W Books

I can't possibly add any comment that wouldn't just echo the praise already heaped upon this excellent novel which I originally read as a teen in the early sixties. With the recent remake of The Manchurian Candidate updated to current events, Seven Days In May has preyed on my mind.

Possible scenario: The U.S. Military, totally disgusted with the Iraq War's civilian leadership and the destruction of a military establishment slowly and systematically put back together after Vietnam, decides to stop the carnage and waste and do SOMETHING about it. Of course, it would only be temporary until the next elections...or maybe not. A chilling possiblity.

This gripping 1962 novel provides a stark reminder of both the Cold War and the fragility of democratic rule. President Jordan Lyman has recently signed (and the Senate approved) a nuclear disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union. But the treaty remains highly unpopular, and has left many in and out of the military establishment frightful of surprise attack and seething with anger. Enter General James Scott, a charismatic leader with political ambitions. President Lyman learns that General Scott may be plotting against him, but the evidence is sketchy, and Lyman doesn't want to act against a possible military coup without something closer to proof. Adding to the President's woes are his current unpopularity, his doubts as to just who is loyal, and his uncertainty as to the correct course of action. As the story unravels, we sense the President's fear as well as the ever-present threats to democratic rule, particularly in times of danger and stress.

SEVEN DAYS IN MAY is an excellent novel as relevant today as it was in the 1960's. This fast-reading book was made into a very good 1964 movie with Frederick March (President Lyman), Burt Lancaster (General Scott), Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner, and Edmond O'Brien.

Exactly as long as it needs to be--an important thing with books--"Seven Days in May" is a riveting thriller about the totally unthinkable: a military coup d'etat in the United States Goverment. Yet, the author makes it seem possible. A very popular general, a president with the lowest rating since Truman, and a Peace Treaty that has the country and the government divided...could it trigger a popular coup? It does in this book, and it is set forth totally realistically, as if something like this REALLY could happen. We think our country is immune from this kind of Byzantine political intrigue, but it turns out that we really are no less vulnerable from breakdown than your average banana republic...at least in this book. Chilling thought isn't it? Totally awesome book, I recommend it highly.

"Seven Days in May" is an authentic classic political thriller of the first rank. Authors Baily and Knebel present a scenario in which an unpopular President is targeted by America's top military brass for an actual military takeover of the government. The story is complex, but vividly presented with an authenticity that is both disturbing and plausible. The reader is brought to understand that it could happen here, and the story suggests how such a scenario could come about in these United States.

The novel is well-written and fast-paced, never drags, and absolutely holds the reader's interest throughout. The amazing thing about the story is that every bit of it hangs together without straining the reader's sense of credulity. The novel features excellent writing, and the authors weave the plot together towards a conclusion that is startling and believable (no spoiler here).

This was a big budget movie in the 1960s featuring Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster (available on DVD) and I would very much like to see a reprint of the novel become available, as my often-read paperback copy has long since fallen to pieces from frequent readings.

I read this book on a long airplane trip, and the story was so intense it kept me glued from lift off to land down.

As the other reviewers have summarized, the plot centers around "Seven days in May" as the President of the United States and his closest aides secretly scramble to thwart a coup being planned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The book is very fast paced, and has no "main" character. The point of view shifts from one character to another, often on opposite ends of the country, with lots of action in between. There are numerous twists and turns, but the book is never predictable or cliched.

It's also a very well-researched story, and anyone well versed in National Security and the Pentagon will be impressed at the two authors' attention to detail.

I was really amazed how un-dated this book is, despite being written in the early 60's. The authors wisely never reveal the year the story takes place, but subtle hints indicate it takes place sometime in the 70's (Kennedy is the last "real" President mentioned). When you hear the logic of some of the coup-planners you have to wonder wheter or not such a scheme has ever been secretly plotted in the past- or wheter a similar one will ever be plotted in the future. Complacency in the stability of ANY democracy can be dangerous, and the events in "Seven Days in May" certainly proves that.

This book highlights the independence that exists between the military and civilian branches of the US government, and the careful dance that the president must do to appease both sides. When it comes to matters of national security, the book raises the important question of who is ultimately responsible. Should the constitution always be respected, even when the safety of the nation is in danger? Does the military have the right to surpass the president if he is acting in a manner that will endanger the country? Does the president deserve to have his role as "Commander in Chief"?

In this era of terrorism and uncertainty, these are all very relevant questions to ask. This book, especially the ending, answers these, and many others, brilliantly.

