Freedom Books

An eye opener from an insider non politician. Enjoyed reading the book and learnt more about how far our politicians have digressed from taking care of the people who elect them.

I've been following Ron Paul for about a year now and even I learned some new things reading this book. I think it lays out the case real well for local government and self government versus the large intrusive Federal government we now have. Our country needs to right the ship now while we still can

They both are "revolutionists" who are trying to overthrow governments. I see no difference between this book and Mao's Red Diary. I guess you can say this is the Mao's diary for infowarriors and conspiracy nuts. Worst read ever and there's a reason he only got 0.5% of Republican Delegates. Don't be persuaded by nut job and jobies Alex Jones, his propaganda is the only reason why there was so much internet hype (we all see where that went), think outside of the box and be independent...

Ron Paul is certainly the most interesting politician of his time. I am behind his domestic policy 95% of the time, but his foreign policy is very naïve. Yes the founding fathers did not want us going abroad...but they also lived in a time where the United States could free ride off the security the Brittish Empire brought to the Western World. Geopolitical changes have also brought an end to the days of noninterventionsism because our oceans can not longer protect us from planes, missiles and terrorists. And no, I don't buy into the naïve argument that "they" would just leave us alone if we left them alone. Our enemies abroad do not seek peace with us any more than our enemies here at home really want equality and multiculturalism. What they both want is the destruction of the West.
However, Congressman Paul makes an excellent argument that if we don't trust big government here at home to fix problems, why should we expect the same government to go abroad and fix the societies of the Middle East? The answer is we shouldn't. Just because we break it, doesn't mean we have to fix it. Interventionism can occur for strategic reasons without it becoming the Wilsonian foreign policy of George Bush.

You know that feeling you get right before a big election? The total and complete indifference that is akin to having tea or coffee with your meal perhaps? The apathy that I was once accustomed to experience when the conversation turned towards politics has since been replaced with a burning and intense passion and desire for real change. As we all know far too well that nothing of substance really changes within our federal government. Ron Paul proposes real change, and his source of inspiration is our Constitution.

This book rocks: it explodes several myths about life, some of which we tend to hold on dearly. To put it mildly, this book will have a positive impact on the reader. Since life on earth is all about action, if the actions recommended - i.e., 'Inner Engineering' yoga practice - are taken, it will have even better impact. In fact that is likely to be an effect of this book: to spur you into positive action. Doing it is not difficult. You only have to give yourself a chance. And it is most likely that you will not be disappointed. For its health benefits alone it is worth doing. I speak from my experience practicing a similar kind of yoga. As a big bonus, the book reads like a racy novel (peppered with humor), that is also thought provoking. Any which way you see it, this is a 'must read'!

What a great look into an American success story and how even creating such external life comforts still cannot create the joy we are all meant to experience. Cheryl has a real talent for sharing her experience and Sadhguru's wisdom just blew me away. I plan to buy this book for friends and family and take some of Isha Foundation's courses. Thanks for writing and sharing this work.

I give the book only 3 stars because much of it is about the author. Frankly, I'm not interested in her life's history. I want to know what the "mystic" has to say.
Also, how do we know everything in the book isn't made up? The questions and answers from their conversations are recorded in great detail, however, there isn't any mention of anyone carrying around a pen and paper. Could this book be just a fictional public relations piece? Jaggi may be a mystic, but I guess I'm a skeptic.

So refreshing a book! Compelling, intriguing, straight forward. No beating around the bush. Love it! It is written with humor, sincerity and great depth without being another of those heavy to read books that you start reading but never end.

It is a fascinating personal story of Cheryl, her yearning to know more about this life we all live day in day out and her conversations with her spiritual teacher (what a guy!). I found myself in her story many times, I am sure you will too: successful in worldly terms, treasures friendships, thrilling hobbies, great work - yet - in some way not enough. I always knew I need to find answers to those questions most of us ask ourselves when we are teenagers but then give up, disappointed by the vague, sluggish talk of the adults surrounding us.

Definitely this book I'd give to many of my friends interested in the yogic world and of course to all those who have not even started looking for more, work colleagues, fellow executives.

It is rare to find a book that reads easy while conveying deep stuff.

I had hoped the chapters to have more Q & A sessions with Sadhguru but the first few chapters were about Cheryl and her life...

