Florida State Books

I haven't finished this story, my first by this author, but let me tell you so far I have to disagree with the rest of these reviews. I find it so sloppy I have even laughed in a couple places. First how does one on their deathbed desire and perform great sex? Next how does everyone Max runs into know all about this super secret group, so secret if one's "cover" is blown he has to be eliminated by one of the other "secret' agents?
Is there not multiple ways to protect glass windows from being broken and enabling thrown rocks to hit just what they should? Have you ever heard of grating covering the glass? The sun for the sick scientist can still enter. Have you ever tried to hold insects from flying through broken windows with your blouse and just your 2 arms- not likely. I could go on and on but you get the idea. And what do they plan to do with the missing canister? hmmmm let me think. There's a line of spray trucks ready to spray the entire town - doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out and I haven't finished the book yet.
Save you money or if you want to dispute this review, borrow the book.

Captivating, one of Hinze's most engrossing suspense/romance stories. Scenes are described in lush detailed strokes, infusing the story with a romantic soul. It's action packed and beyond question the work of a gifted writer.
L. Brigman editor.

As the group only known as the Consortium targets the United States economy, only Special Detail Unit Agent Gabby Kincaid has enough knowledge to piece together their threat. Posing as a judge in the small town of Carnal Cove, Florida, Gabby investigates a connection between the local lab and several businessmen. Then a Global Warrior attacks her, exposing her cover. Dutifully, she marks herself for extermination rather than risking the lives of untold numbers of field agents. Her superiors choose her partner Max Grayson to kill her.

Max arrives in the midst of a storm prepared to carry out his duty, but not before he extracts crucial information from Abby. Before he can learn what she has discovered, a lab accident leads Abby to exposure from a particularly virulent form of encephalitis. When treatment causes amnesia, Max uses the opportunity to put off duty for the sake of possibly recovering information from Abby. His continued investigation leads to the discovery that Abby has connected with a group of local women who are subject matter experts for his own organization. With their help, Max hopes to discover the identities of the local members of Consortium before the virus spreads through the swamps of Florida and across the nation.

Author Vicki Hinze once again demonstrates an extraordinary talent for penning exciting romantic suspense with LADY JUSTICE. Conspiracy theorists have long warned of groups that could target the United States economy, bringing the country to its knees, and Hinze portrays this threat in tale both thrilling and compelling. Gabby shift from her reputation of a woman known as "Queen Bitch" to something more will strike a strong chord of sympathy with readers even as her red hot partner struggles between duty and love. Corruption , greed and love combine in this fast paced read that readers will find difficult to put down, and even more impossible to forget reading. LADY JUSTICE comes very highly recommended.

Garbrielle Kincaid is arrogant, hard-assed and flip. At least that's the image she presents to the world. She's not a typical Vicki Hines' heroine, but as Vicki peels away her layers to reveal her true vulnerabilities, to partner agent Max Grayson and to the reader, she becomes a multi-faceted character. While rich in contradictions, she is totally dedicated to her role as a secret agent who works for an elite covert unit known only to the president. It's called the Special Detail Unit, and the SDU is so clandestine that it's not even on other intelligence agencies' radar. Kincaid prefers to work alone because she doesn't want to endanger other operatives if she makes a mistake or fails to achieve her mission. Why is this her major concern? In this intelligence group, instead of agents electing to swallow a cyanide tablet to prevent their giving away vital information about their mission and other operatives when they are captured, SDU assigns another agent to eliminate their own to make sure no one finds out about the unit's existence. So, when Kincaid blows her cover while investigating terrorists who have already planted a lethal virus at strategic points around the United States, the president, who is also Kincaid's best friend, orders Grayson to terminate her. But, first he has to debrief Kincaid and find out everything she's learned about the terrorists, who, if they are successful, will cause millions to die around the world as the virus spreads. This sets the stage for a sizzling-paced thriller and suspenseful romance, but the clock zips up another notch when Kincaid falls victim to the virus and can't remember what she knows. Can Grayson save her? Enter the "Ladies of Carnel Cove," a team of SDU undercover operatives masquerading as local society ladies. This story could have dissolved into a romp, but Vicki keeps tight control of the plot while establishing a string of characters for future thrillers based on SDU missions. An exceptional work and top-rated read. Congratulations, Vicki! You've written another masterpiece.

Being female and steely tougher than any man, Senior Secret Service Agent Gabrielle Kincaid of the Special Detail Unit not only relishes her nickname as the "Queen Bitch", but thrives to enhance it. She believes that cold iron cerebral decisions keep an agent like her working undercover to counter terrorists alive.