Jim Jones and Dan Mitrione....friends in murder, torture, and manipulation in their long CIA careers together...both of their lifestyles backfired on them. Too bad so many innocents went with them...add Jeannie and Alan Mills to that list...perhaps someday people will know the truth about the CIA's involvement in Jonestown and the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan. This book is recommended for the micro view of what life was like inside the People's Temple. To learn the bigger picture, try using FOIA and track down the exchange of documents between Congressman Ryan and the CIA, and then learn the history of Dan Mitrione and Jim Jones in Brazil.

I Stumbled upon this book in a local library and decided to check it out.it is an excellent overview of Jim Jones and the People's Temple.am going to buy at Amazon.Based on my studies on The People's Temple it was an excellent humanitarian movement in theory, but in practice it failed due to Jim Jones Destructive Personalty,Paranoia and his use of Drugs.Highly recommended Reading!!

This book is an excellent book for the explanation and the indside happenings with the People's Temple/ Jim Jones movement. It's ironic that after the book was published, Jeannie, her husband and daughter were mysteriously murdered. By the Catholic Jesuits of course. Jim Jones was a jesuit set up to decieve and kill many. read this book and dont be as stoopid as this poor woman and many others who were so easily sucked into a cult. The only man in autority in the church is Christ. Not the pope, not Jim Jones, not David Koresh, NO MAN!!! Do not be decieved!

This book is astounding. I have been doing research on People's Temple for awhile now, and pretty much thought I understood the inside workings of this cult. I was very wrong. Six Years With God gives the reader a serious look at Jim Jones and Peoples Temple. I could not put this book down. Jeannie Mills (May she rest in peace)brings us into Peoples Temple like no other. You join the cult with her and her husband. You attend services, you approve of Jim Jones like they did, you question Peoples Temple the same way they do, and most of all you decide to leave with Jeannie Mills, realizing that like them you joined a lie.

I was shocked to read about the abuse, manipulation, and the ability of Jim Jones to make everyone believe what he was doing was for the Cause and Human Rights. When he stomped on the very Cause he was working towards. I was sadden to read about the murders and disappearance of some members. I was frightened to read that as a member there was a point in time when you just couldn't leave. How you would be tormented by others through letters, stalkings, and robbery. I was disheartened to learn that many were lied to about giving up their homes, insurances, and other property to Peoples Temple.

This book answered every question I had and I no longer wondered why and how. I understood that the motivation behind Peoples Temple was not about helping but about power. I was concerned to find out that Jeannie Mills and her husband and daughter were murdered a years after this book was published. I think they knew they were going to die anyway and needed to spread the word and let the truth out. Even former members who are teary eye on television speaking about they were sad it didn't work out. Thank God it did not.

The book reads like a wonderful film. I recommend this book to everyone who wants a real picture of Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.

I liked this book very much. The way I choose to praise it is to write down the text on its front and back flaps. I think it will help the reader to know if this book is what he/she is looking for:

"To look at Jeannie Mills, you wouldn't think that for six incredible years her life went haywire. At 39, she's both smart and attractive, a good wife to a good man, mother to five terrific kids... the picture of everything that'se right - and possible - in America. But from 1970 to 1976, she and her entire family were bound to a cult that finally became the story of the decade - THE PEOPLES TEMPLE.
"In the autumm of 1976, Jeannie and Al Mills filed a statement with an attorney that was both a personal catharsis and a public plea. It said, in part, the following:

'Jones has a power that operates in fear, guilt and extreme fatigue. While we were in it we did many strange things. We signed over all our property. We wrote and signed false, self-incriminating statements. We had to admit that we were homosexuals and that we molested our children. We had to participate in painful punishments for such minor things as forgetting to call Jones 'Father', forgetting to pay a bill, or for giving a piece of candy to a child. Some of the punishments were beatings, humiliations and medications that made people appear to die (later to be ressurrected by Jones). We were so frightened of him and his power that we would have sworn to anything he asked. We believed that he would always take care of us and would never harm us, even though we witnessed daily atrocieties that should have convinced us otherwise. It is impossible to explain the effect of his brainwashing. We do know that it took months after we left to be able to think and act as normal, reasonable people.'

