Case Studies Books

A story of a regular family with full schedules, dreams, ambitions and goals turned upside down by a devasting medical diagnosis. You won't want to put the book down as the author weaves his lifetime adventures and the challenges faced in seeking medical alternatives as his health progressively fails. Every family can relate to his messages and gather hope in their own situations even if not medically related. Highly recommended for those in the medical professions, families with medical challenges and will be especially interesting for those with previous military experiences. Should be in every medical center's patient library and on every Red Cross volunteer's book cart!

This book really gets down to the nitty gritty of what a family goes through when faced with a medical crisis. The situation faced by Ed literally turned the family upside down, it just makes one appreciate ones health. I highly recommend this book to anyone, it is certainly a lesson in life!

The family parts really interested me. I could almost feel the situation that the family went through. The advice in the book has really helped our family.

The book is much, much more than a medical case study of a man that survives a life threatening illness. It's a book that can be read on many levels: a series of practical medical anecdotes, a story of the triumph of a family undergoing an incredible ordeal, the life history of an extraordinary man (submarine commander, teacher, author), or a really good read. If you want a good story, get this book. If you or a loved one are undergoing a medical crisis, you MUST read this book, it could save your life!

THIS BOOK WAAS VERY GOOD. IT GAVE THE EXPEIRNCES OF PARENTS MWHO HAD KIDS THAT WHERE AUTISTIC. I BOUGHT AND READ IN ONLYA FEW DAYS.

Living With Autism is a collection of candid, informative and revealing parental stories of what it is like to live with autistic children on a day to day basis. Author Kathleen Dillon provides a review of the professional literature defining and diagnosing autism, securing adequate treatment, family stress, social stigma, and all of the aspects and elements of life with an autistic charge. Highly recommended reading for parents and caretakers of autistic children, Living With Autism is enhanced with a "Parent's Questionnaire" and "Suggestions For Parents", references, glossary, and an index.

No jargon. No hype. No claims of "miracle cures". Just an honest, realistic account of the lives of the families of six autistic children. Parents of autistic children are bound to find much to reassure them that they are not alone. Others will learn a great deal about the problems, pressures and challenges facing the parents of any disabled child.

i have read many books dealing with the subject of autism and i feel this book has the most accurate information. from the author's prospective & researched information you get a step by step introduction to the effects of autism on the families. honest & straightforward... w/o hyping miracle cures (i.e. vitamins, drug therapy) or understating the massive effect an autistic child has on the family. for anyone who is close to a family with an autistic child this is a must read..... the 6 children whose parents were interviewed give an honest, clear account of what day-to-day life is like with an autistic child. funny, heartwarming, sad and informative if you buy any book about autism, buy this one! i've read 24 plus books on autism, this one is by far the best

Victoria Houston's book covers every issue relevant to an older woman/younger man relationship. It has proven to be a valuable resource for those seeking information on their own dilemna's as they surface. She certainly dispells any misconceptions that arise and ultimately eases the hearts of her readers by the time the book ends. Drawing from her own personal experience, enhances the books content and underscores the positive thrust throughout the book.

Those associated with "AGELESS LOVE", (the only web site devoted to OW/YM relationships), devour the book and use the information readily.

Very much like being at a recording of a "Phil Donahue" type show. Author poses questions to those in OW/YM relationships and presents new outlook to old stereotypes. Book dispels OW/YM relationships as unchic, but more compatible interpersonal relationships. Very comforting to know there are others out there just like you two - which validates your feelings. Also, gives insight in copping with many issues, such as to who wear's the pants. My girlfriend has this book highlighted all over. I rate this book better than going to a marriage counselor !

An excellent book to read for everyone, specially those who are or have been in love with an older women or a younger man ! Brilliantly written and very informative, this book touches on an ancient taboo that exists virtually all over the world and, contrary to popular belief, reveals it to be one of the most gratifying and fulfilling experiences of all

Victoria's book is the main book we recommend to our visitors and friends! If you can't find it in the bookstores, request it! Scour your secondhand bookstores, too. We certainly hope that Victoria comes out with an updated version soon! (AgelessLove.com - the first online community devoted to age gap relationship support!)