Currently, she works a case in the Carnal Cove, Florida area where biological contamination of crops has killed over forty people here and in Texas. When a Global Warrior attacks Gabby, she realizes that her cover that enabled her to infiltrate the group is probably blown. Her superiors in DC assign her partner Max Grayson to kill Gabby because they insist no one must know that the SDU exists. Gabby must stay alive to stop a viable threat using Eastern Equine Encephalitis infected mosquitoes and a test virus that could kill millions while doing this she finds the answers lead to high level corruption and greed.

This is an exhilarating action-packed anti-terrorist thriller that hooks readers from the July 4th start at various North American locals. The fast-paced story line accelerates when Gabby becomes the prey that if assassinated could lead to pandemic disaster. Making matters ironically worse is that Max is the only person she loves and she knows he will perform ACTS OF HONOR for his country over his feelings. Though the federal conspiracy has been done many times before, readers will enjoy the terrific LADY JUSTICE.

Let's face it, the picture says a thousand words. He looks like a mad man. The book does a decent job in recollecting who perhaps done an unforgettable crime. A woman was nearly murdered but survived with artifical hands because Larry Singleton chopped them off to prevent identification but she was still alive and she survived miraculously. Years later, she would recall the crime after he was freed to roam to again and kill again. The book does a thorough job in explaining the background but we'll never know why he did the unthinkable in destroying his first victim's life who was tormented and begged for him to stay in prison. They were wrong to let him loose on the streets and now he is in prison for the rest of his life but judging from the photograph, it may not be long.

This is a true story based on killer that I am sure few have heard about, but of the ones that have, many of them have tried to understand. This book is very well written, and recounts the many different aspects surrounding the murders commited by Lawrence Singleton through the eyes of all those invloved in the case. From what I could see the author took great care in preserving details, and made a valiant effort to leave nothing out.

Can anyone tell me if there is additional info available on Mary Vincent, the teenaged victim of Larry Stapleton in 1978? Was there ever a book written on her attack, in addition to the mention of her ordeal in the mad chopper? I have read the Mad Chopper. Excellant writer. Straight to the point. Extremely informative. I will watch for other books by the same.

I didn't expect much when I picked up this book- I got a whole lot more than I bargained for.

Larry Singleton is a strange fellow. I really liked how the book contained chapter after chapter of direct quotes taken from police interviews. The subject is grisly, but the cat and mouse game is hilarious. Larry trips himself up with lie after lie, time after time.

You almost feel sorry for him.

The book maintains a healthy balance, however, as we feel the pain and gain a lot of empathy, and sympathy, for his victims- especially his first.

This was a fast read. I couldn't put it down.

I was afraid, at first, the book might be too graphic- and too morbid- but it wasn't. It was well written and a real page turner.

Very few murderers have the horrendous history of Larry Singleton. Kent Allard spells out the legal prostitution of the state of California who released Singleton after he mutilated and raped beautiful 15-year-old Mary Vincent in 1978. When Singleton was paroled after serving only 8 years in prison, Californians were outraged. A small army of law enforcement officers wasted tax payer money to guard him as though he was a famous star. Eventually he moved to Florida where he knifed to death a mother during a sex act. Allard's accurate account records the horrible deeds of a monster. By memorializing Singleton's pitiful life Allard forces his readers to take a cold, hard look at our justice system. Recently victim Mary Vincent whose arms were chopped off by Singleton appeared before California Governor Grey Davis. She is a beautiful young woman who has incredible talent as an artist. She has recently married and feels optimistic about her future now that Singleton is on Florida's death row.

Contrary to some of the fireworks below, this book does not assign any significant partisan blame for the Florida fiasco. In other words, there is no great revelation that "If the GOP/Dem party hadn't done _____, then Bush/Gore would have won the election!"
To the contrary, the book quite effectively and disturbingly demonstrates how the election system--particularly the technology--was a fiasco just WAITING to happen and, alas, with an election as close as that one was, it most certainly did.
The system itself was a taped-together jalopy that's managed to survive all these years because lopsided victories made the exorbinant tossed votes (undervotes/overvotes) seem irrelevant. In 2000--when EVERY vote became relevant--the flaws in the cracked and decaying system became painfully obvious.
You'll be surprised at the outcome of the recounts; the more liberal standards favored Bush, while the most stringent favored Gore--in diametric opposition of what each campaign was fighting for! Irony with a capital "I"!
This book does NOT get into the behind-the-scenes machinations of either campaign during November--with all the drama--but rather sticks directly to the Florida employees within the election office.
There's a few unsettling tidbits: Katherine Harris' barely disguised partisanship and the stream of emails from her office cheering on a Bush victory, for instance--but for the most part this is a pretty dry telling of the election drama. No accusations of theft, of skulduggery, of conspiracy (except what you may read between the lines)--rather, a conclusion that the system was so screwed to begin with it was just begging to be manipulated... before, during and after.
What you will ask yourself after reading this book is: "What now"? How fervently each party pursues election reform ought to clue you in as to their real agenda.
Definitely worth reading if you want to impress friends/co-workers with the actual facts/findings, rather than partisan assertions and accusations. This is the not-glamorous-but-true "real" story of the election from the ELECTION standpoint, and not the candidates. Recommended.

