Taking Charge Of Asthma: A Lifetime Strategy

Book Description

Asthma touches all ages, races, and walks of life, and it is on the rise both in frequency and in severity. Taking Charge of Asthma provides practical, up-to-date information to help you develop an effective personal strategy for managing your symptoms.

World-renowned asthma expert Dr. Betty Wray outlines specific steps you can take to control your environment and reduce the onset and severity of attacks. She lists clinically tested foods, fabrics, and substances that can trigger asthma. Dr. Wray also explains the connection between asthma and allergies, details occupational hazards, lists alternative strategies, and tells how to work with your doctor—and how to make the most with the least medication. She also offers authoritative advice on helping children with asthma lead healthier, happier lives. This fact-packed handbook includes 800 numbers, helplines, Web sites, asthma organizations, and treatment centers. Taking Charge of Asthma includes everything you need to know about:

The causes of asthma
The best diagnostic methods
The latest treatments

Customer Reviews:

A "Must-Own" for Anyone with Asthma!!.......2000-09-27

This book is an easy-to-follow discussion of what asthma is(in layman's terms, NOT all medical jargon)and how to successfully handle it. Topics discussed are such as: finding the "triggers" to your asthma problem (i.e. food allergies, environmental allergies...), making the most of the least medications, holistic treatments that might help, how parents can help their children...and the list goes on. Of all the books I have looked at on this subject, this one seems to "cover all the bases" without being too bogged down. A quick, easy reference.

Book Description

Two of Jane Austen's brother served in Nelson's navy and later became admirals. Francis Austen, on board the Canopus, narrowly missed the battle of Trafalgar; Charles Austen in Endymion captured numerous small prizes. It is not surprising that that the Austen family, including Jane, took a deep personal interest in naval affairs. Apart from the church, the navy was the profession which she knew and admired most. Her novels reflected this: Mansfield Park includes a portrait of life in Portsmouth, the estimable midshipman William Price and the less attractive Admiral Crawford; Persuasion presents her most extended account of naval officers and attitudes, from the redoubtable Admiral Croft to Captain Wentworth himself. Jane Austen and the Navy demonstrates clearly the importance of the navy both in Jane Austen's life and her novels."She was convinced of sailors having more worth and warmth than any other set of men in England; that they only knew how to live, and they only deserved to be respected and loved!"--Jane Austen, Persuasion

Hoare and the Portsmouth Atrocities (Maritime Mysteries Featuring Captain Bartholomew Hoare)

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Best of the Three
First of this short series, and the best
A change of pace in this genre
Hoare and the Portsmouth Atrocities
A slightly different tack . . .

Hoare and the Portsmouth Atrocities (Maritime Mysteries Featuring Captain Bartholomew Hoare)
Wilder Perkins
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312192835

Book Description

Although Bartholomew Hoare has acquitted himself nobly on shipnboard and battle, and worked his way up to lieutenant in king George III's Royal Navy, he cannot count his present life a satisfactory one. For one thing, he and his brother (as his father before him, all of them descended from Vikings) have always had to use their fists to defend their name and its implications from schoolboys, shipmates, and generally impolite Britons at every social level. That Bartholomew can handle. But a spent musket ball in the throat put a halt to a promising career at sea, and Hoare was left with a glowing recommendation and exclusively shore duties. Obviously, a captain whose orders could not be issues above a whisper could never command a ship.To Hoare, who loves the sea, it is a tragedy, as he is forced to do the land-based tasks assigned to him. His present mission is to discover what has happened to the ship that disappeared in nearby waters, and whether the strange contents of a small keg found in the sand are involved in the mystery. And it is a quest that begins Hoare's acquaintance with the extraordinary Mrs. Eleanor Graves--by his saving her from attacking ruffians, with her active and enthusiastic assistance. It is a meeting that starts a dramatic train of events. For one thing, Hoare is asked to put his talents to work on behalf of a young officer charged with the murder of his captain, a fellow of questionable probity and brutal temper. Hoare's investigation leads to evidence of criminal activity beyond the captain's murder. It's a chance for the lieutenant to further distinguish himself--if he isn't killed first.But life is not all trouble. Hoare becomes close friends with Eleanor Graves and her retired, and much older, physician husband. he meets a rather suspect visitor from abroad, and encounters assorted townspeople, both high and low--including the Graveses' dinner guest his first night in town, one Miss Jane Austen.With its strong period atmosphere, its unusual and colorful characters, and its nautical focus, Perkin's first novel will entice readers who love the novels of Patrick O'Neal. And many others as well will be delighted to discover this author and his book, and will wait impatiently for Bartholomew Hoare's next adventure.