This was a requirement for a graduate level multicultural education course. It is an easy read and decently interesting. I would have never picked it up for pleasure reading. But, for a required text, it is a good choice.

Wonderful book! Amazing insight into immigrant students mindset of the American education system. Great discussion about ESL programs and the difficulties immigrants face when trying to assimilate in American schools. Interesting prospective on the dynamics of keeping ones culture while assimilating into new surroundings. The book has great diversity and touches on the American students perspective of immigrants within the public school system. It discusses the American students need for immigrants to assimilate completely into American society. I would recommend this book to all teachers, administrators, and education students to better understand the dynamics of their classroom.

This is a very good book. The book is written from a California school district perspective, but the pointview of the author reflects what is going on in many schools across the U.S. A good book for all teachers to read, even if you don't teach ESL. The book holds a truth which is, we as teachers must be our students' voice. Read it!!

Unsure of how you feel about bilingual education? Even more likely, don't really understand what bilingual education is? Read this book. Laurie Olsen helps us put a human face on what has become a political question. Her clear and well-written portrait of one school puts the issue of language, emotional and sensitive as it can be, in concrete terms of pragmatic educational effectiveness: You can't learn what you don't understand. For anyone who cares about this important issue, or even feels as though they should.

Reading the cases I realized that "The Expert" who give writes up about the patient's mental state are far behind their years. No competent mental health professional would think those thoughts today. The book reads much better when one reads the case studies alone and ignores "The Expert."

I think many of the people in the book would now be diagnosed as having a form of High-Functioning Autism or Asperger's. The first case study was my favorite because the girl was very similar to myself; I even went to Goddard College. She also sounds like she has HFA/AS, definitely not any kind of psychosis. Mental Health professionals are much more competent in recognizing HFA/AS in intelligent people today than they were years ago.

If you have ever seen any of Albrecht Durer's woodcuts on the Apocalypse or have read the works of Swedenborg and can relate to the central figures, then perhaps this book is one you might find helpful. If you have experienced what is colloquially called "madness" or frequently undergo mystical experiences which a doctor has told you constitute a psychotic disorder, then I believe that reading this book may be profitable to you. The book relates several tales of individuals and their experience with the mental health establishment. The book is written from an "anti-psychiatry" perspective and includes commentary by Seth Farber and Thomas Szasz (famous libertarian) on the dangers of the mental health system, the harm it has done to many sensitive souls, and the psychiatric survivor's organizations and mental health liberation leagues which have fought coercive treatment. (I generally tend to be somewhat sympathetic to the point of view of the author, although I'm not sure that it would hold true for all individuals and I do believe that medicines and drugs can sometimes be helpful. Afterall, it is very painful to be truly "awake", wakefulness takes energy and thus drains the body, so if you are fully awake all the time you probably will need a medication to sedate you.) If you have ever experienced hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions, and believed they have been improperly handled by a psychiatrist or in a mental health facility then perhaps you can recognize some of what is discussed in this book. My personal experience is this. I went to a very select and intensive math and science academy for undergraduate school and many individuals and friends of mine underwent severe crises and breakdowns as a result of the stress. I have undergone several breakdowns myself or existential crises and have had my fair share of otherwise "mystical experiences". I believe that this sort of thing is not adequately understood by modern science which is biased in a materialistic, scientistic manner. In particular, for example, I believe that the soul can be severed from the body and the body can become a mere "puppet" or "robot" during extreme stress. A psychiatrist has described this experience as "psychotic"; however, a quick perusal of most ancient religious sources will show it to be a fairly common one. If you have these sorts of experiences, believe you have ESP for example, or feel that you can communicate with angels, that the television may speak directly to you, or that God talks to you, then you are not "abnormal" as a psychiatrist or mainstream society may say. Rather, you may merely be a particularly sensitive individual who picks up cues from his environment and perhaps has access to higher levels of being, other dimensions (read for example the book _Flatland_ by Edwin Abbot), or even parallel universes. I believe that the brain is like an antenna that can be tuned to different radio stations (a spike on the energy graph which is "you") and may occassionally pick up some static. Unlike the author however, I disagree with him about the role of psychiatric medications. While it is true that many of these medications do have certain harmful side effects they can be helpful in certain ways. For example, speaking for myself I know that without the drug depakote I am nervous as a cat, paranoid, believe that people are talking about me, have ideas of reference, cannot sleep, do not want to eat, and sometimes cannot even leave the house. With it I have the side effect of cotton mouth and feel sluggish, but otherwise I believe the drug does calm my nerves. So in this sense I feel it may be good for me, despite its long term side effects (a chance I am willing to take, for the peace of mind it seems to offer me now). The choice of course is entirely up to you as far as medications go and they do not work for all people. Otherwise, this book offers an excellent opportunity to examine the role of mystical experience in the lives of those deemed mentally ill and looks at some individuals who are at the higher functioning level of mental illness. Mental illness I believe may ultimately be a disease of civilization. The pressures of social conformity work their way into the minds of people and ultimately cause them to undergo breakdowns, breakthroughs, or transformations. Afterall, civilization has certain cracks.