BONUS UNSETTLING FACT: Florida was hardly the only place with reams of tossed votes. In Illinois alone, there were over 123,000 spoiled ballots!

Although I expected the book to lean more towards bashing Bush and the Republicans, Martin Merzer is very fair in his accounts of the problems that allowed this situation to happen. Very well-written and a good read.

Historians will use this book as the chief reference book in documenting the death of democracy. The example after example of immoral and illegal actions that occurred in the 2000 Presidential election should be the rallying cry for reform of the election process for decades to come.

What garbage! If you are going to have customer reviews such as the one posted above then make sure that is what they are instead of allowing biased political statements.

"A recently released University of Minnesota study
estimates that, for example, 93 percent of felons of all races favored Bill Clinton in 1996"
Uh--New York reader-reviewer..is this because they like to vote for one of their own?
I enjoyed this book and felt it showed both sides of the battle. The liberals will always think they had the election stolen from them and the conservatives will always feel the right man won.
I would LOVE to see a book written that discusses ALL the goings-on that happened with the elections, past and 2000. The vote-buying in Chicago, the Haitians being helped to vote a straight Dem ticket, the exchange of votes for liquor or cigarettes.
But this book answered a lot of my questions and I will recommend it to others.

This book is largely a review of scenes from the lives of perhaps 100 married couples who broke the racial taboos. The scenes range from the holocaust like 40s to the puzzling 90s. In 1940 30 of 48 states held 'Black'/'White' marriages to be a crime. In 1967, 17 states still criminalized marriage between 'Blacks' and 'Whites'. In 1958, 96 % 'Whites' disapproved of marriages between 'Blacks' and 'Whites'.

The 60s were a time of change, though. Between 1960 and 2000, the number of 'Black'/'White' marriages increased by 400%. Between 1860 and 1970, marriages between 'whites' and 'blacks' were a highly emotional political issue. Now, the political debate centers on how to rid ourselves of the taboo. In 1997, 61% of 'Whites' said they approved of mixed marriages. Given America's history of blood thirsty 'White' lynch mobs murdering random 'Black' males, one might conclude something very significant had happened.. The book wonders if the taboo will soon disappear.

The first descriptions of the monster are pulled from the 1930s and 40s. It is horrible. The text will bring many to tears. It is easy to imagine, but hard to believe. Quote by ugly quote, the US government, US judiciary and vast numbers of ordinary people are implicated in this American brand of torture. We start with the story of a war bride coming to America to join her husband. It's the perfect story of an American GI and English sweetheart, but the GI is 'Black' so every 'White' functionary (including taxi drivers) attempt to dissuade our fair Juliet from consummating her desires. The stories only get more and more tragic. One wonders how our heroic lovers persevered.

The next two chapters deal with the immediate post war era. One covers the 'white' attempt to make sure nothing changes. The second looks into the arrival of 'Black'-'White' marriages in traditionally 'Black' extended families. The 'White' reaction is only slightly less holocaust like than the pre-war stories. The stories are not quite as tragic, but still provide a shock per page. The 'black' version is one of ambivalence. This ambivalence will play a bigger role later when it sets the stage for black' interest in maintaining the taboo.

The next three chapters cover the 50s to 60s. In this case, we pick up the notion of a emerging culture of artists, primarily musicians, and rebel intellectuals rejecting conventional society's taboos. Simultaneously, the colleges of America offer debates over various social programs. Meanwhile, the 'Black' soldiers returning from the war were organizing social revolution. Each setting provides case studies for 'Black'-'White' love stories from the era.

