Death Books

I wish Underwood had published this book about two years ago when my daughter-in-law's mother was losing her battle with cancer. It would have been a tremendous comfort for her, as well as for those who loved her. It is an inspiring account of a woman's final months, as well as a detailed instuction manual for the next step after our earthly existence. The advice and guidelines the author offers are invaluable. I hope I am able to die with grace and approach death as the next great adventure after life .

As a former hospice nurse, I found Judy Underwood's book to be a practical guide for anyone who is involved with someone who is terminally ill. The day to day experiences she reports are so real. As the chapters progress, you understand how dying is a process, and how time allows everyone involved the ability to deal with what occurs. It was a beautiful story filled with love and compassion.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the author, Dr. Judy Underwood, at an event in Denver, CO. Her authenticity, sincerity and humbleness compelled me to purchase her book, even though I am not currently challenged with end-of-life issues with anyone in my circle of family and friends. Her deep caring for humanity comes through the pages of this book so clearly. Her guidance for anyone involved in dealing with someone dying is invaluable. Dr. Underwood tells it "like it is" in a refreshing, frank and compassionate manner. This book can enrich everyone's quality of life today and provides much needed resources and assistance for future death and dying experiences we will all face.

Dr. Underwood has managed to share one of her client's personal journey towards death in a way that provides practical benefits to the readers. Dr. Underwood has broken down the steps of one woman's personal and very moving journey. With this book, she has taken a step back and looked at the process of dying and what is important to the dying person every step of the way. What makes the book really valuable is its readability. It's simplicity makes it accessible and useful to people dealing with one of life's most painful challenges.

It was very poignant for me to read Dr. Underwood's book at this particular time. Our 11-year-old cat had been diagnosed with kidney disease a couple of months ago and we have been expecting his slow demise. I have been reading more of late because I want to spend more time with him and he enjoys sitting on my lap when I read -- otherwise he hides out. So for three consecutive nights I read Dying with Atticus on my lap. I would interrupt my reading occasionally to talk to him, to pet him, to kind of process what I was reading in the book as well as witness his own end-of-life. The book gave me support -- it was and will be very helpful.
Judy Gordon, co-author of The Heroics of Falling Apart: One Couple's Breast Cancer Journey, www.theheroicsoffallingapart.com

I have been a mafia buff for almost 30 years, ever since I read The Godfather in January 1979. Back then I was 14 and living with my parents, and due to lack of space elsewhere in our house, I believe, they had left several of their books on a shelf in my bedroom, and one them was The Godfather. One fine morning while I was actually quite bored (it was summertime here), I picked it up and the inevitable happened...I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, the following day.

Over these past 30 years, I have watched many movies, and have read a ton of books on the mafia as well, including some which I consider true classics, such as The Valachi Papers and The Testament of Lucky Luciano. I believe Excellent Cadavers easily ranks among the top 3 or top 5 books I have read on the subject.

In spite of being a book on the history of the antimafia prosecution in Italy over a certain timeframe, and thus being obviously filled with names, dates, etc., it really reads like a novel. In fact, for this very reason (being a "history" book) I bought it with some reluctance, anticipating that it could be a slow and "interrupted" read, so to speak. Quite the opposite; I did not finish it in two days like Puzo's TG, but I read it in less than 8 days, quite an accomplishment for me since English is not my native tongue.

In summary, I believe this book deserves each and every one of the 5 stars that the other 12 reviewers, and myself, have so far given this book.

The story of the fight against the Cosa Nostra in Siciliy. The story gravitates around two investigating magistrates, Falcone and Borsellino, who were at the forefront of this seemingly never-ending fight. It' a useful narrative device, given that most people aren't familiar with the many names involved in the story (mafiosi and politicians alike). The story gives a brief history of the mafia, but it focuses on the 1980s and early 1990s; it tells of the greatest campaigns against the Mafia, and the way in which the Mafia, with the help of its political allies (Socialists, Christian Democrats, etc.) fought back.
I had a difficult time remembering all the names but the author made sure a spectacular memory was not necessary in order to follow and get involved in the story. For anyone who wishes to read something about Italy that sort of complements it, I recommend The Dark Heart of Italy.
In the end, this book left a sense of foreboding in me. It seems that Italy, a country that I like, a beautiful place, is so corrupt, so enmeshed in organized crime, that it looks un-redeemable. That is a sad feeling, given those who, like Falcone and Borsellino, have paid the highest price.

"...is simply to apply the law and punish the guilty." Giovanni Falcone

Sicily's anti-Mafia campaign is described in such masterful detail by Alexander Stille, it's no surprise ALL of Excellent Cadavers' reviews are an unmitigated five-stars. The research (reflected in the interviews, bibliography and end-notes) is simply awe-inspiring, and Stille uses the facts to weave a story that is both sweeping and nearly unbelievable.