"While in the temple, Jeannie and All produced hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash revenues - seha as head of the Publications Office, he as official photographer. They belonged to the prestigious Planning Committee. In late 1975, they left the temple with many of its most important documents, and Jones began a siege of terror against them.
"Throughout 1976, 1977 and 1978, they crusaded to have Jones exposed. They pleaded with the press, with public officials, with the federal government. They worked unceasingly to warn a public that needed the deaths of 912 innocent persons before it would listen.
"This haunting document captures the sinister means by which Jones took advantage of intelligent, but vulnerable, people. In 32 pages of exclusive photographs and in tape-recorded conversations, the unbelievable is revealed. America has never seen anything like it. And - to use a quote that Jim Jones admired a lot - 'those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it'".

I'm still majoring in veterinary medicine and this book helps me a lot. It has achieved more than my expectations, things are easier to understand, the pictures are wonderful and really helpful.
I'm really going to use its information forever.

This book got me through my internal medicine final exam in a way that Ettinger never would. What's more, it got me through my first year in small animal practice as well. Ettinger is fine if you want to look up details on obscure diseases, but like other reviewers have already written, I agree that this is the book you need for the real world. It's user friendly, easy to read, and with great illustrations. After a few years in small animal practice you might want to get Ettinger as well, but start out with this one. You won't regret it. The neurology section could've been more comprehensive, though.

this book is absolutely fantastic. its easy to read and seems to have everything in it. i definitely recommend it! :D

As a vet student in my clinical years, I found this book very helpful. It has a little bit of everything which is what you really need for a good starting base. Likely to be a good reference in the office. Still requires the surgery volume for more information on techniques.

As a veterinary student, I have found myself using this book on a weekly basis. If you are looking for a quick overview of specific diseases or a complete description of diseases you are learning for the first time, this book is an excellent resource to have in your collection. Every practicing veterinarian should have this text in their library collection.

It is time I write a review for this book. I weighed about 150 when I was in my early twenties. in my mid twenties to early thirties, I went up to 235. I wanted to lose weight for a long time, but didn't really know how.

This book starts by explaining the simple scientific truth: If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. The trick is to eat the right foods in the right amounts so you can do that and stay full enough to stay on a diet long enough to lose the weight you want.

My girlfriend and I started by using their recipes only. We used the meals in the supermarket cookbook, because it had pictures (I prefer cookbooks with pictures), and the meals were EXCELLENT. There was no reason they shouldn't be, they were steak, pastas, etc., using normal foods from the grocery store.

After about three weeks, we switched to just using the nutrition guidelines, but using what we had learned in the recipes/meals... high fiber, whole grains, etc.

The first few weeks were difficult... not because of hunger, but simply because we had to change a lot of habits... cook more, plan ahead, keep a journal of calories. But here is the fantastic thing: After those few weeks, when our habits had changed, we didn't notice we were on a diet at all! I was eating better and with more variety than I had been pre-diet, and I wasn't hungry. My girlfriend stuck to 1500 calories a day, me to 1800, as the book recommended. And these are skill I now have for life... I know how to eat healthily, and I can adjust my calorie intake and weight as needed, without pain. I am back to 165 and still dropping.

Of course, it wasn't the book alone. I had to make weight loss a priority. But honestly, one of the most difficult lessons I had to learn was that pain did NOT equal gain (or loss in this case). The weirdest thing was feeling like I was doing nothing, and reminding myself that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be. Every month, I would drop 12 pounds. I exercised too, but only in ways I enjoyed (they talk about sensible exercise as well). Mostly hiking up a hill near my house.

So, I obviously highly recommend this book! Oh, and my girlfriend lost 25, and is still going as well!

Excellent book! It contains nutrition label and shopping information, menus and detailed menu planning. The recipes are quick and easy to make, and the meals nutritious and balanced. It has made my shopping excursions a breeze, by taking the guesswork of what I should buy to eat and live a healthy lifestyle! I highly recommend it!

My husband and I travel a lot in a RV. This is an easy diet to follow as there is little clean up and not a lot of ingredients to buy. The diet is well rounded and satisfying. My husband was happy on it. (That's worth the price of the book) Also, Good Housekeeping has a great web site for support and ideas. It even has a version of this diet called "Convenience Food Diet". All frozen and prepared food lists. I don't want to think about cooking and menus when I diet. This diet is a no brainer!