She often writes her chapters like a novel(why do I have to know which way the breeze is blowing?)...she needs to skip all the niceties and just focus on her questions with Sadhguru and share his insight with us..

What a fantastic woman. Incredible story. Open your mind to the world outside.

In her book "Infidel," Ayaan Hirsi Ali acknowledges several people who made it possible for her to survive the Islamic tribalism she grew up under in Africa, to escape to Holland after her father arranged for her to marry a man she didn't love and to prosper thereafter. But if I were to cite one overriding factor that saved her, it would be the Western novels she read.

Throughout "Infidel," Ali brings up these books again and again, particularly in regard to love, sex and marriage. To understand their impact, it's important to recognize the mind-numbing, repressive culture she had to endure. Ali was born in Somalia to religious, clannish Muslim parents, and her mother taught her to memorize old chants of war and death, raids, and camel herding, and female Somali poetry that never mentioned love, which is, she writes, "considered synonymous with desire, and sexual desire is seen as low -- literally unspeakable."

Fortunately, Ali and her family moved to non-Muslim Kenya, where she attended a British colonial-based school and learned English. There she read "1984," "Huckleberry Finn," "Wuthering Heights" and tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen.

"Later on there were sexy books: Valley of the Dolls, Barbara Cartland, Danielle Steele," she writes. "All these books, even the trashy ones, carried with them ideas -- races were equal, women were equal to men -- and concepts of freedom, struggle, and adventure that were new to me."

Here are some other excerpts:

"[T]he spark of will inside me grew even as I studied and practiced to submit. It was fanned by the free-spirited novels ... Most of all, I think it was the novels that saved me from submission. I was young, but the first tiny, meek beginnings of my rebellion had already clicked into place."

"I always found it uncomfortable to be opposed to the West. For me, Britain and America were the countries in my books where there was decency and individual choice."

"I knew that another kind of life was possible. I had read about it ... [T]he kind of life I had always wanted, with a real education, a real job, a real marriage ... I wanted to become a person, an individual, with a life of my own."

"Infidel" is a great study for someone who would like to (further) concretize the crucial, life-sustaining role that art plays in man's life.


~ Joseph Kellard
Theainet1@optonline.net

Ayan Hirsi Ali's account of growing up as a Somali woman in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Germany, and the Netherlands, what she endured, her search for religious meaning as a Muslim and her struggle to be her own person was inspiring and a must read for all!!!!!!

One of the few life-changing books that I would consider a must-read for all: honest, direct, and with inspiring moral clarity.

This is one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read. Ayaan Hirsi Ali gives a detailed portrayal of her life story and growing up Muslim. All that she writes about will stay with you and will make you think.
Her amazing life journey had me taken through several countries and through a culture as a woman I could have never in my wildest dreams knew existed. I had heard about female genital mutilation, but I never truly knew of the real horrors of it. I could also never imagine a mother telling her child to hit before you are hit as a survival of the fittest strategy. Alot of things she writes about are not what we in the westernize world are taught, and it seems very foreign to the point of culture shock.
Please pick up the book and read it with an open mind. I can definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about the struggles of women around the world.

As someone who has read a large amount of literature concerning the current state of international affairs, specifically in the "War on Terror" and as a hopeful future officer in the United States Army, I found Paul Rieckhoff's account of his time as a platoon leader in Iraq to be not only well-written, but helpful and insightful. From the accounts of under-equipped Guard units, to the sometimes seemingly trivial nature of the Rules Of Engagement, the book paints a quite vivid, and scarily what I imagine to be accurate, picture of the face of America's first gander at twenty-first century warfare.
Though I found parts of the read to be erie in nature, and though the book provokes questions and doubts about our great nation's leadership and decision-makers, it in no way influenced me to give up joining the military. Rieckhoff has made it clear that the country's leadership is quite questionable, and in part of his writing acknowledges the fact that a new generation of veterans will soon be stepping into the political realm.

Chasing Ghosts deserves to be read.

This was a great book and an easy read as it kept you engaged and intrigued. Enjoy!

Personally I am not a big reader of books. However, with a brother in his 3rd tour in Iraq and growing up in a military family and having known Paul as a simple aquaintance in high school, I was excited to check out his book. Not many people from our high school make it into the public eye like Paul has. From the moment I picked up the book I was hooked. It is a powerful and inspiring account of a true and rare American patriot. A patriot who knows what his beliefs are and who is willing to put his life on the line to defend those beliefs. It stirred up a lot of emotions from laughter, tears, and in the end a belief that our soldiers are true heros. I would definately recommend this to anyone and do. Congratulations Paul and look forward to following your inspring career in the years ahead.