Where should I start? Maybe with the Mafia-affiliated priest who administered the last rites to the very people he murdered. Perhaps I should mention Palermo's official city department of "Edilizia Pericolante" (collapsing housing). By condemning buildings, it institutionalized the corruption which insured that the Mafia could feast on contracts for both demolition and construction.

There are sections of this book that should be required reading for anyone who has seen any Scorcese film, The Godfather, or the surprisingly related Sopranos. Here is crime lord Tommaso Buscetta giving the police a definition of terms: "The word 'mafia' is a literary creation, while the real 'mafiosi' call themselves simply 'men of honor'... and the organization as a whole is called the Cosa Nostra... every man of honor belongs to a family.... at the head of each family is a 'capo' elected directly by the men of honor. He, in turn, selects a 'sotto-capo' (underboss) and one or two 'consiglieri' (counselors)..." And so on.

There are many heartbreaking moments here. For example, this is an excerpt from the testimony of Nicola Atria, one of the "mafia women":
"My life can be told in just a few words: at 14 I was engaged, at 18, a wife, at 21, a mother, at 23, a widow. I was born [early], I have been premature at everything from birth let's hope I won't be in dying."

See also its documentary DVD Excellent Cadavers and the very personal look at Naples crime scene, Gomorrah.

This is a hard book ot read if you're of Sicilian or South Italian descent as I am. Unlike in America where organized crime is something of a sideshow in Sicily, Calabria, and Naples it continues to dominate and distort the society as a whole. It is quite at home at home in modern society and of course it's not exclusively Italian. Russian, and Latin American versions are if anything even more dangerous. But if you wishe to see what happens when a cancer metastasizes throughout a society take a look at Toto Riina a minature Stalin who took is upon himself to dominate an entire region through assassination and extortion and see what happens to dedicated and heroic individuals like Falcone and Borsalino who finally bring him down at the cost of their own lives. A sobering and extremely well written acount

"Excellent Cadavers" is probably the best mob story you've never heard.

Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, two heroic Italian prosecutors, mounted an extraordinary legal campaign against the Sicilian mafia during the 1980s. They ultimately paid for their efforts with their lives. But their untimely murders shook Italy so hard they toppled its government. Theirs is a compelling story, full of unforgettable characters, and all of it is tragic and true. And chances are high that you don't know much about it.

Why? Probably because it is about prosecutors. Prosecutors are not sexy. Prosecutors are, almost by definition, uncool. And popular culture is all about cool. Pop culture loves Henry Hill in "Goodfellas," Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" and Tony Montana in "Scarface." Popular culture loves bad guys.

Bad guys may be bad, but they are also cool. They get drunk and do mountains of coke and pull guns on one another and get into situations that are crazy and compelling; they're not likable, but they're always watchable. Good guys, by contrast, seem boring--they're the ones busting up the party the bad guys invited us to. We sometimes admire the good guys from a distance, but it is easier to feel dingy in the light of their halos. Still, we don't necessarily want to be them--they work hard and go home to their wives and live boring lives.

Except for Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

These men were hard workers, yes, but they worked in a truly topsy-turvy world where good was bad and bad was good, where government was riddled with corruption and graft, where outlaws clung to strange codes of behavior whereby killing someone was fine but swearing in front of a woman was unacceptable. In southern Italy in the 1980s, an estimated 10,000 people died in mob-related violence, but fathers sometimes didn't report the murders of their sons to the local police, for fear of retribution.

Amidst such lawlessness, Falcone and Borsellino put together the Palermo maxi-trial, a titanic anti-mafia case that required the construction of an elaborate concrete bunker courtroom and ultimately led to an incredible 344 convictions. Stille recounts the events leading up to this trial with an eye for detail but also the ability to step back and encapsulate the detail; he never fails to see the forest for the trees. Writing about the eve of the maxi-trial, he describes how the prosecutors and their families were confined for their own safety on an island known as "the Alcatraz of Italy." It was, Stille writes, "a telling indication of the upside-down nature of life in Sicily on the eve of the maxi-trial: mafia fugitives moved freely about Palermo while government prosecutors had to live in prison for their own protection."

Fighting the good fight put both men in a bad spot with both the lawbreakers and the lawmakers. Falcone was maneuvered out of his position in Palermo and ultimately assassinated; Borsellino was killed six months later. But their death lead to their greatest triumphs, for their murders awakened a nation to the corruption of the ruling Christian Democrats and caused the downfall of Italy's First Republic.

Ultimately, Stille's book is great not because he tells this story, but because he makes us care. Falcone and Borsellino come off as principled but pragmatic, saintly but shrewd; Stille makes their goodness real and compelling. If you're anything like me, you'll read this and hope someone makes it into a miniseries; you will find yourself rooting for the good guys, and realizing that good guys still exist; you will weep at their deaths, and their ultimate victory.

WOW! This is one of the best Who novels ever. Funny, sad, AND scary. I felt for all the charecters in one way or another, even the computer! This mixed with a time travel story that flowed backwards (but I was able to keep up with) makes this a great book. Also, The Doctor and Romana are captured perfectly. I can't write enough about how great this book is for Who fans. This is also just a good sci-fi novel with a unique premise, so share it with non-who fans as well!