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Three.......2006-01-04

The author produced 3 Hoare books. This is the best of the three.
The style is very good. I originally thought the book had be written in the 19th or early 20th century before I looked into the author.

I would not have mistaken the period if I had first listened to any one of the other two books.

If your going to read the book stop with this one. I dislike vulgarity in my reading and while this one had a little it was at least a background to the story. In the next two it seemed the author meant to be vulgar. Things that would never have been missed are used for no reason.

First of this short series, and the best.......2002-06-19

This is not a bad read. It's not up to the Hornblower, Aubrey/Maturin, or Bolitho standards, but it's worth reading.

A change of pace in this genre.......2002-03-28

For fans of authors writing about the Royal Navy during the early 1800's, this novel (set in 1805) provides a double mystery. First, Lieutenant Hoare is called upon to aid in the defense of a young lieutenant accused of murdering his captain. The Royal Navy is quite willing to hang the defendent, guilty or innocent, in order to close the case and get on with the war. Hoare's inquiries raise questions about the case, including a missing marine. Meanwhile, some mysterious unexplained events are occurring in Portsmouth and nearby areas.

The resolution of the murder case plunges Hoare into the intrigue surrounding the destruction of Royal Navy ships. French agents are exposed, but people have a tendency to die before they can reveal what they know. Hoare makes some enemies, but also finds some new friends (who carry over into the sequel). There is also the young orphan Jenny, and a love interest starts to develop. The novel lacks a map of the area, which would have been useful to readers. There is a short glossery of terms.

Hoare is handicapped from an injury that prevents him from speaking loudly. His whispery voice cannot be raised to the shouts needed to command at sea. The Royal Navy, however, has other uses for Hoare, and his career continues in the sequel.

Hoare and the Portsmouth Atrocities.......2001-12-12

Perkins had some interesting ideas here. Hoare is a potentially intriguing character: nearly muted by a spent musket ball and constantly having to fight over insults to his surname, he could be something different. And the setting, early 19th century British aquatic, while hardly untrodden, is a good one. The female lead character is refreshingly robust in several senses.

However, this book reads like a rough draft. The plot is that of a mystery, and rather than letting the reader discover the characters and events for him/herself, Perkins lets everything out fast in a rush of exposition. Nothing here unfolds slowly. Scenes which should be dramatic, such as the explosion of a frigate, are so rushed that the reader feels deprived of the opportunity to participate. The author badly needs to learn to "show" rather than "tell". The book has a slight, inconsequential feel, so despite occasional nice touches like Hoare's ship, which the hero gives a different name in every chapter, I cannot recommend it.

A slightly different tack . . ........2000-10-20

According to the useful 3 pages of Glossary at the back end of this book, 'ahoo' or--in utter disarray--is very nearly an appropriate description of the book. It's an entertaining near mish-mosh that couldn't really quite make up its mind as to what it wanted to be when it grew up. It's part adventure, part mystery, part history, very much nautical, and even has a tad of romance to it. The cover calls it A Maritime Mystery. What it did turn out to be, however, is--a very enjoyable read.