Paul Rieckhoff will not tell you he is a writer, but he accomplished in one go what thousands of writers for generations have attempted to do. His entire heart resides between the letters, the lines and pages of this book. The book is political, but Rieckoff smears Left and Right into an uncivilized and counter-productive bloody blur on the mud-stucco wall. His statement is clear; we were not prepared for the War in Iraq, and it is despicable that every last politician in the U.S. Government that voted for the war doesn't hold themselves publicly accountable. This work, this piece of history, this golden nugget for the historian 25-1000 years from now, belongs on the shelf with every other important historical perspective, from Anne Frank to Hirohito. And with his heart is where you'll find the value, the truth, of this source; between the lines. Isn't that where it always is?

This American society seems to be obsessed and compelled with the phrase "On the Ground." President Bush, and both candidates have puked the phrase more than enough times in reference to their connection with the plight and circumstance of our sons and daughters placed in harms way. But they visit the Green Zone, or Baghdad International Airport. They haul through streets to meet with Generals for photo ops and high-tea, perhaps saving a little time to have a meal with the grunts. But the truth isn't near the water cooler conversation with a West Point Graduate selected to lead on the level of political capital the appointment will spawn. The truth is in the words of the soldiers in cities like Tal Afar, sleeping with their rifle, crapping while taking fire, sweeping a street for booby traps. Sorry Ali Baba, the booby has left, he's headed back to his plush home in D.C. ready to say that he has the word.

But they are wrong. Rieckoff has the word, and the heart behind it to make the reader believe; like a good leader should. He was there, he saw it, and if you read this book, it's safest alternative to enlistment. That is why this book will be read by every War Historian for the next 100 years. If you don't buy it, then find it.

Paul Rieckhoff's new book CHASING GHOSTS is a must read for every citizen of the United States--and for those who cannot read, a family member of friend should read it to them. It is not simply Rieckhoff's stunningly honest telling of his experience as a soldier in Iraq, it is among the finest reports yet written on that highly unnecessary conflict for which we Americans are ultimately responsible. Get and read this book at your earliest opportunity! If you do, you will quickly find out what being patriotic actually means. In addition to the joy you will feel from the way this is written with such daring honesty, simplicity, passion, responsibility, uncomplicated intelligence, insight and vision--you will be stunned, shocked, amazed, thrilled, and you will weep, laugh and be frightened for this book contains real, raw truth. But the unexpected surprise will probably be your own renewed desire to be a much better human being and American. This might be the finest book yet written in our new century--by a young man who is genuinely human and humane and wishes to share his profound observations and thoughts with all of us. CHASING GHOSTS is as good as it gets.--Wayne Adams, NYC

People might be sick and tired of Iraq, but this is an excellent recounting of the battle of Fallujah in 2004 and a detailed analysis of the decisions that led to so many problems in that region.

West zooms in on the street-by-street fighting between the Marines and the insurgents, and these scenes have visceral intensity. You are there with the soldiers as bullets ricochet, RPG rounds careen through alleyways and bodies crumple with mortal wounds. Then West zooms back out to recount the meetings between the politicians, generals and religious leaders whose decisions determine the course of the Fallujuh fighting even more than the actions of the soliders on the ground.

In many ways, Fallujah is a microcosm of the war in Iraq. Misunderstood by the press and public alike, this book studies how countless acts of Marine bravery and heroism were offset by political infighting and dithering within the Bush administration and in the upper echelons of military command. It is at once tragic, exciting, frustrating and mind-boggling.

"After the mutilation of the four contractors in Fallujah in April 2004, the White House and high officials reacted emotionally by ordering a full attack on the city." The same could be said about our government's decision to go to war after 9/11 and Osama bin Laden's escape. One major questionable decision put everyone involved in an impossible situation thereafter. Especially with too many cooks in the kitchen.

Whether you are for, against or just plain frustrated by the war in Iraq, this is a compelling read. I was up until 2:00am each night until I finished it. You will not be disappointed. You will also gain further appreciation for the pressure the principal decisions makers faced, for the soldiers who fought in those streets and for Bing West's reportage.