Also of interest: If you are interested I suggest you consult the book _Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind_ by the late Professor Julian Jaynes, which is one of the most mind-shattering books I have ever read in explaining consciousness.

Although Robert Robbins makes insightful comments about psychiatry in his review,his comments would lead someone who read MHRA to conclude that he did not read (or not read very carefully) the book he is ostensibly commenting upon. The focus of Madness, Heresy and the Rumor of Angels is not biological reductionism--which has become the well-deserved target of many authors--most prominently Dr Peter Breggin. But Farber's focus is reductionism in the broader sense--that is, the refusal to recognize--in fact the determination to suppress--the spiritual dimension of human existence. Thus what lies outside the ordinary schemata that determines consensually-validated "reality" (or one might say the consensually validated delusional system) is "reduced" by mental health professionals to pathology, to "mental illness." The (true) stories of "schizophrenics" in this book reveal that "schizophrenia" is not only a breakdown but also a breakthrough (as R D Laing said long ago) to the realm of the extra-ordinary.This book, contrary to Robbins, does indeed elaborate on the idea of a spiritual dimension. Like Laing, Farber attributes the typical unhappy outcome IN OUR SOCIETY of the schizophrenic experience --to the practices of the mental death system--to sins of commission--e.g. zombifying "anti-psychotic medication" and degrading psychiatric labeling, i.e. "diagnosis") and perhaps more importantly the the primary sin of omission
--- the failure of "mental health professionals" to act--as they would if they were genuinely committed to helping their fellow human beings-- as companions (not as jailers and judges) to persons who are typically lost and frightened, having found themselves thrown into the unfamiliar spiritual domain of life.
While the spiritual world --alien to the age of "reason" as Max Weber pointed out--is being re-discovered lately in various circles (eg "new age"), in the mental health system it is still regarded as pathology to be stamped out--along alas with the "patient."

This book brilliantly illustrates the ethical and moral dangers of biological reductionism. The mental health system has adopted a philosophy of biological reductionism. They see human beings as clockwork oranges. They consider the psyche to be an outdated myth. They don't consider psychotherapy to be a valid treatment option for any form of emotional distress. They don't even subscribe to basic psychology anymore. The mental health system has reduced all forms of human behavior to brain chemistry and they define mental illness as a chemical imbalance in the brain which MUST be treated with drug therapy. The mental health system has become a mindless, soulless menace to humanity. Mindless because they are anti-intellectual and soulless because they have no respect for spirituality.

I was intrigued by a vague hint of "intimations of a spiritual reality" mentioned in the blurb but the book does not elaborate on that topic.

I would also recommend the play "Equus" by Peter Shaffer, a now forgotten critique of psychiatry and the threat it poses to spirituality and our humanity.