This is a fantastic read. This was the first Doctor Who novel I read, and after reading about a dozen others, this is still the best, far exceeding all the others so far.

The story is extremely well-written, very true to the TV show style, dialogue and characters. The plot is very interesting and exciting. The action moves quickly and there are wonderful plot twists and subplots to follow. The dialogue and supporting characters are marvelously written. I enjoyed every minute reading it, and look forward to rereading it at some point.

I highly recommend this to any Dr. Who fan, especially Tom Baker fans. If I could give it six (heck, ten) stars, I would.

This is pure 4th Doctor in all his glory; or did I say that already? That question rings throughout the entire plot. Time and time again, eddys in time, multiple visits and avoiding a paradox are all wound tightly within this tome. The ending gets a bit confusing but then it's the beginning, isn't it? But then I may have said this already. Read for all 4th Doctor fans a book that has captured all the nuances of his character in a wonderful story.

Festival of Death is full of the illogical wit, wisdom, and fun that made Doctor Who great! Reading this is like finding a lost tv episode. The Doctor, Romana, and K-9 are so well realized it's like watching them on the screen!

The story starts out with Romana insisting that the Doctor take a "time travel proficiency test" a sort of driving test for a Tardis. And being the Doctor, well....

They land on a space station in the aftermath of a catastrophe, dead and wounded lying everywhere. Naturally they jump in to help. Only to find out that they've already helped! The Doctor is recognized as the savior of the G-Lock. And as a saboteur, and a spy, and a friend, and an escaped criminal....

The Doctor and Romana realize they have skipped their own time traces and must go back in time to do whatever they did the first time to save the station.

But they're recognized again. And again! Each time they go back they are faced with solving the present problems without changing what those problems become in the future, and without running into themselves in the process!

Soon the Doctor and Romana are running all over the G-Lock narrowly avoiding their own past and future selves. And the closer they come to the heart of the disaster the more mysterious it becomes. Until the Doctor does what he always knew he must do to save the station.

He dies.

For everyone who likes classic, clean, monstery, funny Doctor Who this is the book for you!

The TARDIS materializes in a tourist park which houses a unique attraction that enables one to experience what it's like to be dead - without being obligated to remain so. But a freak mishap has caused the participants to become murderous zombies. The Doctor arrives just after the crisis has passed, and in a welcome deviation from the norm, he is not blamed for the incident (not at first, anyway), but praised for saving the day.

The strange thing, of course, is that he hasn't done anything yet. The stranger thing is that he died while doing it. So our heroes travel further and further back in time to figure out exactly what happened. It's great fun to see all the bits fall into place as the novel progresses. The author handles the different timelines beautifully, and keeps it from being as confusing as it might have been.

The story may be a bit morbid, but this is an extremely funny book nonetheless. The story, dialogue and supporting cast fit right in with the high camp nature of the era from which it is derived. Most importantly, the characters of The Doctor, Romana and even K9 are flawlessly written, down to the most detailed mannerism. It's such a faithful recreation that you'll swear you'd seen it on TV. If you're a fan of the fourth Doctor, this is a must-read.

Absolutely fascinating stuff. If you are into factoids and trivia, are fascinated by death and how people die, have a morbid streak, or like Mary Roach's STIFF, this book is for you. I found it very readable, very entertaining and with a sardonic streak that fits the subject matter like a glove. Recommended.

If you enjoy books about strange and unusual things you will be captivated with what you'll find in this collection facts and information as to how people die;or in the words of the author,make their "Final Exits".
I have always enjoyed the unusual ,and have been a big fan of Ripley's "Believe It or Not!".This book is very similar and will keep you entertained for hours. All the entries are concise,seldom exceed a page or two,accompanied with hundreds of photographs,and overflowing with an endless stream of facts. You will find it a very easy read.It is a great book to leave around to be picked up for a few minutes at a time and you can open it anywhere and just start reading.It has 417 pages plus about 80 pages of source information and acknowledgements.So,not only is it a book to be enjoyed,it is definitely a great reference if you decide to delve further into anything in the book. The author has chosen a rather unusual way to present all this to us. He has put it in 26 chapters headed by the letters of the alphabet. Pretty much like an Encyclopedia.There is no index at the back of the book ,so if at a later date you decide to go back and find something,you may have to do bit of searching.There is also a chapter on "Epitaphs",but is surprisingly ,all too brief,however,sources for more are included.
To give any idea of the extent of things covered is impossible ;other than to say ,it covers everything imaginable;and and numerous things you never even imagined.Rather than being morbid as one might suspect ,the book would be much more appropriately described as curious and informative.
As an example of what you'll find;

Reasons for death found on death certificates of the 1880's

"Died suddenly.Nothing serious."

"Don't know the cause.Died without aid of Physician."