As we enter the late 70s we are told the story of 'talking black and sleeping white.' Now that the battle for voting rights had been won, and the Supreme Court has tossed out 'black-white' marriage prohibitions, the white participants in 'black' 'white' marriages suddenly discovered the Black side of the family isn't as ambivalent as 20 years before. If fact, there are some new issues to address. 'Black' pride suddenly emerged. 'Black' women objected the common sight of famous 'Black' athletes marrying 'White' brides.

And, here we end our tale. Oddly confused. The taboo, whatever it is or was, may have mutated!

To conclude, Prof Romano suggests the taboo is too difficult for mere individuals to overcome. "Indeed, interracial relationships today are increasingly being heralded as a sign of the country's success in overcoming racial inequality. Yet, the significance of the transformation that has occurred since the 1940s must be kept in perspective. Although the growing numbers of black-white couples demonstrate that the color line in the United States has become considerably more fluid, to take these marriages as proof that racism has disappeared or that race no longer carries much significance in American life oversimplifies the current racial situation. The taboo against interracial marriage has eroded significantly since World War II, but the increased social acceptance of interracial relationships does not necessarily mean the structural and institutional race inequalities no longer exist."

So, in the end, we are delivered a political message. I guess with something so mysteriously persistent, we all end up grasping at straws. It's kind of a screwy change of pace, but this opens the 'epilogue': Is love the answer?

In short, Prof. Romano answers 'no.' "There is no question that interracial love will become more common and even more accepted as racial barriers erode in American society, but it will take more than love to break down those barriers. Old hierarchies must be dismantled for new attitudes about interracial love and marriage to flourish.'

While interesting, I don't find Romano's political argument well developed. She's got it backwards and her stories demonstrate this fact, old hierarchies are nothing when compared to the force of nature represented by a man and a woman who happen to want each other's company in the most intimate and complete manner possible.

For a version of the 'love solves all' perspective, see Mulatto-Nation. Rather than starting at a 1940s cross burning, Mulatto-Nation starts with a detailed description of white slavery prior to the civil war. According to the book, a majority of Americans are already mulatto, biologically and socially. We just haven't accepted it psychologically.

Race Mixing: Black-White Marriage In Postwar America by Renee C. Romano (Professor of History at Wesleyan University) is an extraordinary study documenting the historical progression of the integration of the black and white cultures in America through racial intermarriage. Presenting a thorough and informative understanding of the social revolutions since the 1950's and 1960's, Race Mixing follows the lives of illustrative mixed-race couples and their experiences while incorporating the political and social struggles which established modern acceptability of what was once a statutory crime in a number of American states. For its painstaking scholarship providing both academia and non-specialist general readers a concise understanding of the cultural revolution represented by interracial marriages, Race Mixing is very strongly recommended reading, especially for students of American culture and the civil rights ordinances.

I am appalled by the complete disregard that often occurs on the ACTUAL events of American history. As a biracial woman who is currently doing research for my own degree on this very subject matter, I find it unbelievable that once again the brutal history of lynch mobs committing horrific atrocities towards black men, women and children goes unquestioned by so many. I am happy that Romano was able to write an honest and critical review of a period in time which still resonates.

Black men were often lynched for reasons other than an interracial union, including the attempt at voter participation as well as owning successful businesses. After the Civil War and during Reconstruction, more than ten thousand black men were lynched by "white mobs". Very few were ever arrested or brought to trial for their actions. That's a fact, not a statement issued out of racist motivations or lack of historical study.

Black men were lynched, meaning severely beaten, hung and their genitalia cut off at even the HINT of an interracial union between a black man and a white woman. In 1955 one of the most infamous lynch incidents occurred and was in newspapers and magazines across the nation. Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old boy who called a white woman "baby" was kidnapped that same day by the woman's husband and brother and was severely beaten and shot. The mother held an open casket because she wanted to show what they had done to her son who made the mistake of crossing the line.

Often, White men raped black women without provocation and these women had no recourse or protection of the law. The sexual exploitation of both black men and women began under slavery through forced breeding and the rape of black women. Law forbidding interracial unions preserved the taboo of interracial relationships and upheld the racial hierarchy in this country.

Romano focuses on Black male/White female unions because it was the most taboo and is still considered the most controversial interracial union. Interracial unions occurred, but they were often outside the bounds of marriage and were not commonly accepted, if and when, they were voluntary. During the early 90s, both white and black people married same race over 90% of the time. The trend has not changed very much since then, although more white men are marrying/dating Asian women. In fact, it is the largest demographic for interracial unions currently.

For anyone interested in this period of time, this is a good read about a subject that is often the source of controversy.