I really liked that Ashforth wrote it in a narrative way. I had to read this book for my Anthropology class and our professor gave us a list of books to choose one. I was looking at two different books and then I picked up this book. It makes it much more interesting when Anthropologists make the story interesting to read. It is also quite an eye-opener in terms of witchcraft in South Africa. I found it interesting to read why there is so much witchcraft in Africa and why it has increased. I won't tell you why...you have to read it :)

Maduma is a young South African accused of using witchcraft to kill his mother - his act falls under the local police's special 'Occult-related Crimes Unit' and his friend, author Ashforth, helps him search for a solution. Spiritual and social issues blend in a fascinating biographical and cultural coverage.

Although he is now a professor in the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, Adam Ashforth has spent much of the past ten years in Soweto, living there full time until the elections of 1994, and then going back for three months each year. He has friends there, so he goes to South Africa for his vacations. _Madumo: A Man Bewitched_ (University of Chicago Press) tells the story of one such friend, and the extraordinary lengths toward which friendship goes. It is a warm, generally happy book blending memoir, reportage, and sociology. It is steeped in witchcraft. Madumo, a friend from Ashforth's first stay in Soweto, has been thrown out of his house because a prophet of the Zion Christian Church told Madumo's younger brother that Madumo had used witchcraft to murder their mother, and Madumo had been thrown out of the family home.

Much of the book has to do with the counter-witchcraft Ashforth helps Madumo hire, through a medicine man named Mr. Zondi. Madumo has to be washed with herbs and earth from Madumo's mother's grave. There is a ritual cutting of Madumo's hands and legs, with mercury rubbed into the cuts. A white hen is slaughtered in a pre-feast to assure the ancestors of goodwill and more to come. Other herbs induce vomiting, the sort of purgative that has been favored in folk medicine for centuries, but which makes Madumo seriously ill. Ashforth tells a surgeon friend about what Madumo is going through, and the surgeon explains the danger. The vomiting can cause dehydration, kidney failure, and bleeding from the esophagus. Ashforth seriously worries if he had been too simple-minded in endorsing the Zondi cure.

The treatments bring improvement for Madumo. The improvement can't promise him a new place in his family, or within the South African economy, however; the strange daily life and business ways of the Sowetan community are a constant theme in this unique memoir. The main theme is, of course, the pervasive belief in witchcraft, and Ashforth explains how as a form of belief in the supernatural it takes its place with other religious ideas as a way of trying to make sense of the world. Ashforth is often asked if he believes in witchcraft, and he resoundingly doesn't. But he also knows that there are no arguments persuasive enough to make believers think that Madumo's treatment is placebo any more than those who pray can be convinced that prayer is not a real interaction with the divine. Trying to argue Madumo out of his beliefs would have availed Ashforth nothing, while paying for the treatment did give his friend a new life. Thus the materialist harnessed counter-witchcraft to help a bewitched friend, and brought results.

The complexity and problems in the lives of South Africans in the newly minted post-apartheid state are richly interpreted in Madumo, both by westerners like Adam Ashforth and Africans he has known in Soweto. Witchcraft is taken up by both westerners and South Africans as an active encapsulation of these struggles, and the relevance of witchcraft to a modern life and a modern future is debated.
As Ashforth says, "Despite the dawning of democracy, people were still suffering. Yet the task of interpreting the meaning of misfortune was becoming more complex." (9)

Madumo describes the conflict of a modern man trying to honor his ancestors: "the problem with us that we Africans, when life picks up and things are going smooth for us, we normally forget about our ancestors. Because we are trying to follow western culture." (24). The youth are ignorant of tradition, especially in an era of rural exodus, and a plethora of dangerously creative witchdoctors reflects this. The elder members of the society are still expected to govern and judge the plans of youth, however: one witchdoctor, Dr. Zonki, reflects that in the normal course of events, but especially with regards to witchcraft, Madumo must "approach the elders of [his] family and do this in the proper way" (199). This shows a more resilient side of ancestor worship, and witchcraft�s role in preserving tradition, however shabbily.