"Don't know cause.Had never been fatally ill before."

"Lack of ambition."

"Worn out."

Visitation of God."

Or this Epitaph from Silver City,Nevada,1878

Here lays Butch
We planted him raw.
He was quick on the trigger,
But slow on the draw.

This book was very enjoyable. Its funny how strange human history is. I even was speaking with my husband on how bad the world has become, my husband's reply was simply "It's always been this bad." After reading this book, I would have to agree. I'm glad I live in the 21st century, because centuries of the past really seemed to suck! Read this book and you will know what I mean.

This is a great book. It is a little macabe, but that works for us. My children 9 and 13 love the book too. If you have ever wondered just how many deaths occur at amusement parks(including Disneyland) this is the book for you. Did you know if you paint your body all over with metallic paint, you can die, just like in the James Bond movie. If you have heard of a story of how people die( such as a date with a prostitute ended with a missing organ such as a kidney) you can look it up ( This unlawful organ harvesting never happened)

From suffocating on bean bag beads to sticking chicken bones up your hole this book has it all, every possible way for a human to die. Did you know in December 2004 a woman ate tapeworm larvae in order to lose weight or that in April 2002 gang members shot a deaf woman in the face because they thought she was flashing gang signs? Well, it happened and it's in here along with thousands of other interesting stories. It's hard to pick my favorites, but I did especially love the one about the moron who climbed on top of a cage full of tigers and started using the bathroom.

Despite the grim subject matter Largo keeps it mostly upbeat. Example: the story about "Mr. Hands" (from the infamous horse/man love video) is entitled "The Beast Within".

For more great death stories check out "Answer Me!" #3's run down of the Top 100 Suicides.

Della Johns-Blackwood gave birth to triplets and lost her beloved Bo in the process as well as a piece of her soul. Grief-stricken and bitter she blames the baby of the three, Isaiah `Shyne' for her husband's death and mistreats him with no shame from birth. She blesses the other two Gabriel `Shug' and Ezekiel `Shadow' with all of her love and finds solace as she embraces them with the thought they are just like their father. Shyne has a guardian angel in next door neighbor, Peggy, who makes it her business to give him the love and attention that his mother refuses to share with him.

Despite the difference that their mother makes between the three, their bond is so strong, and they pledge their love to each other. Tragedy haunts their lives from birth, a dark cloud looms over their family. In which the first chapter gathers the readers together as Shyne prepares to go to the death chamber for the murder and rape of a white girl and her baby.

Gather Together In My Name is an electrifying read that tears at the very pit of your soul as you travel with Shyne down a trail of pre-destined doom. You'll meet the different people and learn how, why, and when their paths crossed and the lasting effect they make on each other. A thrilling, mind boggling read that will take you to a place that you would NOT have imagined. Ms. Thompson did an extraordinary job with this one! It has major movie potential, a story so surreal, you feel that there has to be more truth than fiction in this unforgettable tale and its central character!!! This is definitely a novel that will become a legend as it touches you from the emotional dedication to the roses at the very end! Give me my roses while I'm yet alive! You're deserving of more than a dozen Ms. Thompson for this one!!! This is a amazing read!!!! 4.75****

Dysfunctional family life is definitely the foundation for this tale from Tracy Price-Thompson, author of the fabulous "A Woman's Worth." The setting is Brooklyn, where a young Della Blackwood gives birth to triplets, the sons of her beloved husband Bo. Dubbed Shyne, Shadow and Shug, Shadow becomes the definite favorite of their mother Della--after the untimely death of Bo while the triplets were being born. The death of her husband leaves Della a bereaved mess...and she even blames son Shyne for the death of her husband. Life happens, and Shug and Shyne travel seemingly completely different roads--Shug attends college and ultimately graduates from law school, while Shyne excels in his own line of work...that of career criminal. When an extremely heinous crime lands one of the brothers on death row, it is only the love and loyalty of one brother that has any chance of saving the life of the other....
Although lacking the intensity and polish of "A Woman's Worth," this book is also quite a read....


DYB

How far and deep will a brother's love go? When a mother has triplets she's bound for triple love, but not all the time it works like that, and sometimes there's always a favorite who get's double the love, and the favorite turns out that u really don't know them at all. This was a fast page turner, but the characters could of been developed a little more. The action keeps moving toward an emotional stir that will hold your attention from beginning and will surely have you crying tears toward the end. This is my first read by Tracy Price-Thompson and I will definately be on the look-out for other reads by this authors. A tear jerker that will leave u breathless at the end for sure!!!

Bravo! Well worth the wait. I've loved tracy since "chocolate sangria" and she keeps getting better and better. This book had me from chapter #1. I mean the way she wrote in different character's voice and gave you their personal history and how they were all inter-connected was pure genius. This story stayed with me long after I finished the last page, because I couldn't believe the levels of love, jealousy, evil, and personal integrity. My favorite character was Virgil bcz he was a "damn good man" and a man of his word.