I have never written a review about anything, but I love this diet so much that I wanted to share it with others. I trully love this diet and I have REALLY tried them all. I have never lasted more than a week on a diet until now. I don't feel food deprived, hungry, moody, my energy is slowly returning and I'm still in the early stages of the diet (first two weeks), and I have already lost a few pounds too. The book is well written, easy to understand, and most importantly easy to follow. The author makes it all so simple. You are provided a shopping list broken down into catagories which makes your store visit quick. The diet is presented a week at a glance, with menus and recipes - it is so organized!!! This diet is superb for those like myself who are super busy, don't like to really cook, and like to grab things to eat quickly. The recipes are so simple to make and quick - less than 20 minutes! If you make a recipe for dinner, you eat it the next day for lunch so there is little waste and there is plenty to share with others even after you take your portions. Since the author teaches you the basics to eating healthy, and shopping healthy, it is a life style change that is longterm. I trully am very pleased with this book and so glad that I purchased it. Good luck!

This book shows you how to live and diet with ordinary food. Common sense and smart shopping can really be fun and easy if you follow the guidelines in this book.

Dr. Phelan has done a wonderful job at describing the right and wrong ways of approaching teenagers. I have recommended this book to my parents for many years. Too many times parents choose to discuss something on the spur of the moment, leading to blow ups and frustration on both parts. Dr. Phelan's recommendation to schedule a time and then also start with what is good, responsible, or mature with the teen before diving into the problem are on the money. This is exactly how they are trying to train business managers to work with their employees (although not all of them follow the advice). A collaboration to aid in the growth of the teen into a mature, responsible, relatively happy adult is needed. This book brings ideas and strategies to the reader to help reach that goal.

Surviving Your Adolescents: How to Manage and Let Go of your 13 - 18 Year Olds by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D, 2nd edition is a book I highly recommend for parents of any teenagers. Dr. Phelan is a registered Clinical Psychologist who has worked with children and families for over twenty-five years and he knows what works to help families run smoothly, even in the roughest of times. In the book he tells what is normal adolescent behavior, and risk-taking is normal! He gives terrific ways to keep good communication channels open with your teenager while still teaching and modeling the behavior you hope for yet understanding and discussing in ways that are not a big turn-off, the behaviors the teen exhibits in natural rebellion to rules. These are the years when peers are more important than parents, experimentation is normal in the quest for becoming one's own person, but the pitfalls are many, and the book recommends excellent ways of avoiding these or working through them and still keeping a good relationship. He discusses what is abnormal and needs professional help also. The book is easy to read with excellent, practical suggestions of ways that work. By all means ORDER THIS BOOK NOW!!

I wish I could have this book long time ago. If I had it, it would help me alot in understanding my daughter and I would avoid many mistakes. This book just opens your eyes and gives you the real picture of what is going on with your kid at the time of adolescent. I would say all parents need to read if before their kids become teenagers and be prepared for all changes and behaviour extreems.

"Surviving Your Adolescents--How to Manage and Let Go Of Your 13-18 Year Olds" is brilliant and simple. I whole-heartedly recommend it for any and every parent of teens. Dr. Phelan's advice is perfectly reasonable. There is a section called "Managing Testing and Manipulation" and great coaching on both understanding different perspectives and choosing what kind of role to take in various situations.

But parents beware, parenting teens will require you to grow and change! Dr. Phelan gives control back to parents all right, but it requires us parents controlling ourselves--old habits, maybe learned from our parents or born out of frustration. We are given a dose of reality about measuring what is really important (recognizing what is "minor but aggravating" and when outside intervention is necessary). In this book you will learn which very common behaviors we parents fall into that contribute to discord.

It's always good to know that you're not the only one going through the challenges of parenting teens and Dr. Phelan gives over his wisdom, advice, and experiences in a direct way with humor and compassion. If you are in need of some guidance in parenting your teens, get this book, read it (and don't forget to take some time to enjoy your teens).

Laya Saul, author of the best loved book for teens, "You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way--What I Wish Someone Had Told Me"

If possible, this book is even more useful than "1, 2, 3 Magic", simply because adolescents are more trying to a parent than a toddler, if that can be imagined! I suggest giving this book to every parent on their child's 12th birthday. I have eight children and wish I'd read this book first.

This is an excellent book for those of us who have been practicing therapists and have a desire to do what we actually intended when we chose this profession in the first place. The book is well written. It provides a comprehensive discussion of the differences between coaching and psychotherapy or counseling. After defining what this new and exciting field is all about, the authors have given us newcomers to the field a wonderful manual to assist us in establishing a coaching practice. You couldn't really ask for more... unless you want even more of a headstart; you might enroll in Pat's Life Coach Training course, a 30 hour course which supplements the book. A complimentary introductory session is available by going to the Institute web site,...Life coaching is a natural evolution from traditional therapy practices. Moving into this field has transformed my life. Thank you Pat and Deborah!