This is a must read for anyone that wants to really know what it is like and what happened in Fallujah. The next time you see a Marine after reading this, you will thank them for signing up.

I must admit I was not looking for this book when I got it, I stumbled upon it and man am I glad I did. The book is not only a great story of the incredible bravery that our armed forces show every day, but also a great lesson (at least for me) on how military decisions are affected by politics and news coverage. The book is very even handed and leave outs all of the usual "our military and our president never make a mistake and it is the liberal media who is to blame for every thing" crap that dogs other military books. Not that after finishing this book you will not be left wondering how in the world the American press does not find a way to report the heroism that is displayed by these troops every day. I know for me I better understand why when the news harps on "Abu Graib" events (which needed to be told to prevent it from happening again) the troops on the ground feel shafted because they just spent the day risking their lives to save their buddies or patching up an insurgent who was just 1 minute ago trying to kill them. I do now understand their frustration in being lumped in with a few idiots who do something wrong when they are doing such heroic things everyday.

You will also get from this book an understanding how dangerous a news organization which only panders to its audience to push a premeditated message with out reporting the full truth, like Al Jazerra repeatedly does. Which leaves you better understanding the danger that Fox News really is to our own country. When a news organization trusted by so many people repeatedly distorts the truth or only report things that push it's agenda it is dangerous for us all.

This book brings a full 360 degree view of the Fallujah battles, the break down in communications, the mistakes of non-military making military decisions, and the mistakes of the military making diplomatic and political decisions. In this respect this book is truly unique and a great read.

This book is a very good book about the battle. I served with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force during this battle during Operation Phantom Fury. After returning home and seeing this book I immediately bought it. When you are on the ground even with a high level of information there are still things you don't understand and this book explained some of the things I still didn't understand even after being in the middle of the battle. Now I know where the incoming was coming in when 9th Communications Battalion took the 17 casualties in one mortar attack. Great job Bing and Semper Fi.

"No True Glory" written by Bing West.

"No True Glory" chronicles the combat and political events directly relevant to the city of Fallujah from April of 2003 through 2005. Perspective is given from soldiers on the ground all the way up to commanding officers.

The Good: No True Glory provided a wide range of perspective and gave good information from all sides of the Fallujah story. It didn't just given the action and tragedy on the battle field and it didn't completely bog you down with politics or tactics. A good blend of political explanation that helped you to understand what happened and why was combined with thoughts and attitudes of the high ranking officers and mixed with the day to day activities of the guys who were actually kicking in doors and getting shot at. The mix was good and paints a full picture of not just what happened when but also why.

The Bad: I had previously read "Jarhead: a Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles" and "Generation Kill". Both of which were more personal because they focused on individuals or individual groups providing a personal aspect to each. That is the only aspect in which "No True Glory" lacks. The reality is that this couldn't be accomplished in "No True Glory" because the time frame the book covers is longer than any single tour of Duty served.

Overall: If military books interest you then pick up No True Glory and give it a try. A great read!

We gave this book to our daughter on her graduation from Army basic training. My husband and I both had careers in the Navy, and, while in active duty service, I was always aware of the huge reality gap between what gets reported in the news, and what really happens in the arena. If you REALLY want to know what is going on in Iraq, READ THIS BOOK!

I can only state that there is NO truth in this book. You have RUINED my country, and everyday the situation deteriorates further...
Tell me, if your 'excursion is victorious', why does the puppet government still keep their entire families OUTSIDE Iraq?
Tell me, if you were successful, why does my uncle who is attempting a very minor surgical procedure have to be wheeled out of the operation room FIVE times in one day due to lack of electricity...He didn't make it eventually.
I have one thing to say. Yes, you HAVE accomplished your mission. You have DESTROYED IRAQ PERMANENTLY!

This book gives you a fair assessment of the ground situation. In addition, it made me feel extremely proud of the selfless way our honorable warriors are conducting themselves.

Why our military's ability as public administration warriors made the surge a success, and why the surge could not have been a success except for the preparation of the field by our military commanders on the ground.

Despite what the MSM would have you believe, the seeds of the "Anbar Awakening" had to be planted before adding US troops made sense. Our soldiers planted those seeds, and the claim that that the awakening must be considered an event separate from our military presence is tripe. Barack Obama, for example, can't admit he was wrong on the signature judgment of his candidacy, so the success of the surge can't be what it appears.