I love all of Tracy Price Thompson's books, truly believing that she is one of the outstanding writers of today. So even though I was excited that she had a new book, it surely couldn't be better than A Woman's Worth? Wrong! I don't know how she does it, but Gather Together is one of the best books I've ever read. Not only is this a gripping can't-take-your-eyes-off-of-it tale, but the way it's written, the story's construction adds to its power. The characters are so well-developed and the plot will make you think and wonder about the ills of society. You will not be able to put this book down. Bravo, Tracy - I think I can now officially say that you are my favorite contemporary author!

This is an amazing little book which I have already given away to someone who also suffers from chronic pain. I now need another for myself! What a blessing to be able to cling to God's truth in the midst of suffering, it is a lifeline. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a way to cling to hope in the midst of suffering.

This is an awesome and outstanding book from someone who understands chronic pain, fatigue and the loneliness it can bring. Judy points you to God. It is just what you need each day to remember to look at our Savior rather than our circumstances. Judy writes in a beautiful style that is easy to read, and profound in its conclusions. Judy gives help just when you think you can't go on another day in this painful earthly body. I hope to see many more books by Judy.

When you have a family member or friend in chronic pain, it's hard to know what to do or what to give them. Flowers are temporary and a little plant doesn't seem to be the right gift. Here's the perfect choice with this book from the personal stories of Judy Gann and the seventeen others where she gathered moving stories.

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT gives short bursts of hope in each devotion. The stories are pointed yet easy to read in a brief amount of time. The prayer is right to the target and a verse from the Bible or a relevant quotation wraps each reading in a tight, crafted package.

For example in the devotion called "The View From The Top" concludes with this quote from Warren Wiersbe, "You can't understand why the road doesn't get easier, why God doesn't remove the stones and straighten the path. If God did that, you might never get to the top, because the bumps are what you climb on."

When you cross paths with someone who is challenged to live with pain and chronic illness, this title gives the right dose of encouragement. I highly recommend it.

Two weeks ago, my precious mother-in-law passed away after a long battle with cancer. As I was cleaning out her things, I discovered her journal in which she had written down each day's pulse, BP, heart rate, nausea, hair loss, etc. Right next to the journal, listing all the terrible things happening to her body, was Judy Gann's book with page after page marked with all the wonderful things God was doing in her soul. Everyday of her suffering was met with a day of God's comfort through one of these touching devotionals. Now I get to read through these devotionals, sharing the same hope - the same comfort - my mother-in-law did in her last days. Our God is indeed the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others when we ourselves have been comforted.

The God of All Comfort by Judy Gann is the most helpful book that I have read in the course of my struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. This daily devotional has short readings that pack a lot of punch. Gann addresses all of the daily battles of those who suffer from chronic pain: guilt, anger, frustration, depression with stories of real people along with helpful Scripture. There were time when I opened it up and found exactly what I was feeling that very day. It felt as if the story of my life was written by a perfect stranger, and it was wonderful to know that I am not alone in my pain. It also gave my husband insight into how I feel on occasion. Gann's book is full of hope and understanding for those who suffer. Even if I don't have relief from the pain, I have a friend in Gann and a promise from God for a new, healthy body some day. A must read for those who suffer from chronic pain and for those who love them.

This is a wonderful book, which I used frequently with the families of dying patients. Written in jargon-free, easy to understand prose, the book describes common signs and symptoms of dying, and offers suggestions as to how best to keep the person comfortable. The wonderful poem "Gone From My Sight" is also included.
I recommend this precious little book to anyone caring for a terminally ill person, or those who have recently lost a loved one.

A hospice nurse gave us this book a few days prior to my grandma's death. It was reassuring for us to read the book and know we were doing the right thing by allowing her to take the journey to heaven. It took a lot of the fear out of the death process and made it seem more natural. The book is a very quick read, yet it does a thorough job of explaining death. I would recommend it to anyone whose loved one is beginning the journey. I never understood the real value of hospice at the end of someone's life. The hospice nurses took away my grandma's pain, allowing her to die peacefully. If you are dealing with iminent death of a loved one, I urge you to place that person in hospice care.

My father was admitted into Hospice on May 19th. The Hospice nurse provided us with this book. For some reason I personally felt that this booked helped me through my father's passing. I would recommend this book to anyone going through this experience.

This book was given to me and my family during my grandmother's passing. It was so comforting to know that everything that happened was a part of the dying process. Now faced with losing my other grandmother a month later, I am comforted once again by the words in this book.

This amazing little book really eased the suffering of my family after my grandfather passed, and we didn't even get it until after his death. My uncle walked into the living room where we had all gathered, waiting for the priest to say a prayer over the body. He told us that a coworker had given him this book, and that maybe we should read it. We all recognized various stages with expressions of, "Oh, wow! This is in here!" and that night, my distraught grandmother took it upstairs with her when she went to bed.