This book purports itself to be a definitive text on inter racial marriage. But this book actually targets only one kind of marriage, namely that of white women and black men. Unfortunately this book also takes up the rhetoric of trying to show how many `white lynch mobs' were the norm. In fact few documented instances exist of such a phenomenon. In reality their were far more anti-white riots in the inner cities of the 60s then their ever were `white lynch mobs'. But this boo gets away without using documentation because it is an accepted American myth that inter-racial dating is a terrible national taboo.
Had this book bothered to analyze American history it would have noted that inter-racial marriages were the norm rather then the exception. Interracial dating in fact created the modern Cherokeee nation, which is more Scottish then it is Indian due to the massive interrelations of these communities. Also we see that interracial marriage between white men and Asian women were also the norm and that no `lynch mobs' rounded up these women. Beyond these facts is the covert level of dating and marriage between white men and African American women, of whom Mr. Strom Thurmond is simply the most famous. In the end this book is the predictable text that is mildy racist towards whites in its polemics and inflated remarks regarding `lynch mobs' which in reality target more Jews in the South then they ever did African Americans.

Seth J. Frantzman

This book, from one of the rising stars of the Academy, could not be more timely. Moreover, it is one of those rare books that one can imagine both assigning in an upper-level seminar and wrapping up as a gift to a parent. It is both brilliantly conceived and beautifully written.

visit the south back in time and really vizualize it. very indepth descriptions of the countryside and its inhabitants. be prepared to learn a good deal about this area that has been overlooked by many. a must read if you are enjoy the natural world.

William Bartram was a far better botanist than a writer. This book was a great achievement in that it was really the first work of American nature writing, and Bartram made a lot of great botanical discoveries during his journeys through the American Southeast. But his language is excruciatingly tedious. He uses ten pages to express what probably could be said in a single paragraph, and he often will offer two choices or options, when one would suffice: "We encamped on a high cliff or bluff..." And although he makes some interesting observations about the Cherokees, Creeks, and Seminoles, his views are often distressingly unenlightened or idealized. Although I love nature writing, and although I love the works of Thoreau, who came just a half-century later, I found Bartram's book painful to get through.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in the nature, landscapes, Indians, and early settlements of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee around the year 1775. I haven't read this book in about 10 years, but I do remember checking it out of the library about 3 times, and I'm going to buy it for my birthday. The landscapes the Bartram describes will by and large never be seen again. Bartram described seeing a 45 square mile forest made up of nothing but magnolia, and dogwood trees. He saw forests that were covered by grapevines for miles. The trees were sometimes 20 feet thick, and the grapevines were so old that the vines were more than a foot thick. He saw canebrakes that covered miles, and some of the bamboo cane was 40 feet high. Canebrakes are practically extinct as an environment. He saw virgin forsts, abandoned Indian fields, overgrown Indian villages, open pine savannah forests, and uninhabited swamps. He saw wildlife which today would be scare, or extinct. He reported seeing a bobcat stalk a turkey. He pleaded with a market hunter not to kill a mother bear, and lamented the reaction of the bear cub to it's mother being killed. Bartram also reported seeing wolves, and bison skulls from recently killed buffulo. Bison were just rendered extinct in eastern Georgia at that time. Bartram took literary licence with some events. He exaggerated his encounters with alligators in Florida. After enjoying a meal of fish, rice, and oranges from the Spanish missionary orchards, he battled "fire breathing dragons." Bartram had many encounters with the Creeks, and Cherokees, and most were friendly. He feasted with Indian cattle raisers. Bartram also gives a good account of early settlements. If you decide to get this book, also get a copy of a tree guide with the scientific names, because Bartram tells exactly what kind of trees he came across in each forest. What I wouldn't give to see what Bartram saw?

"...So it is the varied and mutable scenes of human events on the stream of life.The high powers and affection of the soul are so blended and connected with the inferior passions, that the most painful feelings are excited in the mind when the latter are crossed,thus in the moral system,which we have planned for our conduct,as a ladder whereby to mount to the summit of terrestrial glory and happiness,and from whence we perhaps mediated our flight to heaven itself at the very moment when we vainly imagine ourselves to have obtained it's point,some unforseen accident intervenes,and suprises us;the chain is violently shaken,we quit our hold and fall:the well contrived system at once becomes a chaos;every
idea of happiness recedes;the splendor of glory darkens,and at length totally disappears;every pleasing object is defaced,all is deranged,and the flattering scene moves quietly away;,a gloomy cloud pervades the understanding,and when we see our progress retarded,and our best intentions frustrated,we are apt to deviate from the abmonitions and convictions of virtue,to shut our eyes upon our guide and protector,dought of his power,and despair of his assistance.But,let us wait and rely on our GOD,who in due time will shine forth in brightnes,dissipate the envious cloud,and reveal to us how finite and circumscribe in human power,when assuming to itself human wisdom..."