Yon is no war apologist, and he explains why you should get behind finishing what we started in Iraq. For those reluctant because they think this book will be neo-con propaganda, Yon has been a serious critic of our Iraq policies.

He is a self-financed embedded reporter. He is the Ernie Pyle of the Battle of Iraq. HIGHLY recommended.

Yon is on his way to Afghanistan now. He deserves your support:
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1819:af-pak-reporting&catid=34:dispatches&Itemid=55#yvComment

Michael Yon ends his book, The Moment of Truth in Iraq, with a question: "The war isn't over yet. Victory remains in question. The choice is ours, the time is now - for a moment of truth in Iraq. What are we going to do?" Preceding this interrogatory, Yon relates the recent developments in Northern Iraq generally and Mosul in particular. The question he poses - whether we will withdraw forces from Iraq or remain there in significant numbers to see the mission through - is one that looms like a shadow through the entire book.

Yon argues relentlessly that successes are occurring in Iraq on both the battlefield as well as in the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people and that precipitously withdrawing U.S. forces would have devastating consequences. The situation in Mosul serves as a sterling example of successful counterinsurgency and the heroic efforts of U.S. soldiers and Iraqis alike. However, mainly a result of the gradually diminishing presence of American soldiers there since the war's outset, Mosul, like much of the country, is experiencing a fragile, tenuous peace interrupted by the seemingly random car or suicide bomb. Yon's basic message is that as goes Mosul, could well go the rest of the country if we were to pull out prematurely...

The Moment of Truth in Iraq essentially covers major campaigns in the war from the point of view of a combat journalist embedded with some of the fiercest, most capable U.S. infantry and cavalry units to venture outside a Forward Operating Base (FOB). Throughout his book, Yon offers his insights and opinions, leaving the reader with little doubt as to how he feels about the need to stay the course. He argues compellingly that the surge of U.S. forces led by GEN David Petraeus, along with the Sunni Awakening, not only in Al Anbar, but in other parts of Iraq - e.g., Diyala - has paid enormous dividends for U.S. and Coalition interests.

Nothing particularly new or earth-shattering so far...

Where Yon's book breaks new ground is in his praise for Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police units who he contends are "owning" more of the fight than most Americans are led to believe. Yon acknowledges that some senior leaders remain inept and that there are members of the Iraqi National Police, in particular, who are corrupt and abusive. Nevertheless, he offers a positive "ground truth" assessment regarding the prospects for our success in Iraq which is refreshing given we are inundated with negative mainstream media accounts. Without question, however, the Coalition still has a long way to go in stabilizing and rebuilding the country, training Iraqi security forces, and neutralizing the wide array of threats that includes Al Qaeda and Iran-sponsored Shi'ite militants.

Most enjoyable about The Moment of Truth in Iraq is Yon's on-the-ground reporting. His vivid accounts of valiant U.S. soldiers battling Sunni insurgents and Al Qaeda in Ba'qubah and tenacious British soldiers battling Shi'ite militiamen in Basra are superb. He offers us an insider's view of what, through 7 years of continuous, sustained ground combat, has become one of the most highly trained, battle-tested military forces in the history of modern warfare. Pound for pound the American G.I. is the most fearsome warrior on the planet, and he, along with his Iraqi Army and Police counterparts, is giving Al Qaeda all they can handle.

While easy-to-read and at times exciting, The Moment of Truth in Iraq lacks the balance characteristic of good reporting. Yon fails to offer any competing point of view. This ensures the book reads like a long political tract. Like many readers, I pick up a military book in order to learn how a particular battle or campaign was fought. The Moment of Truth in Iraq generally met my expectations in that regard, but I would have appreciated a bit more action and perhaps less commentary.

Although I agree with Yon's central argument - that we have come too far and paid too heavy a price to quit Iraq now - I found his persistent commentary about the need to remain in Iraq to be monotonous.

Most important about Yon's work is that he gives the American soldier a voice... He reports the story from his position next to that soldier in the HMMMV or Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle - not from interviews taking place after the fact in the safer confines of a FOB.

Yon is a soldier's journalist on a par with a Bill Mauldin or an Ernie Pyle - men from an earlier, bygone era (WWII) whose intrepid reporting from the front captured the hearts of soldiers throughout the battlefields of Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Yon's dispatches resonate with the same sights and sounds of battle, and he offers his and his soldiers' frank opinions about what's going right and what's going wrong. No sugarcoating or whitewashing here...