The next day she came downstairs and couldn't stop talking about how amazing the book was and how much it helped. I want to get copies to send to everyone, now.

This is a wonderfully inspiring and reassuring story. Mary Jo has given us a generous and lovely gift, sharing so much of her journey. And the writing, with the collaboration of Mary Harper, is superb. I know the writing is very good when I can imagine that I am right there in the experience.

As a psychotherapist and art therapist, I was impressed with how Mary's near-death experience brought her to what we call a "teachable moment," that space in which we suddenly perceive life in a radically different way. The book reinforces the value of connectedness--within ourselves, to our families and friends, and to God, however we might perceive God to be. I found myself grateful for Mary Jo, and the grace that she is able to extend by being present to people she encounters during their teachable moments. This book is short and simply written, yet speaks volumes. I recommend it to anyone in the health profession seeking to understand the connection between health and spirituality.

Mary Jo Rapini's intimate story of suffering and recovering from a brain aneurysm is nothing short of inspirational and speaks of the important role played by family, friends, and health care professionals in the healing process. Even those of us who identify as agnostic or atheist can respect and learn from Rapini's need to put her faith in a God as she bravely confronts her own mortality. Is God Pink? Dying to Heal, is a beautifully written and carefully constructed book. A worthwhile read for anyone who has ever faced a serious health crisis.

Mary Jo Rapini's book is a must read for anyone who works with illness, lives with or cares for ailing loves ones, or anyone facing or reluctant to explore one's own mortality. This work left me inspired, hopeful and humbled.

It's difficult to say that I 'enjoyed' this book ---- it's hard to read about someone's near death and about cancer and find it enjoyable; but, am so glad that I did read it! Mary Jo's experiences are definitely interesting, heart wrenching, and understandable. I've been telling lots of folks about this book and even bought additional copies to give to people. I would strongly encourage anyone to buy this book!

This is an OK read for those wanting to know who wanted Hitler killed. Obviously, Stalin, the British government, German generals, and other assorted opposition personnel wanted to kill the dictator. Some of them were simply stalkers as with the case of the Swiss theology student. Others were more professional as with the carpenter who made the woodwork on a pillar in the beer hall. All would have done a service to humanity if they knocked off Hitler. I learned a lot about the efforts of German generals plans and the other plots that are only briefly talked about in the history of World War Two. Hitler was a very secure target with minimal exposure to the public. A person who plotted the assassination would obviously have to know Hitler in order to kill him. Most of those who knew him, feared him, and did not have the guts to bring themselves to sacrifice themselves in order to kill him.

This is a nice read about efforts to kill Hitler. All the various plots and plans are neatly summarized for the reader to learn how people planned to kill Hitler.

If you're an armchair historian on World War II,then this is an excellent account of Hitler's obscure rise to ultimate power.This is a fascinating look at all the secret saboteurs against the furiose fuhrer.If you're intrigued by the history surrounding the Hitler topic,you'll be spellbound by this book.I never realized the various plots ,inside and outside his inner court,that were being hatched around him.Some will argue it was fated that he would survive.Many would agree it was just bad luck.I still find myself asking if Hitler wanted to destroy Germany on purpose,in revenge for being an 'oddball outcast'.Hitler was seen as a backwood peasant,and not of Viennese artistic quality.Many 'Hitler Histories' claim he was a 'house-painter'.This was not true.He was a failed baukunstler student,that later painted postcards for tourists.Himmler is often listed as just a 'chicken-farmer's geek',when he in fact had technical training at an argicultural institute,as well.The sagacious Himmler was aware of Hitler's ill-gotten birth,ab ovo,and probably felt he was better off as the 'propaganda-direktor'.Rather than the Nazi party's leader.Himmler saw the potential marriage between Hitler and his niece ,Gisella Rubel,as another generation of 'genetic-trouble' for the Fuhrer and an image-problem for the party.It was not discussed in this book,yet it can be speculated ,that Himmler's SS had Rubel killed and Himmler then instructed a 'suicide-scene' staged.Hitler believed fully that 'in-breeding' was preserving of the Aryan race,when in fact it was creating genetic dead-ends for extinction of the human race.At any rate,the various Allied countries valiently tried to eradicate the polemic dictator from his post.This engaging book gives the agentry accounts of the agent-provocateurs involved.From his egregious wanderings into the beer-hall rants then onto his fusty bunker of despair.This is a gripping book about the assassins of change,who failed to curtail the actions of a desperate madman,whose demagoguery bedeviled an entire nation into ruin for a generation.