This book goes far beyond helping therapists transition into life coaching. It gives the reader a very clear and exciting introduction to this new and upcoming field. It was my first real introduction to coaching, yet after training in the field and went back and read it again and got even more out of it.
The book explains the difference between coaching and therapy, and also helps the reader decide which is best for her/him. Exercises are provided to help the reader's decision making. The way the book is put together the authors quite effectively coach the reader toward the possibilities and the joys of coaching. They also spend a good number of pages on how to start a coaching business. I loved it. As an aspiring life-coach I say "thank you."

There are 3 kinds of people who must read this book:
1. Therapists who are looking to add professional coaching to their list of services or who are making a transition away from traditional therapy into life coaching.
2. Professional Coaches who specialize or want to specialize in life coaching.
3. Established Life Coaches.

There is something for everyone in this book, but particularly for these 3 groups of people there is NO BETTER BOOK AVAILABLE to help you make this transition in the fastest and most efficient way possible.

Pat Williams is one of America's Top Professional Coaches. In addition to his nationally recognized coach training program (lifecoachtraining.com), he is also on the board of the International Coach Federation (coachfederation.org), one of the top speakers in the field, and on the cutting-edge of standardizing and professionalizing the field of coaching.

I can't recommend this book high enough. I firmly believe this book should be on the bookshelf of every professional life coach.

This is a truly extraordinary book that gives the reader a guide to the profession of life coaching.

It is an eyeopening source of information, not only for the business of coaching, but also for the development of their relationships with clients as well as themselves.

Chock full of resources and tools, this A MUST HAVE!

This a an extraordinary book that belongs on the shelves (and in the heart) of every therapist AND every coach. Frankly, I've heard Pat Williams speak, so I fully expected to like the book, but even so, I was surprised by just how good, how inspiring, practical and helpful it is. Williams and Davis do a great service for mental health workers, counselors, social workers and Psychologists by affirming the power of what "we" do, and by expanding the boundaries within which we operate. At the same time, they also provide a great reminder for coaches of what WE do, how we do it, and how powerful it is!

The book is elegantly laid-out, easy to follow and powerfully practical. The heart of the message is that caring for and WITH people truly matters. Whether we are labeled as "mental health practitioners" or "spiritual ministers" or coaches, we all use highly sophisticated skills, some that are ancient and timeless, and others that are new and scientifically "proven," to help people transform their lives.

The book is directly aimed at "helping professionals." The message is that what mental health professionals do is IMPORTANT, even if insurance companies and (at times) our culture fails to appreciate it. Williams and Davis present practical, do-able paths that allow professionals to reclaim their independence and do the work they love and are trained to do well.

The exciting part of the book for me, as a Psychologist who has already transitioned into coaching, was the delightful, passionate reminder of what coaches actually DO! While this is an introduction or over-view of coaching, I found the reminders, the affirmations, and the passion extremely helpful. As "people experts" it is good to be reminded of how much we know, how skilled we are, how many "tools" we have in our toolbox!

I found the book easily readable, very well-thought-out, and helpful. I highly recommend it for (1) anyone considering entering the field of coaching, (2) mental health professionals who are tired or restless and looking for a new challenge, and (3) for coaches who want a helpful survey of the skills and strengths we bring to our work. All three groups will get a tremendous lift and find it a helpful read.

In my mind, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is as good as it gets in the mystery genre. Miss Marple, however, is excellent, too. This volume presents thirteen short mysteries. Most are presented as tales recounted by dinner guests while sitting around the evening fire. The challenge is to see who can tell the most baffling story and who, if anyone, can solve each one. Miss Marple, of course, astounds the others by seeing through each to the solution. Along the way, the reader is treated to a selection of fascinating and enjoyable tales. Some are easy enough for the experienced mystery fan to see through, but all are fun to read nevertheless. THE THIRTEEN PROBLEMS is Agatha Christie at the top of her game and should be a great pleasure for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. I loved it. Highly recommended.

Such an enjoyable example of Miss Marple- a keen brain hiding behind a fluffy exterior! Using village parallels and her unique outlook on life, Miss Marple solves a series of mysteries that have stumped more sophisticated guests at various dinner parties in St. Mary's Mead. I love Agatha Christie's novels, and this book is an old favorite that I pull off the shelf when I need a quick hit. If you've never read it, I highly recommend the Tuesday Club Murders.