Excert from Dover Publications -copyright 1928 (Part 1,Ch.5 pgs.66-670

(born-April,9,1739,Kingsessing,Pa.-died July 22 1823,Kingsessing)

The son of John Bartram,considered the 'father of American botany',self-educated,and a friend of Benjamin Franklin and the botanist for the American colonies to GEORGE 111.William Bartram describes the abundant river swamps of the southeastern US in their primeval condition.An engaging read throughout.The writing is so graceful and genuine with that 'home spun'fragrance that usually are the attributes of a simple and gentle man doggedly pursuing the convictions of his heart.Judging from his writing it would of been a pleasure,permission granted, to have been his companion throughout his entire excursion through Florida,Georgia,and the Carolinas.This is an adventure full of suprises and gives one a sense of exploring the primordial landscapes of the souteastern United States 200 yrs ago.

This book was really really borring

A real handy guide to help plan not only your day, but what rides to hit and what rides to miss depending on what you are looking for. Very accurate and easy to work with

Beyond Disney is meant to be used as a second guide when planning a trip to Orlando. They assume that you have purchased a guide for Walt Disney World and are using this one for the other theme parks in the area. This is a good idea but there are some problems with it. First, the Universal Parks are already covered in the The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2008 (Unofficial Guides) and that material is simply dropped in here with no additions. So if you have the WDW book, then you don't need to see that again here.

The main value in this book lies in the coverage of Sea World and Busch Gardens. Both are major theme parks and get full coverage here. This is the only book in the Unofficial Guide series where you'll find that material and many of the other publishers ignore those parks completely. If you are interested in attending either park, then I highly recommend Beyond Disney. If you plan to stick to WDW and/or the Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure area then you can safely skip this.

It was a very good book to have when we went to Florida. SeaWorld it told us alot about it. We did SeaWorld 2 times. Universal we did not do when we were there. Universal we really did not have time for it. If you like to go on rides then Universal is for you.

This is a companion book to the "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World," for those who decide to venture beyond Disney's realm in central Florida. The authors do a fine job rating attractions (rides, films, displays, etc.). They use star-ratings coupled with their assessments and readers' comments, along with a healthy dose of humor--all of which will be familiar to readers of the "Walt Disney World" book. It's all-too familiar in the case of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. In fact, it's simply a verbatim extract of the "Walt Disney World" text. Worse yet, it omits one of the best features of the Disney book: the touring plans.

If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios, and/or Islands of Adventure, stick with Sehlinger's Disney book: it contains more and better coverage. Sea World receives better coverage here. And this is the only "Unofficial Guide" coverage of the other parks.

We just got back from our Orlando vacation. I had read and re-read this book before going, even made notes. It was the best preparation I did. We were ready for everything and I we did everything we wanted to do by taking the author's advice. I recommend buying it before visiting the Orlando area.

Do you ever stop and shake your head at all of the apartment complexes, condominiums, beachfront homes and commercial enterprises that have sprung up all along the coastline? It would seem that many Americans are unaware of or have become indifferent to the danger posed by hurricanes. In "Black Cloud", Eliot Kleinberg describes the horrors of the second deadliest hurricane in U.S. history. An estimated 7000 people were killed in its wake. Kleinberg describes the unique set of circumstances in 1928 Florida that caused the overwhelming majority of the casualties to occur inland near Lake Okeechobee.
The author provides the fascinating history that led to the draining of the Everglades, and the ill-advised construction of a flimsy dike around Lake Okeechobee that contributed in a huge way to the incomprehensible loss of life that occured during this storm. As is true in a great many disasters, what occured here was the unfortunate combination of a great many circumstances. I found the book to be fairly well written and for the most part easy to follow. And as you might expect, race played a major role in how the situation was handled by both public officials and the population at large. If you are a history buff or are fascinated with natural disasters this is certainly a book you should consider.

Hurricanes are part of the natural landscape of Florida. Having not grown up in this state (CA native), I was unaware of the historic frequency of storms and the consequences to so many unassuming souls who fell victim to the times, before technology such as we have on our laptops: timely and accurate information, could have given them a fighting chance.