Well written, readable account of the major plots and attempts to kill Hitler over the course of his political ascension to his final self demise. Impressive telling from young Georg Elser's early attempt to kill Hitler in 1939 with an ingenious self made bomb that exploded on time but after Hitler prematurely left the podium to his military enemies the British who initially found the task undesirable. The telling of these grand and individual plots parallels the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The detail is quite refreshing discussing how initially vulnerable to assassination Hitler was partially due to his grandiose perception that he was supernaturally protected from death. Aside from external and internal plots within the military, the author explains in impressive detail how the various heroic undergrounds were successful in killing numerous Nazis while suffering great and shocking reprisals for their success particularly in Poland and Czechoslovakia. An ultimate example is the Czechs pulling off a major assassination with the killing of Heydrich. Impressive is the author's documentation of the various anti-Hitler networks involving such prominent military men such as Wilhelm Canaris and Hans Oster who both suffer once exposed. The highlight of the book of course is the great attempt that almost kills Hitler, the bomb planted by war hero Stauffenberg in the Rastenburg map room. The author also tells why the assassination failed that is an interesting and new revelation. Another interested party is Hitler's favorite architect and armories coordinator, Albert Speer, who the author recognizes as potentially self serving at Nuremberg but the author also recognized Speers' desire not to have Germany destroyed as Hitler wished at the end. The book also includes an excellent collection of photographs of the collaborators and other fascinating photos such as Goring inspecting the destroyed map room to a startling picture of the extraordinary intense gaze of British Colonel Noel Mason-McFarland during a pre-war German military review. Mason-McFarland emphatically stated before the war that a sniper could easily dispatch Hitler and save Europe.

Although I was aware of some attempts on Hitler's life, I did not know that there were so many and from so many different sources - both within Hitler's entourage as well as far away from it. The author has provided well-researched and reasoned renderings of a subset of these attempts - the most fascinating and surprising ones. But in addition to discussing these various attempts in detail, the author has also presented much valuable information on the background history and evolving politics of Germany from the end of World War I to the end of World War II. The brutality of the Nazi regime is also amply discussed. As expected, particular attention has been paid to the instigation, structure and evolution of Hitler's security organization. The book's writing style is clear, friendly, authoritative and very engaging. It should be most relished by history buffs that have a penchant for the Second World War.

Roger Moorehouse's "Killing Hitler" is a tragic chronicle of the alarmingly few individuals and groups in Nazi Germany who saw early on (or too late) that their "leader" was a mass murdering psychopath and acted accordingly--to no avail.

Though their bravery is commendable, one cannot help feel terrible anger and frustration as one gets into the thick of Moorhouse's feverish narrative. At long last, one has to ask, why didn't someone in the Wehrmacht simply get on good terms with Hitler, stand next to him, and ignite a live grenade? Suffice to say that any evaluation of posterity is just that, and only a slight percentage of those still living have had the experience of living in a ferocious totalitarian state like the Germany of 1933-45.

Perhaps the most impressive of the would-be assassins is Maurice Bavaud, a young idealist with deep roots in Christendom who, in 1939, waited for Hitler to show up at his annual "Beer Hall Putsch" celebration (where the equally courageous Georg Elser would plant a bomb which missed only because of a chance early departure by the dictator) took a pistol, and was foiled because of a group of German civilians. This was not the first time Bauvaud would make such a naked, furious attempt on the Fuhrer's life. Captured and guillotined in 1941, Bavaud stated baldly that whether Germans would accept it or not, he had been acting not only in their interest but the interest of all humanity. Only Col. Claus Von Stauffenberg's already well publicized attempt rivals that kind of courage.

The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 is given an impressive, if limited, recounting here: the PHM (Polish Home Army) managed to kill 9,000 SS soldiers and, through the utlitization of suicide bombers and guerilla attacks, eliminate a few important members of the Third Reich. The RAF's bungled, halfhearted attempts to bomb Hitler's HQ in East Prussia really didn't need mention here.

How desperate some former Wehrmacht soldiers were for Hitler's death is given heart pounding illustration here, in history's first suicide bomber, Rudolf-Chriastoph Von Gersdorff. Having served as an unofficial emissary for Henning Von Tresckow, a lifelong opponent of the Nazi regime and a key figure in the July 20th attempt, agreed to an act of utter self-sacrifice in order to get rid of Hitler: "At this point it became clear to me that an attack was only possible if I were to carry the explosives about my person, and blow myself up as close to Hitler as was possible."
Lining his uniform with "clam mines" obtained from a fellow officer (Col. Brandt, who knew nothing of the attempt, and who ironically would be the man to move the briefcase bomb away from Hitler on July 20th), he armed the mines with a trigger that would give him exactly ten minutes in which to approach his target and "kiss the sky". Hitler was, at the time, speaking in a German museum--originally Gersdorff was to approach him while the speech was being made and stand beside him.

Hitler cut the speech, was intended to be thirty minutes, to two minutes, and despite Gersdorff having already activated the device--with 5 minutes left--his attempts to stay near Hitler were in vain. Hitler may have noticed that Gersdorff was unusually "eager to talk" and the demonic instinct of self preservation kicked in: in any case, he said goodbye very quickly. Gersdorff then ran to the restroom and defused the bomb with trembling hands.