Picture yourself with a group of friends that include Miss Jane Marple. Sitting around the fire, someone brings up the idea of presenting mysteries that only you know the answer, and the other friends must solve. Guess who wins hands down every time? Yes, that little lady with lace mitts who is knitting little fluffy things.

This is a fine book of short stories and, as usual, Dame Agatha outfoxed me every time. Though Miss Jane publicly disdains outlandish plots ("undetectable poison from an African village"), her creator is sometimes guilty of just that. The very few that left me less than impressed involved entirely too much running around, an outlandish premise, and an overabundance of purple prose.

My hands down favorite was "Death By Drowning" when Dame Agatha shows her superb ability to misdirect. Even with broad hints, I didn't come near the answer. And never be certain that the villain will be punished, at least right away. "The Tuesday Night Club" and "A Christmas Tragedy" each have her particular brand of cleverness stamped clearly throughout.

This would be a wonderful book to have in the guest bedroom, but be sure to read it first!

This 1932 collection was also published as THE TUESDAY CLUB MURDERS. Many of the stories have also appeared separately in other collections.

Like THE LABORS OF HERCULES and PARTNERS IN CRIME it is a series of short stories bridged together in an arc. The opening setting is a gathering in St. Mary Mead at Jane Marple's cottage, attended by her nephew writer Raymond West, artist Joyce Lempriere, Sir Henry Clithering - retired Scotlandyard commissioner, Dr. Pender - the local clergyman, and solicitor Mr. Petherick. The group decides to entertain themselves by describing puzzling crimes they have experienced and to challenge the rest of the group to arrive at the solution. The group at first does not plan to include Miss Marple in their game but condescend to do so when she objects. Naturally Aunt Jane arrives at all the answers.

The following year Sir Henry Clithering was visiting his friends the Bantrys (THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY), and mentioned his previous trip to St. Mary Mead and Miss Marple. After dinner that evening another evening of curious problems took place. This time the group included Col. and Mrs. Bantry, Dr. Lloyd, actress Jane Helier as well as Sir Henry and Miss Marple. Again Miss Marple had all the answers, including one to a crime that hadn't happened yet.

The final problem was presented sometime later when Sir Henry was again visiting his friends, the Bantrys. A village girl, the daughter of the local pub owner, had killed herself the night before, sad but of no particular interest to Sir Henry. No interest that is, until Miss Marple arrived to request that Sir Henry investigate the murder, not suicide, of the girl. She even gave Sir Henry the name of the murderer! Sir Henry agreed to look into matter and.....well, read the story

The mysteries are all perfect little Christie gems, challenging the reader (with all the clues tucked in among the red herrings) to solve the crime before Miss Marple. The device of linking the stories in post dinner party conversation is charming. It is wonderful to meet characters that will return in other Miss Marple stories: Raymond West and Joyce Lempriere; Col. and Dolly Bantry; and Sir Henry Clithering.

Originally published as "The Tuesday Club Murders", "The Thirteen Problems" is a collection of Miss Marple stories, mini-mysteries that readers and characters alike are meant to solve. As always, Agatha Christie has a great knack at crafting mysteries that are both ingenious and simple, once solved or explained. "The Thirteen Problems" is a quick read, each story nicely paced and readily solved.

The setup to the collection is a get-together of friends and family for an evening of fun and games. When one guest proposes that each person present a 'problem' for the others to solve, the game is underway. When each little problem is presented, only Miss Marple can see her way through to the solution. These mysteries run the gamut of typical mystery stories, with murder and intrigue at the center of each.

Yet several of the stories in "The Thirteen Problems" are extremely predictable - anyone who has read a fair number of mysteries can spot the answer from the getgo, although there are several that are a bit more puzzling. And at times, the characterization of several key players is stereotypical and rather one-dimensional, an acceptable failing in a short story, but when several stories are collected in one space, it can become rather tiresome. Overall, "The Thirteen Problems" is a delightful read for any Christie fan.

Todd's book is a great introduction to the topic of invasive species. The layperson can easily read through this book and not worry about dry scientific methodology getting in the way for the information Todd presents. Kim Todd writes a smooth account of various, some lesser known exotic species that have made a home for themselves in North America.

This is a powerful statement of the intentional to the inadvertent introduction of exotic species in America- history, biology, botany, sociobiology, anthropology and entomology all expertly woven together to produce and outstanding mural of cause and effect of our penchant for tinkering with Nature and it`s all too often deleterious side effects.

Kim Todd has joined the long list of other fine scientist who have learned to package their important observations in an accessible, fascinating, flowing, down to earth, easy to follow format- and she did all of this in her first book!