When Bartholomew Hoare (and don't make cracks about that--it's a fine old British surname) loses his voice, due to a spent musket ball striking him in the larynx, he is pushed out of the Navy--his only true love. After all, a Captain who can't be heard shouting above any storm or battle, isn't of much use to HM's Navy, regardless of his seaworthiness in all other matters.

Having exhibited some skill at solving puzzles, Hoare is assigned to shore duty at Portsmouth, to find out why ships of the line have been exploding, causing not only loss of ship, but horrendous loss of lives, as well. Patiently gathering up bits and pieces of information, and meeting various personages of the time, Jane Austen among them, Hoare spends all too much time on land, especially on those blasted four-legged creatures he's always despised--horses!

There are several stories here, almost as though the author had first written a batch of shorter stories, then wove them together to make one book-length volume. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable, and prompts one to search out the next book in the series, if only to find out what happens to Hoare and his little gray partridge...

Average customer rating:
Charles Austen: prize chaser and prize taker on the North American Station 1805-1808.(Miscellany): An article from: Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal
Sheila Johnson Kindred
Manufacturer: Jane Austen Society of North America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
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ASIN: B000ALPLTO
Release Date: 2005-07-25

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal, published by Jane Austen Society of North America on January 1, 2004. The length of the article is 3259 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Charles Austen: prize chaser and prize taker on the North American Station 1805-1808.(Miscellany)
Author: Sheila Johnson Kindred
Publication: Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2004
Publisher: Jane Austen Society of North America
Volume: 26 Page: 188(7)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Did Willoughby join the navy? Patrick O'Brian's thirty-year homage to Jane Austen.(Miscellany)(Critical Essay) : An article from: Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal

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Did Willoughby join the navy? Patrick O'Brian's thirty-year homage to Jane Austen.(Miscellany)(Critical Essay) : An article from: Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal
James R., Jr. Simmons
Manufacturer: Jane Austen Society of North America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal, published by Jane Austen Society of North America on January 1, 2004. The length of the article is 2713 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Did Willoughby join the navy? Patrick O'Brian's thirty-year homage to Jane Austen.(Miscellany)(Critical Essay)
Author: James R., Jr. Simmons
Publication: Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2004
Publisher: Jane Austen Society of North America
Volume: 26 Page: 170(6)

Article Type: Critical Essay

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House (Unabridged)

Average customer rating:

Sheer Pleasure!
Stephanie Baron Fan for life
Captive Audience
Much too serious to be interesting
excellent sixth novel in this delightful series

Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House (Unabridged)
Stephanie Barron
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
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ASIN: B0006LBX9A

Amazon.com

The acute powers of observation that marked Jane Austen's brilliant authorial career serve her equally well as a sleuth, as Barron's popular series has demonstrated in five earlier outings. Here, Barron uses Austen's well- documented interest in the Royal Navy as the linchpin of the plot. Jane's brother Frank, an officer who served under Nelson at Trafalgar, can't believe that his friend Tom Seagrave, commanding officer of the Stella Maris, killed the captain of the French frigate Manon moments after he'd surrendered his ship to Seagrave, despite the testimony of a junior officer. Ministering to the French prisoners of war housed at the Wool House of the title, Jane soon discovers another witness to the incident, a dashing and romantic surgeon whose account might save Seagrave from the gallows. As usual, Barron evokes the social, domestic, and cultural scene of England in the glory days of the empire with the wit, charm, and verve that mark her heroine's literary legacy. --Jane Adams

Book Description

In her sixth engrossing outing, Jane Austen employs her delicious wit and family ties to the Royal Navy in a case of murder on the high seas. Somewhere in the picturesque British port of Southampton, among a crew of colorful, eccentric, and fiercely individual souls, a killer has come ashore. And only Jane can fathom the depths of his ruthless mind....

Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House

“I will assert that sailors are endowed with greater worth than any set of men in England.”

So muses Jane Austen as she stands in the buffeting wind of Southampton’s quay beside her brother Frank on a raw February morning. Frank, a post captain in the Royal Navy, is without a ship to command, and his best prospect is the Stella Maris, a fast frigate captained by his old friend Tom Seagrave.