The recent "deluge of witchcraft" (98-99) points out just how people use bewitchment to come to grips with living in a new South Africa. As a tool, it not only reinforces gender roles and traditional life, it has proven capable of innovation and has been profitable for many. It has also survived the secularism of the new South Africa; Dr. Zonki himself mixed potions for the fighting Inkatha in the hostel of Soweto, and yet has no trouble because of this past in the new pluralistic state. A space for the interpretation of social and physical ills, as attributable to malevolent forces outside of ones control, has survived the fall of apartheid as well.
"For all the talk of ubuntu, or �African humanism� by the new African elite, on the streets of Soweto the practice of everyday life was tending ever more towards the dog-eat-dog"(232).

The new era puts blacks in conflict over housing and electricity, which are no longer free as a concession of the apartheid government against violence. The difficulty of everyday pursuits is reflected in the "university-thing" comments of Madumo�s relatives, who are impatient with his pursuit of his new opportunities. These sentiments might be echoed by any working family struggling with a devalued Rand and the expensive prospect of academics (17). The rise in witchings and witch doctors is also related to the emergence of AIDS, which is sweeping the country.

Ashford notes that "none of the dispositions of professionals writing about Africa seemed to make much sense" (244). While I might agree with him, I want to hear more about how he sees the western tradition, which itself is based upon histories of occultism and itself has religions grounded in the invisible and the transubstantiated, as reflecting possible egress from the problems facing these South Africans. Should we come down upon "folk wisdom" which anchors witchcraft, or should we subscribe a movement towards the "folk wisdom" of Western modernity (245) which supports secularism and "enlightenment"? Ashforth gives us a detailed and localized view of witchcraft as an institution and inescapable fact of South African life, but the modern era and its changes are probably having an increasingly positive and liberalizing effect upon this tradition.

Although this is perhaps equally as much memoir of Ashforth as it is social history of Sowetan bewitchment,
the book is fairly straightforward, and the writing is succinct and modest. We may find ourselves wondering just how useful this book is, however, as something beyond candid reportage. Can we really understand what motivates the ongoing crisis of identity in Africa? Ashforth is right at least in that we should, because the implications of African demise will affect us all in coming years, from AIDS to terrorism. It is also worth considering, as this book does, what tradition can really do for people.

David Jacobs narrates the stories of ten of the Mafia's most notorious murders with the skill of a good story-teller. He covers the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the murders of Dutch Schultz, Albert Anastasia and Bugsy Seigel among others.

This is not the right book for a reader looking for a detailed study and analysis of any of the murders involved, but it is more than a quick journalistic summary. Jacobs adopts the pose of a critic, of the judge at a sporting event, evaluating each hit on a scale of 20, with points for stategy, tactics, and results. On that basis, the most elaborate hit, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre flunks at 10, since the object of the attack, the death of Bugsy Moran, was not achieved and the blowback did severe damage to the Capone mob.

Jacobs comes up with a credible explanation of the unsolved murder of Abe Reles ("The Canary that Couldn't Fly" --- the Murder Inc honcho who turned state's evicence) and an entertaining summary of all of the hits.

But what sets this book apart from others is the analysis, and the comparative analysis, of strategy, tacics and result.

The writing is not without defect. ("Believing him dead, the shooters fled. Torrio was --- but not mortally." How can someone be "dead but not moertally?"] OK, the meaning is clear and the writing is vigorous and entertaining.

The greatest hit: The assassination of Don Salvatore Maranzano (18 points out of 20)

David Jacobs, the hardboiled true crime writer who gave us Hellcats, Vixens, & Vicedolls: Women, Crime, and Kink of the Fifties and Ku Klux Klan America's First Terrorists Exposed (Shadow History of the United States), along with Mr. Goodfella, Henry Hill, rats out the mob in this bullet-riddled history of mafia executions. Jacob's prose is faster and more hard-hitting than a speeding bullet and always hits their mark. So, pick up this book, and don't talk to no one--or else!