Moorhouse gets downright unethical--probably desperate for material, but still--including Albert Speer in this book. Speer was Hitler's devoted architect from the beginning of the war to the end and was much a brainwashed Nazi as Himmler, Goerring or Goebbels; he was just charismatic and knew how to BS the judges at Nuremburg. He lied about his knowledge of the atrocities and the Allies, not having evidence ofhis full knowledge which would emerge years later, bought it. Aside from a few scholars who have an unhealthy fascination with him, the general consensus is that he should have been dangling at the end of a rope with all the rest. The only reason he had even a passing thought about assassinating a man he otherwise had nearly homoerotic feelings for was the destruction of Germany. And that's all it was, a passing thought. It should probably be removed from the book.

A wonderful variety of stories about those who followed the lure of gold - some who actually panned for gold, others who made a living supporting the gold hunters. Sometimes tragic, sometimes inspiring, always amazing!

I recently read this book for my economics class. This books gives a new dimension to what happened during the gold rushes. This book focuses on the Klondike, one of the last great gold rushes. It gives great details into the way people lived and survived in the destructive climate that is the Klondike. It gives the reader an opportunity to read about the many people who "made it" and the many people who "failed". From poor factory workers who find thousands of dollars in gold to the people that were standing upon a fortune and didn't even know it. You will learn about the rise and fall of the "dictator" of Skagway. It gives you a glimpse into the mindset of a person going off to find his or her fortune. Overall I think it was a very well written book. I found many parts interesting. There was one thing that I didn't like though. This was the fact there were so many little stories mixed in with the bigger picture. I felt that at the end of the book I didn't really remember the people mentioned in the beginning of the book. I give this book a four. Hats off to Mr. Pierre Berton

This is an amazing book containing thrilling stories based on the "last great gold rush". Berton tells these stories in so much detail, that you'd think that you were traveling the Klondike, looking for treasure. It makes you realize that these prospectors were playing a real-life game of "hot or cold" when they got so close to a strike and left to search somewhere else. A must read for anyone who likes adventure stories.

For those of us whose knowledge of the Klondike Gold Rush comes mostly from the 1950s radio drama, "Sergeant Preston of the Yukon" this is a fine book to read. (Trivia question: What was the name of Sergeant Preston's preternaturally intelligent huskie?) Originally published in 1958, "Klondike Fever" has proven to be a minor classic. (See note below concerning a new edition of the book.)

This Gold Rush, named after the Klondike River in the Yukon territory of Canada, was the last great scramble for gold in the old West. One hundred thousand persons, mostly from the U.S., set out for the Klondike in 1897, 30,000 or 40,000 got there, after an arduous journey through killing winter snows, and a few hundred found gold. The stories of the long, hard journey into this Arctic wilderness are often horrific. In one party of 19 men, 15 died or were killed along the route and the other four had eyes damaged by snow blindness. The gold seekers included author Jack London, Wyatt Earp, and poet Joaquin Miller.

The author tells a compelling tale of the men and women who participated in the Klondike Gold Rush. It was indeed a fever. The characters in this book include crusty old miners who suddenly became rich beyond their wildest dreams, stalwart, incorruptible Canadian Mounties, conmen like Soapy Smith -- who in the dramatic tradition of the West receives his just deserts -- prostitutes, madams, gamblers, angels of mercy, last-chance losers, rich adventurers, Indians, and missionaries. It's a fascinating read, based on research that included interviews with many of the oldtimers who lived to talk to the author in the 1950s. The author's standard of truth telling is high; he identifies a tall tale or an unlikely exaggeration when he finds them.

The maps could be better and the text would be enhanced if there were photographs, but I doubt you'll find a better book about the Klondike Gold Rush. However, "Klondike Fever" was revised in 2001 and the newer edition, called "Klondike" embodies new information and interpretations of the events that once took place in the land of the Northern Lights. All in all, I'd buy "Klondike" rather than "Klondike Fever."

Oh, yes, Sergeant Preston's dog was named "Yukon King."

Smallchief

Berton is one great writer! It was SOOOO entertaining to read the stories of all the different characters involved in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. This book NEVER GETS BORING!!! Read it for pure enjoyment or for writing a college history paper. This book is one of the greatest history books I've ever read! Check out "Ordeal by Hunger" by George R. Stewart too if you like miner/pioneer/gold rush history. It's fascinating too.

MY STORY HOW I ACQUIRED THIS BOOK:
I was in Skagway, AK (it was a port stop for the vacation cruise I was on) and I had been touring the area (ie, White Pass Train, car, etc.). I had this tour guide who was REALLY knowledgable of Yukon & Alaska history. I thought his storytelling was fascinating and asked him what ONE book would be the one to read concerning the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. This was the one he suggested. (He also said Pierre Berton was an excellent writer...I must agree this tour guide was telling the truth!) I almost forgot to purchase it! I had to run back to the bookstore in downtown Skagway and buy it so I could enjoy it for the rest of the cruise. I swear I was the last one on the boat! I started reading this book right when I got to my cabin and I was finished with it before the cruise was over!