“Lucky” Tom — so dubbed for his habit of besting enemy ships — is presently in disgrace, charged with violating the Articles of War. Tom’s first lieutenant, Eustace Chessyre, has accused Seagrave of murder in the death of a French captain after the surrender of his ship.

Though Lucky Tom denies the charge, his dagger was found in the dead man’s chest. Now Seagrave faces court-martial and execution for a crime he swears he did not commit.

Frank, deeply grieved, is certain his friend will hang. But Jane reasons that either Seagrave or Chessyre is lying — and that she and Frank have a duty to discover the truth.

The search for the captain’s honor carries them into the troubled heart of Seagrave’s family, through some of the seaport’s worst sinkholes, and at long last to Wool House, the barred brick structure that serves as gaol for French prisoners of war.

Risking contagion or worse, Jane agrees to nurse the murdered French captain’s imprisoned crew — and elicits a debonair surgeon’s account of the Stella Maris’s battle that appears to clear Tom Seagrave of all guilt.

When Eustace Chessyre is found murdered, the entire affair takes on the appearance of an insidious plot against Seagrave, who is charged with the crime. Could any of his naval colleagues wish him dead? In an era of turbulent intrigue and contested amour, could it be a case of cherchez la femme ... or a veiled political foe at work? And what of the sealed orders under which Seagrave embarked that fateful night in the Stella Maris? Death knocks again at Jane’s own door before the final knots in the killer’s net are completely untangled.

Always surprising, Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House is an intelligent and intriguing mystery that introduces Jane and her readers to “the naval set” — and charts a true course through the amateur sleuth’s most troubled waters yet.

Customer Reviews:

Sheer Pleasure!.......2007-06-23

Comprised of a series of journals, lately discovered in the cellar of an old American house, the Jane Austin mysteries have much to offer for history buffs and mystery-lovers alike. One is able to see first hand the author's views on the politics of her time and social responsibilities, as well as the inspirations for her beloved characters in Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and the like. It is a sheer pleasure to peruse the thoughts of Jane's sharp mind and cunning wit as she puts other detectives to shame. These books are a most charming pleasure, both entertaining and "improving the mind through extensive reading." There are 8 titles in the Jane Austen Mystery Series.

Stephanie Baron Fan for life.......2007-03-29

Once I began the first book by Stephanie Baron in this series, I ask my brother, "Do you think she can write faster than I can read? because I cannot put this down." Both he and I read all the books available but now are left starving so to speak, having nothing left but the want for more. Someone call BBC and have them all made into beautiful films like A&E's Pride & Prejudice.

Captive Audience.......2005-12-24

I continue to be impressed with how comfortable Stephanie Barron has made herself in Jane Austen's shoes and world. In her introductions to each of the books, Barron accounts that these tales are 'diaries' written by Austen that she is merely editing. The sixth book in her Jane Austen mysteries is as strong as the previous ones, interweaving facts of Jane's life with the fiction of Barron's mysterious imaginings.

"Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House" finds our beloved heroine in Southampton, 1807, awaiting installation at her brother's new home. Her brother, Frank Austen, is an officer with the Royal Navy, resigned to living on land, but longing to return to sea. He quickly learns that his wish is to be granted, but only at the cost of a friendship. His longtime friend, Captain Tom Seagrave, is accused of murdering the captain of a French ship they overtook in battle. Frank knows his friend to be innocent, and enlists his sister's sleuthing skills to uncover the truth of the matter. Jane soon finds herself ministering to the French prisoners of war, where she meets a man who could clear the Captain's name. But before he can do so, another murder is committed and unexpected happenings confuse the real mystery at hand.

As with her previous works, Barron has totally immersed herself in Jane Austen's world. For Austen fans it is almost as if these fictional mysteries were Austen's recovered diaries, for Barron pays her due justice. "Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House" is a worthy addition to the series, and I look forward to reading the next entries.