Today's American fighting men and women deserve more advocates such as Michael Yon who fairly and honestly communicate what is actually happening on the fields of battle... who turn the spotlight on those who actually deserve it - not the generals or colonels, but the privates and corporals... those fine Americans who have turned the tide in the Iraq War and who in Yon's words represent the country's "New Greatest Generation."

Well Done!

I was surprised at the wealth of information this book contains, not only about different types of guns, but laws and other information.

I got this book due to recommendations from many excellent websites and other authors whom I know to stand for Freedom and Liberty as established by our Founding Fathers and the many excellent riflemen who fought the Revolutionary War and all the men who have fought in subsequent wars to preserve our Constitution. What I got was a super bargain for the price. It is enlarged from the original by some 200 pages and reads so fast and easy that it is phenomenal. He gives the reader a good Index of terms/acronyms that you will use. It is located in the front of the book and is easy to refer back to when necessary. Aside from that, this guy gives you history, heritage, explanations on WHY we need to protect ourselves, especially from over zealous liberals who want to remove our 2nd Amendment Rights and who keep bogging us down with "Regulations" in effort to try and take our guns away. You get reviews of rifles, handguns, shotguns in as much depth as you could wish for from a man who knows what he is talking about. He brings in views from "experts" in many areas and topics to back up what he is trying to explain to you.

You cannot go wrong with BTP. He's right for every FREEDOM LOVING person in the U.S. If you are a Liberal and are against anyone except the police and military having guns, then you are going to find yourself very much abused in this book for being already enslaved and under control of other people who think they know what is best for you, regardless of what you think about it.

I must emphasize one very outstanding focus BTP makes in this book. He has a fully detailed section for Women and how they need to protect themselves. He helps with gun selections and other protective means.

Lastly, he gives you resource referral information on where to go to get what, things to watch (videos, movies), books to read, and important names/addresses/contact info, website addresses, etc.,on other resources including within the government. This is a super resource and learning book that is very timely in this day and time when it looks like we may be faced with some kind of issues in self protection/survival from terrorists, bad governmental agents, or people who want to bring you and your family harm. It will lift your "Freedom Loving" spirits in showing you how YOU can survive and how you MUST protect yourself and your family. I find myself picking it up and rereading here and there all the time. It is almost a daily thing to review something or some section in my Gun Bible and get Boston's views on it again. I found this as one of the best ever books I've ever owned and it is definitely very inspirational to this old Constitutionalist who feels that his freedoms are slipping out from under him very fast in this day and time.

This is one book I would honestly recommend for everyone. If you are a gun owner and have not read this book you must at once. If you plan on buying a gun at any point you need this book. Without a doubt the best single book on the subject of firearm ownership.

This book gives the best information about the technical specifications and advantages of different guns than any other I have ever seen. It also gives a lot of information regarding the law, your rights, and which states are gun-friendly. There are also substantial portions of the author's philosophy written about in the book. Kenneth Royce is truly an expert on the subject of guns, and this book has changed my way of thinking forever. The most valuable part of the book, I believe, is the section dealing with the advantages and disadvantages of various guns. He thoroughly exhausted that subject. I recommend this book for everyone, not just gun owners. If you are a gun owner, I guarantee that this book will have some information you can use. If you're planning on becoming a gun owner, this book will help you decide which gun to buy first. If you're not sure, I believe this book will convince you you need a gun. If you are anti-gun, this book may very well change your mind-- if not with its philosophy, then with its statistics.

In the title of my review, I mentioned that there is some impractical advice in the book. Mr. Royce strongly encourages everyone to devote a major portion of their life and money to purchasing and training with guns. While it's fine to talk about different training ranches and expensive guns, Royce goes so far as to imply that if you don't do this, you're a fool. In reference to people who say that they can't afford a multi-thousand dollar sniper rifle, he responds, "how much protection can you afford not to have? Save money in other areas so you have enough to purchase guns." He says basically the same thing about expensive gun training courses offered by Thunder Ranch and others. It's the arrogance of his statements which really bother me. I don't know how Royce makes a living (I doubt that much of his income comes from books), but normal people have families to feed, and simply cannot afford to buy a $6,000 Barrett because the USA is an expensive country and people with normal jobs don't make that much money. He also says that there are two kinds of people in an army: riflemen and cooks, and refers to those firearms owners who aren't expert riflemen as "cooks" (his criteria for graduating from "cook" status is in the book). Not everyone can be Carlos Hathcock. His attitude throughout the book brings the term "gun snob" to mind, and really put me off after I thought about it for a while. From reading this book, I'm sure Mr. Royce thinks very highly of himself.