This book is hugely worth reading. I learned about the "taming" of Lake Okeechobee, and how the consequences of those actions in the 20th century have resulted in a seriously compromised Everglades, which was once a huge wetland ecosystem, now polluted and compromising the entire Florida Bay and its renowned coral reefs.

I learned that the early National Weather Bureau depended on information transmitted from ships in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to learn of formation of storms. Those sailors performed the duties of our present day hurricane hunters.

I learned that it may well have been a single hurricane that took out numerous British ships (18) that provided a chance for the immigrants into this country to win their fight for independence from British rule.

I learned that real estate escalations, "flipping," and crashes have all happened before the present fiasco occurring in Florida at this time.

And most importantly - I learned of the historic treatment of blacks in the deep south, yet despite these incredible sorrows, Kleinberg believes that Florida is the most integrated of all the southern states, which provides some hope for healing of race relations, at least here.

I often feel that it is because of the influx of so many non natives to Florida, that we provide a consciousness that both uplifts and deeply contrasts with historic southern bigotry and racial hatred.

I have come to love Florida, despite the agony of watching each storm approach our lovely state. This book has given me a much better sense of place which I really appreciate.

I have several hurricane books which I recommend: Isaac's Storm (1900 Galveston, TX), The Great Hurricane of 1938 (New England), Holding Back the Sea: The Struggle on the Gulf Coast to Save America (LA, AL, MS, FL). Each book grounds me in the reality of living on the sea. True, "it" may never happen here, but these accounts help me find the energy to prepare for yet another season. (It's day two of the 2007 "Atlantic Hurricane Season" and we have already had 2 named storms.)

Very good book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in hurricanes or disasters. This hurricane is not very well know yet the deaths attributed to certainly qualifies it as a major disaster worthy of remembering. I bet most Floridians have never even heard about this event. Hopefully this book will change some of that. The author brings to life the hardships endured by the victims and describes how the disaster came about.

The hurricane that struck the West Palm Beach and Lake Okeechobee areas in 1928 was one of the deadliest in history to hit the American mainland - as many as 2,500 people were killed. (In comparison, Andrew, a much stronger hurricane, killed only 15 in 1992.) One reason for this, as Kleinberg points out, is that many of the houses in Florida up to the 1920s merely sat on their foundations and were not anchored down in any way; they were thus easily blown or knocked by water off their foundations and smashed to pieces, killing people trapped inside and casting deadly debris into the winds. Kleinberg does a good job of tracking the storm across the Atlantic (it devastated the Caribbean, especially Puerto Rico) and in capturing the high drama involved in withstanding the storm's fury after it hit the mainland. He plays the blame game to a degree with the weather service for not getting its forecasts totally correct and for overconfidence, but considering the meager technology of the day the service might have done the best it could (except in the humility department). Kleinberg also deals with the cleanup efforts and the role of the Red Cross, both of which fostered racist practices: blacks were often ordered to do much of the cleanup work without pay or even being fed, and the Red Cross was accused of giving 80% of their aid to whites while only 20% went to blacks. What to do with 2,500 dead bodies was a major problem; many of the dead (mostly black) were buried in mass graves or burned on funeral pyres. Some of Kleinberg's assessments show their pre-Katrina bent: perhaps the biggest irony in the book is near the end where he asks "could another 1928 disaster happen" to which he replies "the easy answer is no." So much for that belief. All in all, it's a good account of the 1928 hurricane and its aftermath.

I agree with other reviewers that spoke highly of this work. This book is deeply moving in its portrayal of how a natural disaster combined with ineffective governmental precautions, human arrogance, and racial inequity to create an unmitigated human tragedy. The portrayal of people from all across the board is unfettered by political correctness as the author explores the range from poor black laborers buried in mass graves to a reactionary black interest group that tried to discredit the Red Cross, one of the few organizations relatively prepared for this emergency.

The events in this book are made all the more tragic when one realizes that humans have learned precious little from this type of disaster. As the earth warms, whether caused by man or not, the probablility of catastrophic hurricanes reaching our coasts may dramatically increase. And yet we build on coastal land until the water has nowhere to go and we remain haughty in the face of natural power. We also ignore human factors seen in the 1928 storm that linger on in Florida.

I highly recommend reading this book within the context of modern times and possiblilities. Or, try immersing yourself (if you can get past the numerous "typos" in the book) in the world of early Florida settlement. Either way, you will embark on a heart-wrenching experience that will long be remembered.