Much too serious to be interesting.......2005-10-12

Stephanie Barron has obviously done her homework; after reading biographies of Jane Austen, I believe Ms. Barron has represented the real Jane Austen quite well. However, the book is far too serious and therefore VERY BORING. I only got to the end of this book because it was the recorded version. Reading it would have taken far too much energy.

excellent sixth novel in this delightful series.......2005-04-05

This, the sixth novel in Stephanie Barron's series about Jane Austen as sleuth, takes place in the naval port of Southampton, where Jane's brother's friend has been accused of murdering the captain of a captured French ship.

Barron captures Austen's style and wit admirably and, as with the other novels, has presented us with a believable portrait of Jane's world. The mystery s good -- I thought I had it figured out, but didn't.

The character of Jane is a bit too action-oriented to be plausible, but the book is still enjoyable. Unfortunately, no Lord Harold!

Average customer rating:

Awesome perspective

Loved this book!

Where did they find this guy?!

Thoroughly unsatisfying for the political junkie

Disappointing

Black in the White House: Life Inside George W. Bush's West Wing
Ron Christie
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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Rebel in Chief: Inside the Bold and Controversial Presidency of George W. Bush

Strategery: How George W. Bush Is Defeating Terrorists, Outwitting Democrats, and Confounding the Mainstream Media

George W. Bush: Portrait of a Leader

Laura Bush: An Intimate Portrait of the First Lady

My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H. W. Bush

ASIN: 1595550399

Book Description

As a black conservative, Ron Christie takes the road less traveled and often takes heat for it from the liberal black establishment. His insider accounts of his time working for both President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney offers a view into the world of policymaking at this White House at the highest levels. It also provides a refreshingly candid and positive portrayal of these two men who are so often vilified by partisan opponents and the media. A must-read for those who want to go inside George W. Bush's West Wing.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome perspective.......2007-09-21

"Pulling into the lot behind the Transition Headquarters, I was startled to see several black SUVs parked with their motors running and earnest looking men peering out the open windows - my introduction to the United States Secret Service. My first glimpse of the Secret Service agents drove home the point that I was about to embark on a journey that, if successful, would put me in close proximity to some of the most powerful and important people in the world. Great, I thought, no pressure at all."

Thus began Ron Christie's interview process for a position as a Deputy Assistant for domestic policy to Vice President-Elect Cheney. Throughout his page-turning book, Black in the White House, he weaves stories together from his three and one half year tenure in the White House that make it read more like a novel than a narrative. He provides a unique view of the Vice President, President and their respective staffs that is seldom, if ever, reported by the media. This book paints a portrait that reveals the true personalities of the leaders of the United States and the tremendous responsibilities they have.

Although sometimes sophomoric, maudlin and perhaps even pandering, Christie tells his stories as if he were a child marveling in awe at the world's leaders for whom he was asked to work instead of as a trained attorney who had important work to do. As a Deputy Policy Advisor to Senator George Allen (son of Redskin's coach Allen) for eight years, he was asked by the Republican Committee in December of 2000 to be an observer of the Presidential recount vote in Jacksonville, Florida. Shortly after flying to Florida, the Supreme Court ruled in George Bush's favor, George Bush became Presidential-Elect Bush and Ron Christie was asked to interview as a Deputy Assistant for domestic policy for Vice President-Elect Cheney.

During the waiting process after his interview, Christie candidly reveals his feelings of nervousness and uncertainty regarding his appointment. Waiting for the phone to ring, not sleeping at night, unable to think lucidly, he is no more than an average person waiting to hear the decision about their interview. Throughout the book he demonstrates his role as a normal person who is honored to serve the Vice President, President and his country by easily blending his responsibilities with his humbleness. He also makes it clear that the principals of President Bush's transition team (who would later become the cabinet and advisors after the inauguration) are extremely intelligent individuals who espouse a tremendous work ethnic in serving the Vice-President and President. Concurrently he also divulges their human and compassionate sides that few are privileged to see.