Although his superior attitude offends me, most of his statistics about crime are hard to argue with, most of his philosophy makes sense, and I certainly can't knock the technical information contained in Boston's Gun Bible. Again, this is a must read. Buy this book NOW.

Boston T. Party is a pen-name for Kenneth W. Royce, a libertarian author of several non-fiction books. In his firearms reference manual, Boston's Gun Bible, the author pours out his knowledge of guns, but apparently does not bother to employ either a ghost writer or editor.

A basic knowledge of firearms is assumed by the author however, the first chapter does cover terminology. Later chapters include Women and Guns, Rating the Battle Rifles, Rating the Battle Carbines, How to Buy, Sell & Trade and You & the BATF. Also included are chapters or sections covering individual rifles and pistols. Based on the information provided, I would give the book five stars.

There is a detailed table of contents, but no index. The pages are number in the military style, chapter/page, so if you are on the tenth page of chapter four it would read 4/10. One reviewer mentioned the book had 848 pages. I have not counted.

The writing style varies unevenly from technical to conversational, sprinkled with wit and occasional sarcasm. Fonts, font size, italics and bolding seem to change at the whim of the author. This does detract from a five star rating. However if you want basic information and opinion based upon experience about modern firearms and accessories as well as rankings and comparisons between different makes and models, this is a good buy.

Recommendation: If you have one or two guns and are interested in expanding both your knowledge and your collection I recommend Boston's Gun Bible as an easy to read reference manual.

Kyle Pratt

Bastiat's Law is one of the most important documents you could ever read. It is the basis for the philosophy of liberty, and without adherence to these ideals liberty cannot last. This should be required reading in school, but once you read what this french philosopher had to say you may start to understand why those who tax us cannot afford to have too many people read this book.

The substance of Bastiat's "The Law" is critical and accurate.

The good people at Cosimo Books, however, cut off the printing before the end of the book -- the penultimate section of the book ends in mid-sentence, and the last section of the book isn't there at all.

So I do very much encourage everyone to read Bastiat's "The Law," just don't buy this version from this publisher. (Buy it from the Mises Institute instead.)

This is an excellent book which I read years ago. "The Law" by Frederic Bastiat, in which he discusses legalized plunder, is a highly recommended work which should be read by all Americans, especially before they vote. Should also be required reading by anyone running for public office, serving on a jury, or attending law school. In fact, why not make it required reading in all public schools? That would really change the political, social, and economic landscape! Let's all buy several copies and send one each to our Representatives and Senators, state and federal. We the People can make a difference, if we try!

A fantastic pamphlet written as Bastiat knew he was dying. Besides the middle bit, where he spends a bit too much time arguing against the specific positions of the political opponents of his day, it is a fast primer on what it means to be free. Highly recommended.

While I agree with Bastiat entirely, the way that he has presented "the classic blueprint for a just society," is exactly why people who lean more towards socialist ideas scoff at those who are for capitalism, economic stability, and most importantly honoring the fundamentals of the need for law: to protect life, liberty, and property.

The first chapter started out wonderfully, articulately and simple. It was accessible and easy to understand and apply. I was excited as I hoped to share this with my husband to allow him to open up to my ideas on politics which are different from his (he's a democrat/socialist).

However, the rest of the book just seemed to be a rant that got more and more impassioned as it went along, which to me seemed to take away from the reader's ability to take what he was saying seriously. I was disappointed because even though I agreed with everything he said and thought his applications of his ideas were great, I felt sort of embarrassed about his inability to keep calm in expressing his ideas.

The book is sound, based on sound ideas and should appeal to any libertarian. I nodded a lot as I was reading it. "Yes!" I kept telling myself, "this is definitely true." Unfortunately the truth was told, in this case, in a way that I don't think would be very accessible to the people that Bastiat was intent on reaching. I think a democrat/socialist might mislabel it "too radical" when they really mean, "too impassioned."

It is for that reason, I'm sorry to say, I was unable to rate this any higher.