Whom else, but that ace chronicler of crime, David Jacobs, could make these over exposed expose's seem so fresh and insightful? The stories are well told, the facts and figures are correct, and the rating system is a welcome and interesting gimmick. I read it in two sittings. The men singeled out in these pages were no doubt tough, but not as tough as putting the book down.

I have read several books on the mafia and each one is full of this one or that one plotting the demise of the other before he is whacked himself. It's a life of constant stress and your bodyguards and best friend may very well be the ones involved in snuffing out your life. This book is different in that ten mafia hits are analyzed and rated on their effeciency in being carried out in addition to the degree the hit accomplished what it was intended to do. Interestingly, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre is well known to all, but it didn't accomplish what it was intended to do (wipe out Bugs Moran) and, in fact, backfired in that the outrage of the public called too much attention to the mob. This was not a good thing. Other than this hit in Chicago, all but one of the remainder take place in New York City. The ones I found to be the most spectacular were the elimination of Albert Anastasia (The Mad Hatter) in a barbershop, Carmine Galente in an outdoor section of a Brooklyn restaurant, the elimination of Paul Castellano and his bodyguard in front of Spark's Steak House between 2nd and 3rd Avenue and the wipeout of Dutch Schultz and three of his cohorts in a Newark, New Jersey chophouse. The grading, if you will, of each hit made it different from other books you may have read on the mob.

A true blessing! Reading this book has given me hope and has made a significant change in my lifes journey. I highly recommend this book. There IS a "magic child" in us all. Let her bring the magic child out in you. I recommend the CD "magic Child" also. A great compaion to the book.

Janes book is written with a gentle sense of humor. Sharing her own life, she teaches how to expand our own visions and wisdom, and how to find and trust our own inner truth. I refer to her book over and over.

"Magic Child" is by far the most powerful book I've ever read. Ms. Meyers is able to present issues related to God, Truth, Love, Happiness, Self-fullfillment, responsibility and conscious living with just the right mix of wonder, magic and logic so that it is not only spiritually inspiring but makes perfect real world sense as well.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in living a happy, conscious, magic life.

This book should required reading as early as highschool. It is the perfect gift to any friend, as we all can benefit greatly from what Jane is sharing with us. After reading only three chapters, my life immediatley improved. REVELATIONAL! I realize that I am in control of my life and it is exciting to think of what I will be able to do. Very empowering, buy this book! You will not be disappointed, and it is an easy read. It addresses serious but not unsurmountable issues, and even makes you laugh out loud!

This book is a must for every wife and mother who feels it's never her turn to live an interesting, exciting life. The author tells a story of her remarkable journey and self-discovery with simple elegance of a good writer. Reader beware: after turning the last page you might be tempted to turn on your computer and buy an airplane ticket! A great book to take along on a plane ride, too!

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time! Ms. Shalom's book reads like a piece of fast-paced fiction; however, it tells the true story of a middle-aged woman really looking to find herself and rekindle the spark of a long, staid marriage, and she is completely rewarded in the end. I loved hearing about all her travel adventures and wish that I could tag along with her on a trip sometime! One of the amazing things about this memoir is to read how she sets her mind to doing something and then to read about the daring, sometimes scary, sometimes hilarious ways she ends up accomplishing this goal! She does not take "no" for an answer! I truly admire Ms. Shalom; what a feisty, spunky woman - a real dynamo! Her story is simply remarkable, and she delivers it in a totally readable, uplifting and enjoyable way.

There are not enough words to express how much I enjoyed this book. The author was writing from her heart. I truly felt that I was having the experiences and was on the journey with her. She brings you into her book. Cheryl Jarvis' book, The Marriage Sabbatical, does not compare to the wonderful book by Sabina Shalom. I noticed and I think it is unfair that Ms. Jarvis' book gets listed before Ms. Shalom's book especially since Ms. Shalom's book was written prior to Ms. Jarvis.

I wish everyone would buy and have the experience and the joy of reading "A Marriage Sabbatical" by SABINA SHALOM.

