherlands, Scandinavia, UK, and Iceland. Expanding on Monter's essay, Ankarloo describes the judicial revolution that took place in the northern and western Europe. He suggests that during this period jurisprudence moved from an "accusatorial" to an "inquisitorial" position. The Humanist movement "enlightened" the judges who would not punish someone unless it could be shown that the accused had harmed another. Ankarloo also suggests that the notion that people burned for witchcraft were old crones is mistaken. At the early part of the witch burnings more men than women were executed and many of the victims of were children. In fact, the victims at Salem in the New World represent a good cross-section of who was executed for witchcraft in the latter part of the period.

Part 3. "Witchcraft and Magic in Early Modern Culture" is most interesting from my perspective. Stuart Clark explores the concept of magic in the early modern period and divides it into three categories. He says evidence exists that "popular" magic was practiced by many people from all walks of life and involved healing and love potions and charms and curses. Another type of magic was "demonology" which the church connected to the power of the devil. The third category was "intellectual magic" which interested Francis Bacon and others associated with Renaissance thinking.

Clark includes a discussion about conflicting views concerning the connection between intellectual magic and the scientific revolution. He then goes onto discuss the politics of witchcraft, including the connection between magic and the exercise of power. Queen Elizabeth and other rulers of the age understood how magic could be used to support the concept of divine right, a notion salient in Europe until recently. The last essay alone is worth the price of the book.

Collaboratively compiled and edited by Bengt Ankarloo and Stuart Clark, Witchcraft And Magic In Europe: The Period Of The Witch Trials is a scholarly examination and analysis of supernatural beliefs in Europe with an especial focus on the prosecutions for the crime of witchcraft, which were most frequent during the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries. Examining witch hunts, methods of torture, historical incidents, and how beliefs in witchcraft, magic, and demonology affected European culture, Witchcraft And Magic In Europe is an informed and informative amalgamation of history and interpretation. Also very highly recommended are the University of Pennsylvania Press companion titles: Witchcraft And Magic In Europe: Biblical And Pagan Societies; Witchcraft And Magic In Europe: Ancient Greece And Rome; Witchcraft And Magic In Europe: The Middle Ages; Witchcraft And Magic In Europe: The Eighteenth And Nineteenth Centuries; and Witchcraft And Magic In Europe: The Twentieth Century.

Sidky details all the true and horrific aspects of the European witchcraze. From the beginning to the end you will never become bored or think the book dull. Besides the written facts and charts, Sidky also encloses copies of several artworks of what people thought of witches and the devil. Everything covered is given sufficient detail and everything detailed is supported completly.

I used this book extensively for a paper I just wrote comparing the European witch-craze of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries to the Azande in Africa. I used Sidky's book for most of my information on Europe and found it very helplful. It was informative, well researched, well written, and well organized. It presented material in a clear manner which made it easy to understand and also helped me find which sections I needed to talk about in my essay. I also enjoyed the numerous illustrations of artwork depicting the witch-hunts/torture devices/Sabbat rites/and illustrations of medieval texts related to the witch-craze. I highly recommend this book to anyone writing a paper on the European witch-hunts from an anthropological stance, to all anthro majors and minors and anyone interested in examining a bit of dark (but fasinating) history.

If you're into everything from schizophrenia to ergot poisoning, from the black plague to the dread Malleus Maleficarum, from the "thumb screws" method of torture to The Devils of Loudon and demonic possession, then this is the book for you. Add to that a collection of pictures that would shock any uncouth European peasant living in the sixteenth century, and you've got the making of a most bizarre book in the most bizarre field of "witchcraft studies". Here you get to see the shear ugliness of life in medieval Europe during the Inquisition up close and personal. You get to look into the mind of the "witch hammerer" as he singles out those members of society that alleged performed those sinister magical acts that included cannibalism, sexual contact with demons, and spreading plague and disease. Rather than arguing that "witchcraft was real to the people of the time so it was real" like other "mentalist" anthropologists in the field have done, the author condemns those who insisted on the existence of witchcraft and argues that it was used an excuse to persecute and mercilessly torture thousands. As far as lycanthropy goes, the author suggests that the mentally ill, social outcasts, and those infected with rabies may have been those persecuted as "werewolves". The pictures and bizarreness of the topic alone earns the book five stars, and while there are parts of it that I'm not sure that I can agree with (for instance, the author believes that cannibalism has never been a socially acceptable practice to any great extent in any culture whatsoever) the author does an excellent job of revealing the pernicious delusions which plagued the European mind during the time.

This book was so cool. It refers to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. I loved it and you will too! I read half of it in a day it was so interesting!!!!

This book is truely excellent. I got it from the library, since our class had studied the Salem Witch Trials and read Arthur Miller's "The Crucible". I had read other books on the Salem Witch Trials, but this was by far the best. I had been browsing Amazon.com and found this one, and thought, "This is the one for me!"
It is about Mary Warren, one of the girls involved in the Witch Trials (among them Abigail Williams, Betty Parris, Mary Walcott, Elizabeth Booth, etc...)and how she must chose between staying with the girls, or telling the truth and saving the lives of the 19 innocent people to be hung on account of witchcraft. I really couldn't put it down, and finished the whole book in about an hour and a half! And, I read it again about five times.

If you are looking for an excellent, spellbinding book about the Salem Witch Trials, you HAVE to read this book. You'll kick yourself if you don't.

This book is sooooooooooo good. I've read it about six times, and enjoyed each time. It is so well written, and tells the truth! Out of the five books on the Salem Witch Trials I've read, this one is by far the best.

It is about Mary Warren, one of the girls involved in the Witch Trials (actually they are the accusers). She must decide between staying with the girls, or confessing that the girls are liars and save the lives of 19 innocent people to be hung on account of witchcraft.

I absoloutly loved this book, and I know you will too. If you are looking for a spellbinding book on the Salem Witch Trials, READ THIS. Even if that is not what you're looking for, READ THIS. And even though it IS worth the ... price, you can probably check it out of your local library. That's where I first got mine!:)