This is an extremeful helpful book. It helps you focus on the positive side of things and gives you stories and daily affirmations. It has helped me a lot and I would recommend it to anyone!

A wonderful book for opening oneself to abundance. Filled with valuable, useful information and insights. Chellie also offers powerful affirmations to help unlock possibilities. I love it, give it as gifts, and recommend it often!!!

If money were a math problem, our nation would not have so many highly educated people so far in debt. We all learned basic math in elementary school. In our culture, money represents value, power, worth, and wealth. Our debt problems are an outward manifestation of the lack of those things inside of us. I cannot believe how many people I know with a PHD or more than one master's degree who are still living in debt and poverty. Until we learn to find our wealth and power inside, we'll live a life of poverty. Chellie Campbell shows you the path to true wealth. This book is life changing, and I often give it away as a gift! I always have several copis on hand on my gift shelf. I also highly recommend Chellie's other book Zero to Zillionare and Money Magic by Deborah L. Price.

This self-help book is designed to be used a page at a time for a year. The author intends for her readers to free themselves from debt and take control of their finances. A good book for those who feel they are not in control of their money.

Once in a while, if you're lucky, you happen upon a book that can make a positive difference in your life. "The Wealthy Spirit" by Chellie Campbell is just such a book. Arranged in bite-size nuggets of wit and wisdom, the book tackles the serious issue of eliminating financial worries. Chellie inspires the reader to appreciate his or her personal value, to decide what's important in his or her life, and, with the realization "I can do that" to get moving to take the actions and make the positive changes that can make those worries disappear. While I think just about everyone can get some inspiration from this book, it is especially perfect for every entrepreneur and for anyone contemplating getting off the corporate treadmill. "The Wealthy Spirit" is a daily pep talk. I highly recommend this book.

This book has changed my life. I always found finance and money -dull and boring because I didn't understand how it worked. I figured, I don't make a lot of money, so I'll never be rich. Jan has managed to step by step explain how money works, how to make it work for you, how to save and where to cut spending. It is fun to read and I have become excited about getting my "assets in gear." I was relieved to read that it isn't how much money you make that really matters, but the percentage you decide to save that really makes a difference. I am really excited about my financial future for the first time since my divorce eight years ago. I finally believe that financial security is attainable. Thank you, Jan!

As a professional attorney with more than 10 years of experience in commercial transactions, estate planning, and probate law, I highly recommend this informative, useful book. The author communicates in a coherent, lucid fashion and her expertise is beyond question. Unlike many self-help books in the area of finance, "Get Your Assets in Gear" provides sound, practical advice with a minimum of technical jargon and hackneyed adages. It makes an excellent gift for a recent college graduate. Money invested purchasing this book is money well spent. A careful reader will reap the benefits of Ms. Geiger's suggestions many times over.

I know, I know, CPAs are supposed to understand everything about finance and investing. Well, this CPA can audit multi-billion dollar companies and play hard ball with the pros, but when it comes to smart, sound, strategic personal investing and asset allocation, I'm afraid I'm in the bush league.

I liked the book because it discussed all of the key areas that I need to consider (debt, interest, lease vs. own, mortgages, philanthropy, stocks, bonds, funds, 401Ks, IRAs, credit ratings, taxes, insurance, attitude, and marital money matters), but it covered them in an easy-to-understand, clear, positive and entertaining way that left me hopeful rather than overwhelmed.

I finished the book armed with knowledge, a clear path forward, and most of all, a positive, confident feeling that I can now put my arms around what used to be a black hole, squeeze tight, and know that my assets are now in gear.

Get Your Assets in Gear was the answer to questions I've always had about finances. One of my goals in life is to always have enough money to cover my living expenses and still have more for pleasure. This book tells you exactly how to save enough to be financially fit and happy along the road to financial independence. I am so excited that I am 23 years old and have this book, because I am now 100% positive that I will have the life, financial and otherwise, life that I want. I have always found finances difficult to comprehend between 401k, stocks, mutual funds, loans, etc. Get Your Assets in Gear makes it crystal clear what each of them are, and what the perks are of each. This book gets a huge thumbs up for making each point clear, specific, and attainable, and the icing on the cake is that it was an easy, fun read!

Get Your Assets in Gear makes understanding the process of investing easy and fun. If you are in search of concise information written in easy to understand language this book is for you. I have purchased copies to give as gifts to all young investors.