This book is well researched with fascinating and profound conclusions that culminate in a strong note of historically learned caution about the efficacy and advisability of "Tinkering with Eden"- indeed, it's not nice [or smart] to mess with Mother Nature!

Picture Laurel and Hardy in that famous line of consternation from Ollie, "Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten [us] into!", and to that we might add: Now look at what they're eating, whose bright idea [of species introduction] was this?

There are so many potent observations in this book that my copy is thoroughly marked-up. Starting just inside the front-cover flap is the gist of where the introduced species problems began: "When Europeans arrived in North America they saw on the one hand, a paradise, and on the other, a place that needed some work. Far from home and seeking to recreate the landscapes they'd left behind, or determined to improve on what they found, they introduced to their[?] new terrain an amazing array of exotics-plants and animals not native to this continent".

Some exotics were fairly benign and some were disturbingly ravenous as we see in chapter after chapter filled with examples exotic species-caused boondoggles and the desperate attempts to balance the damage with further introductions thereby creating a never ending vicious cycle.

On pigeons introduced by the French and left behind, there is: "They flew from Atlantic to Pacific as the Americans took the aftermath of their own revolution and built a nation with liberty, justice, and pigeons for all" (p 23)- all too true, unfortunately.

The beautiful front cover artwork is done by illustrator Claire Emery as are the fine line drawings throughout the book.

Tinkering with Eden: A Natural History of Exotics in America written by Kim Todd is a reading pleasure as the prose flow with a charm and delight. The book is written so well that each chapter feels like you've read a short story, but upon finishing the book you realize that everything you've reading the book all come together.

Ever since Europeans and others have been arriving in North America they've been bringing flora and fauna from where they came from and brought back flora and fauna from North America to their homelands. When this occurs, there can be some dire consequences, some native species are crowded out of their natural environments as the new species takes over with no natural predator... that is no checks and balances.

The author is a storyteller, as she brings us these tales and others she interjects humors along with the science making for a very enjoyable read. Reindeer, lamprey, gypsy moths, starlings mosquitoes and pigeons can all be traced to other locations, but are now part and parcel of the American landscape.

I've enjoyed reading this book as I know you will. The author's writing style is excellent and has won the Pen/Jerred Award, so I'm not alone when I say that this book is illuminating and entertaining and the author has a terrific storytelling technique. There are a few illustrations added to this book to give it just the right amount of detail.

All in all, this was a very profound read that is wonderfully written, indeed.

It's such a good feeling knowing how things happen. Kim Todd has written an engaging, interesting, well researched eye opener of a book. And, just imagine, we (so called evironmentalists and experts) haven't yet learned the lesson of not "Tinkering with Eden". Truly a must read.

Tinkering with Eden: A Natural History of Exotics in America written by Kim Todd is a reading pleasure as the prose flow with a charm and delight. The book is written so well that each chapter feels like you've read a short story, but upon finishing the book you realize that everything you've been reading in the book all comes together.

Ever since Europeans and others have been arriving in North America they've been bringing flora and fauna from where they came from and brought back flora and fauna from North America to their homelands. When this occurs, there can be some dire consequences, some native species are crowded out of their natural environments as the new species takes over with no natural predator... that is no checks and balances.

The author is a storyteller, as she brings us these tales and others she interjects humors along with the science making for a very enjoyable read. Reindeer, lamprey, gypsy moths, starlings mosquitoes and pigeons can all be traced to other locations, but are now part and parcel of the American landscape.

I've enjoyed reading this book as I know you will. The author's writing style is excellent and has won the Pen/Jerred Award, so I'm not alone when I say that this book is illuminating and entertaining and the author has a terrific storytelling technique. There are a few illustrations added to this book to give it just the right amount of detail.

All in all, this was a very profound read that is wonderfully written, indeed.

Lyle Leverich, a theatre artist himself, paints (with the participation of the late "Tom" himself) an intricate, sensitive and compelling portrait of the closest The United States has come to producing her own Shakespeare.

Tennessee Williams' ability to place passionate and visual poetry into the mouths of the commoner and gentry alike makes his work, in my opinion the finest ever produced by an American playwright. The towering and beautiful fragile characters of his plays combined with his devotion to the utter magic the physical theatre provides, allowed America through Tennessee Williams to finally place itself rightly next to Ibsen, Strinberg, Chekov and The Bard himself.