This book is pretty good for planning a trip. There are only 2 things I would like to say. 1) the phone number for reservations is incorrect. The book lists 704-wdw-dine and the real number is 407-wdw-dine. 2) the book gives very little info for people not staying at a disney resort, such as parking or how to get between the parks if you are not staying at a resort.

I set out to plan a vacation to WDW in 2 months time and was not sure it was possible until I read this book. The easy to read format answered all my questions (even questions I did not know I should be asking). The card system in Appendix B allowed me to layout our entire trip - what we wanted to see or skip and where we wanted to eat. Going around the park was a breeze with the cards while keeping our little ones entertained with the attractions best suited for them. Plus, the book has great tips and tricks ("Hidden Magic"), and some money-saving ideas as well. I felt I had really learned the Disney lingo ("Mickey-Speak") before even arriving. Reading this book before you go will assure you make the very most of your money, time, energy and make one "magical" trip for your family.

I've been on a lot of vacations, but tackling a Disney vacation is a different beast. This book is hands down the best planning guide I have ever used. It tells you everything you need to know and how to do it easily without wasting my time with info I don't need. It cuts to the chase without over planning and even gave me helpful hints I hadn't even thought about. We were traveling with a very diverse age group and the author really helped plan a vacation that the entire family could enjoy. So many books include so much useless information that this one was a breath of fresh air.

This is a comprehensive book great for the beginner...but...their information is not correct regarding the Disney Dining Plan. This is supposed to be a 2008 edition yet they do not have the changes to the DDP for 2008, nor do they mention the Disney Dining Plan Deluxe. It needs a reissue with some updated changes to be completely accurate for 2008.

5/19/8 Wanted to edit based on comments received. Apparently, there is now an updated version with the correct dining plan information, as well as other updated information.

We bought two books, this one and the official guide. This book was by far so much better than the official book. It doesn't overplan and provides reviews for every age group as well as tells the truth about some of the rides. (the official guide painted a rosie picture of everything which turned out to be not true). It was very helpful with telling us when to go and what times of the year to avoid. We took our children and grandchildren so it was so helpful to have honest reviews of things to do and skip. With so much to do there, it was great to have someone map out what was appropriate. The cards in the back of the book were so helpful once we were in the park to reference what we had decided to do and not to do. I highly recommend this book!!!!

Mr. Young's cruising guides continue to impress us as the most useful and comprehensive available, particularly when linked with his excellent web-site.

Claiborne Young is his usual, informative self in compiling this excellent guide to cruising the Western Florida Region. He provides ample information including photos, detailed descriptions, waypoints and specifics useful to both sailors and power boaters. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to cruise the beautiful Western Florida waters.

CLaiborne, like all his books, does an outstanding job. There is little to guess at, and he takes no chances in describing areas. If he says it is shallow, it is shallow. If he says do not go there without risk taking, then heed his advice. It would be nice if this book covered all of west FLA, but you have to buy another to cover the upper part.

This much-needed guide provide a wealth of useful information for the cruising sailor. Written in an enthusiastic and readable style, the author invites the reader to explore the varied cruising grounds of Western Florida. Of great value in this coastline of difficult channels is the detailed information given for each approach, including low water depths in shoal channels. Another feature is a listing of the charts (by number) to cover each area. Photographs and non-navigational charts are also shown throughout the book. Altogether, an informative and useful guide.

We picked this up for a week-long sailing charter out of Tampa. There is way too much information in here and no really good maps. (Certainly not any larger maps.) We wanted to locate good anchorages for day-fun and overnights.... This caters mostly to people who are looking to dock at a marina. I found the book confusing and not well indexed.... I was hoping for a bareboat charterer's guide like we have found for the Virgin Islands -- This is not it.

The book is extra clean for a very good price. The service and shipping are excellent. Very good choice!!

Very good service. fast and accurate. The book is well wrapped and in well shape. I like it.

I thought there was going to be a CD included or some type of software. A friend of mine purchase it and she received a CD. I like to know how I can get a CD that belongs to the big. Please help. Is the CD really needed???

This is a great book if your just getting into business, however if you already know the basics you may want to try something a little deeper. There are quite a few questions this book just won't answer so make sure you go to class. As a supplement to in class lectures and hands on study you will be able to gain alot from reading this text. It offers alot of valuable information in an easy to understand format. I hope you like reading though because it tends to get a little dry.

As the President and CEO of FranchiseInterviews.com, I have read many books relating to entrepreneurship. I think the authors did a fantastic job at writing this book. They use many examples and cases to help you easily understand the topics.

I highly recommend this book for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as schools that offer a program in entrepreneurship.