Connecticut Books

Probably the most captivating book I have ever read. See throught the eyes of an black man before, during and after the civil war. Get first hand accounts of his options and interactions during the 19th century. You really feel as if he is sitting before you and telling about his life as a black man, soldier, and Christian. Hear of his first hand encounter with President Lincoln. This is a must read book for anyone that has a bit of interest in history, as well as anyone that has a concern for plight of African Americans through out American history and today. You will not regret buying this book ever and you will want everyone you know to read it.

This book, wonderfully written by Dr. Herb Janick, chronicles the life of this small state university from its beginnings as a State Normal School through its current status as a high quality, affordable state university. Janick writes the book as if he were there - his research skills are astounding, and his obvious adoration for the topic are so evident. I would recmmend this book whole-heartedly, even for someone who doesn't know the school or is even interested in attending Western; you'll be glad you know a bit more about the history of this university and the history of the city of Danbury, Connecticut.

This book is incredibly well written. Warner uses beautiful language to captivate her readers. The book is full of information on the historic town of Middletown. It provides great reading and you're sure to get your money's worth. For an even better deal, be sure to check out the copy signed by the author.

Heuman's book is fun & informative. Informative because it gives a rich and realistic account of the institutional roles and norms relevant to the world of plea bargaining. We hear what lawyers and judges really think about the plea bargaining process - plea bargaining is described in terms of economic efficiency, strategic game-playing, gambling (ie calling the other guy's bluff), social work, and even insurance adjusting. Anyone who thinks that for our criminal justice system Gideon's trumpet is the rule rather than the exception will surely realize her naivete after considering Heumann's research. The book is fun because of the candid - often profane - responses (I happen to like the image of lawyers one-upping each other in court using made up cases...). We even hear about the "lighter side" of the study as the young, awkward, and bespectacled researcher barges through the judge's entrance and into a courtroom before a standing audience, much to his embarassment.

I am concerned that the research may be dated. The study may have been valuable in 1973 to contest the "Perry Mason" caricature of the criminal justice system. I would guess that law school graduates and public law students would not be so surprised by the "real world" of plea bargaining in 1998. Not only are we 25 years less naïve than the generation raised on Perry Mason, I think we tend to approach the criminal justice system with the same cynical outlook described in the research. Shows like Perry Mason, and more recently, Matlock and L.A. Law, have since been replaced by NYPD Blue, Law and Order, and Homicide Life On The Street (not to mention the nightly news). Adaptation to plea bargaining roles is surely still necessary, but I would expect that today's newcomers are not taken totally off guard as are Heumann's interviewees. As cynicism, bureaucratization, and even plea bargaining have become more commonplace in our legal, educational, and popular cultures, I would not be surprised if the same research conducted today would have different and less-revelatory results.

I am more concerned about the relevance of the research in the context of contemporary public law literature. As is often the case with political science research (in sub-fields other than political theory, that is) the research itself is top-notch but the theory section (a scant six pages) is somewhat lacking. The book appears to be a welcome addition to literature on plea bargaining and an excellent case for adjusting law school curricula to the real world of criminal justice. I am less clear on the relevance of the research to political science. The book's strength is also its greatest weakness: in presenting a focused and detailed account of the goings-on behind closed doors, the research risks taking the "public" out of public law. The only justification Heumann offers for contesting the "case pressure" thesis is to make a case against the abolition of plea bargaining (p. 2). Yet midway through, the researcher admits that he has only put himself up against a Straw-Man: (p. 117) "prosecutors tend to view the very notion of eliminating plea bargaining as a fake issue, a straw-man proposition." I am even less convinced that the abolition of plea bargaining is a relevant argument in today's context, let alone in 1973.

Fortunately, the research is good enough that it is interesting in its own right despite its dated-ness and questionable relevance to political science. This is good reading, but for today's public law students it is like a pile of even the best home-fried potatoes: to be taken with a grain of salt.

Voice recreates 1946 small town, post war America in December. Katie is stalked by an anonymous letter writer accusing her of murder - the accidental drowning of her foster sister when they were children. Curtiss recreates the nosiness of small town America. One woman feels it is early too decorate her shop for Christmas - in early December! The characters are believeable: Katie the young career woman from New York City, her childhood boyfriend now engaged to the witness to the accidental drowning, Katie's fiance, and a mild mannered detective who reminds the reader of a young LIeutenant Columbo, quiet but capable and not to be underestimated. Curtiss creates a neatly interwoven set of characters during a New England winter. As the cold and snow increase, so do the murders. Keeps the reader guessing to the very end. Great climactic scene when Katie realizes the identity of the killer who realizes HIS error...

This handbook is an excellent substitute for a conversation with someone who's "been there and done that". If you're interested in getting an idea about what to anticipate coming in as a new Director, and what things you should be able to ask for; and expect to be given, this is a great tool. Even if you currently sit on a Board, this guide is something that every once in a while you'll want to refer to as a reminder of important items that should be considered in this very important role.

The qualitative analysis of the lower court system, offered in "The Proccess" is a worthwhile and very relevant read for anyone seeking to understand the inner workings of criminal courts. The author does an excellent job providing an explanation for how courts work and why they produce so few trials. I found myself recalling countless experiences from working in the family court system that directly applied to the analysis presented in this text. This book should be read by anyone interested in researching court outcomes. It really puts a different spin on outcomes and processes that are often hidden from the general public.

Quarter-Acre Of Heartache is a history of the survival of the Golden Hill Tribe in Trumbull Connecticut told in the words of Chief Big Eagle, spokesman for the oldest and smallest Indian reservation in America. In order to survive, Big Eagle and the tribe have endured many daunting legal, social and physical challenges. A history of injustice unfolds in the words of Big Eagle. Will it continue or will it be reconciled? The victory of building a traditional log cabin on the site of the Golden Hill reservation only comes after incredible legal and personal challenges and delays and more delays. Many black and white photos enrich the biographical text taken by Claude Clayton Smith. In the afterword by the author, it is stated that the entire " question of jurisdiction has been reopened with a new intensity, and the Indian tribes of Connecticut continue to squabble among themselves, as they did over three hundred years ago, while trying to unite in the face of the white man's rule (p. 168)." For varied audiences.

This is a excellent book. Bought after recently buying a kayak. New to kayaking. The book made me want to go to the local lake right then and there. Very descriptive of ponds and lakes with maps. Wish it had a few more entrys. Although I do agree with the authors selection process.

Well, I wasn't joking. One of the quilts in this book is from my family.This book is very personal to me. For sometime, I have been trying to see the family quilt. But due to the age of, it wasn't a good idea to pull it out of storge. I was unable to see it person.

But now, I am so glad it was put in this book. And I now know what it looks like. I understand now,why heirlooms need to be sheared with others.This is part of American History that needs to be sheared with everyone.

This book is not a "how-to" book on quilting. This is like a "text book" on the History of quilts and quiltmakers in Connecticut.

This is real "Americana" quilting shown in this book. The stories are wonderful that go with each quilt,and lots, and lots of color pictures. A quilter's must, who loves Historic quilt designs. As you can see I love the book. :o)