Of course "Tom" did not develop in a vacume and what Leverich provides here in this excellent biography wrapped in the guise of a psychological thriller worthy of so great an object, is a portrait of a man often crippled by acute sensitivity who saw the writing muse as a means for survival. Leverich manages to paint the man behind the myth, bring him down into a real space and time while also managing to lift him to the angels.

This is one of the greatest biographies ever written about a theatre artist- of which Williams was a supreme being. I, and many others, eagerly await volume two.

This is a wonderfully done book. I feel I've lived in "Tom's" shoes and appreciate who he was and the struggles he faced. It's a loving portrait that doesn't shy away from the honest details of the life of the young Tennessee. I hope the sequel that's to take us from the Glass Menangerie to the end of Tennessee's life comes out soon----I'll be waiting!!!

Meticulously researched and sensitively written, this book is the definitive biography of Tennessee Williams, even though it only covers the period up to the beginning of his success. I haven't found any others that can rival its quality. The depth and detail are unsurpassed in Leverich's finely crafted portrait, revealing the many facets of one of America's greatest playwrights. As a "theater person," Leverich brings a special authority to his work, infusing it with expert analysis and theatrical history. A really great read!

This was the most interesting biography I have ever read. I found that I was even reading the footnotes and bibliography!

The book begins with a delve into Tennessee Williams' genealogy (including a chart, which I referred to frequently while reading the book). The author goes on to describe Tennesee's formative years, home life, and young-adulthood. The book takes the reader up through Tennessee's overwhelming success with "The Glass Menagerie."

I found the book (and, therefore, Tennessee Williams) so interesting that I began researching Williams' works and also his favorite writers (Hart Crane, DH Lawrence). I call a biography a complete success that could have such an effect as it has on me.

I look forward to the next edition, though I wonder if it will ever be in print.

This is a very thorough, fact-filled biography - up to THE GLASS MENAGERIE of 1945. Leverich approaches his subject in a business-like manner, generally sacrificing artistic concerns for factual ones. Some of these interesting facts include:

Williams spent his childhood with his grandparents in Clarksdale, MS
Went to the U. of Missouri to study journalism
Hated his father till the end of his life when he learned his mother was actually "the villain"
Often broke
His sister was schizo, like Blanche in STREETCAR
Loved to swim
His homosexual lifestyle was pretty sordid
Met D.H. Lawrence in Taos
Laurette Taylor, star of GLASS MENAGERIE on Broadway, was ill on opening night and would be throwing up while off stage during the performance

Anyone interested in Tennessee Williams will find much to think about and be fascinated with in this biography. Recommended.

Tom, I cant even fathom to call him Thomas, has caught the essence of what it is to be a Guard "Bum". Guardsmen and Guardswomen from across the country can really relate to this book and the feel is Just right. As Tom's real life former First Sergeant, it is with pride I recommend this book. I read it from cover to cover in one day and went back to read it again just to enjoy it all over again.

I got this book on a recommendation from someone on one of the discussion boards I frequent. I can't say that I was disappointed by this book. It was very well written, although it would have been nice if he would have saved some of the stuff for the end of the book. It kind of ruined it knowing the end. Although, those things added to the book as it was being read and it did give a bit of tension to it.

But it was a different perspective on aviators.

Full disclosure -- Tommy Young (he will never be the more formal "Thomas W. Young" to me) is a good personal friend and former squadron-mate, and when we were activated and deployed to the desert as C-130 crewmembers in 2003 I spent many mornings on the porch of his tent, drinking his coffee and talking about life and literature. When we returned he told me he had written a book and that it had been published and was available on Amazon, but I bought it with some trepidation, wondering what I should say if I read it and didn't like it. I should not have been concerned. This book tells the story of a fictitious Air Guard C-130 crew and the intrigue they get caught up in on an airlift mission in South America. The characters are given great depth and the story has a wealth of detail about modern Air Guard airlift missions and the situations aircrews can find themselves in. Every detail is true to life and drawn from the many hours Tommy has spent on missions like the one he describes. The plot was suspenseful and made this book a page-turner. I highly recommend this book.

Tom Young has worked very hard to provide an inside view of the air crewmembers and maintenance support for the venerable C-130 Hercules. Tom is very acute in describing the overall mission of the C-130, and of her other military roles as well. An airplane is not an airplane unless the personnel factor is involved, and only Tom and his experienced writing career can provide this. Buy this book, and it will become a treasured piece in your library.

As a loadmaster on C-130s, this book is a must read for all flyers! Has a great storyline and true to the life of a flyer.