This is a book I read a few years ago and have shared it with many of my friends, men and women alike. Without exception, all reviews are 5 stars and more. This vignette of an adventuresome, middle age woman brings surprises at every turn. Describing her trip around the world with nothing more than a backpack and a few hundred dollars, her writing style is exceptional and colorfully descriptive. A must read!

I have the first edition of this book and, unlike other professors, he did not lecture verbatim from his own book. I appreciated this.

His lectures are dynamic, humorous and insightful. His books can give you a fine taste of his vast knowledge but don't adequately reflect his excellent teaching style.

Furthermore, his material applies directly to your career. No matter what career you choose. He makes certain that there are contemporary touchstones and references. I went directly from his upper level classes into a career in PR and Marketing Communications with confidence that I would never encounter issues similar to his case studies. Wrong!

The funny thing about his writings and lectures is that they trigger epiphanies over a period of years.

I made only average grades in his classes (they are VERY difficult and I admittedly didn't always apply myself) but I am able to quote key legal cases, recall ethics case-studies and comprehend media principles that most people with years in the MarCom/PR field can't even grasp.

If you get a chance, buy any of his publications. If you feel bold and really seek some enlightenment on Media Ethics and Law issues, you should call Oklahoma Christian University and request any of his lecture videos.

If you are reading this Dr. P, I'm still waiting on your book on Media Law. I liked ethics but your media law courses rocked!

I have gone on to become an Information Technology engineer and yet still find myself applying knowledge gained from his courses. (Such as Intellectual Property law, copyrights, libel and fair use.)

In case you folks think I'm a shill, it should be noted that I haven't been in contact with Dr. Patterson since around 1991 and I'm fairly certain I was among his least-promising students, so we had no casual relationship.

Regardless of this, I credit his classes and books as the major force for saving my professional and, to some extent, my personal life, from self-destruction.

I have the first edition of this book and, unlike other professors, he did not lecture verbatim from his own book. I appreciated this.

His lectures are dynamic, humorous and insightful. His books can give you a fine taste of his vast knowledge but don't adequately reflect his excellent teaching style.

Furthermore, his material applies directly to your career. He makes certain that there are contemporary touchstones and references. I went directly from his upper level classes into a career in PR and Marketing Communications with confidence that I would never be like any of his case-studies. Wrong!

The funny thing about his writings and lectures is that they trigger epiphanies over a period of years.

I made only average grades in his classes (they are VERY difficult and I admittedly didn't always apply myself) but I am able to quote key legal cases, recall ethics case-studies and comprehend media principles that most people with years in the MarCom/PR field can't even grasp.

If you get a chance, buy any of his publications. If you feel bold and really seek some enlightenment on Media Ethics and Law issues, you should call Oklahoma Christian University and request any of his lecture videos.

If you are reading this Dr. P, I'm still waiting on your book on Media Law. I liked ethics but your media law courses rocked!

I have gone on to become an Information Technology engineer and yet still find myself applying knowledge gained from his courses. (Such as Intellectual Property law, copyrights, libel and fair use.)

In case, you folks think I'm a shill, it should be noted that I haven't been in contact with Dr. Patterson since around 1991 and I'm fairly certain I was among his least-promising students, so we had no casual relationship.

Regardless of this, I credit his classes and books as the major force for saving my professional and, to some extent, my personal life, from self-destruction.

Most books on ethics and laws are boring. And those that aren't boring usually lean towards not giving any practical information. This book, however, is different.

Each chapter has information to explain a specific ethical question, then a real-life example of how that question might come about, then more questions to stimulate responses. I had the honor of being in a Media Ethics class taught by the author, and our discussions were always A) in depth B) heated C) helpful.

If you are considering becoming a journalist, photographer, tv personality or any other sower of information, read this book. It will help you to formulate your opinions now, instead of being stuck in an ethical no-win situation later.

Read it.

I am from the Philippines and your book is one of the major references being used by the best professor and college instructor in our country. I have searched through and through but still couldn't get a copy of your book. I am in dire need to read your book. Where can i find it here ? Who are your local distributors or publisher ? pleeeassseeee help ???