Christie worked intimately with Vice President Cheney's staff including Chief of Staff Scooter Libby, Dan McGrath, Mary Matalin and even Vice President Cheney himself. He tells tales of their dedication, character and wit. In one instance Christie was asked to attend a meeting with Vice President Cheney and noted historian Stephen Ambrose, who

was attempting to restore the Missouri River to resemble its appearance in time to celebrate the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's expedition. Ambrose indicated that his plan to dam the river was supported in Missouri and in several states downstream. Christie knew that Ambrose's assertion was erroneous and the Vice President, always with razor sharp perception, realized that Christie was uncomfortable and asked him if he had any questions. Christie questioned Ambrose why the Missouri House of Representatives voted 138-0 to denounce the plans and why Governor Bob Holden joined several other governors to write a letter to President Bush voicing their opposition. Not accustomed to being questioned, Ambrose probably expected VP Cheney to chastise Christie. Instead, Cheney asked Christie to draft a letter to Ambrose in which the VP would "express his inability to advocate Ambrose' plan to President Bush".

September 11, 2001 was a day that most Americans will never forget. For Christie and the White House staff it was a day of horror. Not only was the horror expressed for the victims in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon but it also extended to the White House staff that was literally in the direct line of fire. After it was clear that the crashes were an attack and not an accident, the White House staff was immediately escorted out of the building by the Secret Service and told to leave. Unfortunately most of them could not return to their homes since Washington was in pandemonium and all roads were completely blocked; many stayed at friends within the city. Two days later when it was safe to enter the White House the horror was repeated when they again had to be evacuated, this time due to a bomb scare. In essence, the security and comfort that was indicative of the White House had been indelibly shattered. Although terrified to return to the White House, the staff was reminded by Andy Card that they represented the President and now was the time to fight back by going about their business and not being intimidated by fear. Indeed, the urgency at hand changed the course of President Bush's presidency. Christie relates how difficult it was for all the members of the White House to continue to run the country.

In early 2002 Christie was asked to be the Special Assistant to the President to help run the USA Freedom Corps. Although honored to work directly for the President, Christie was torn by the thought of accepting the offer due to his loyalty to Vice President Cheney and also to his aversion of governmental programs, particularly those initiated by former President Clinton. However, after numerous discussions with the staffs of both the Vice President and the President, he learned that the President was a genuine supporter of the volunteerism movement in America after 9/11 and wanted to capitalize on the spirit running through the country during that time. He therefore accepted the commission. Thus began his association with the President of the United States. From Christie's vantage point, in opposition to the media, he saw the President as the leader of staff meetings who utilized the expertise of his cabinet, including the Vice President, for advice. The bottom line was that President Bush was the man in charge of the White House, not Vice President Cheney or anyone else. Period.

Christie did not turn his back on his black heritage and in fact almost resigned due to an incident by Mississippi Senator Trent Lott during Thanksgiving in 2002. While Christie was at his brother's home, Senator Lott was featured on CNN at Senator Strom Thurmond's one-hundredth birthday party. Lott was recalling Thurmond's unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1948 and lamented that Mississippi, which was opposed to integration, was only one of four states that supported him. Lott went on to say, "We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years, either". Christie and his family were stunned. During the next few days in which the White House said nothing, Christie's parents asked him how could he work at the White House for a man who had refused to repudiate Lott's statement. Christie, wrestling with his admiration for President Bush and his agenda, could not sit by silently. Knowing it could cost him his job, he wrote a note to Andy Card expressing his dismay that the comment was not rebuked by the White House. Card, the Chief of Staff to President Bush and known in the White House for both his intense intelligence and hilarious practical jokes, invited Christie to a private meeting to discuss the relationship between blacks and the Republican Party. When asked to present his thoughts, Christie proposed that Republicans "should not be traveling to black neighborhoods and talking about crime, welfare reform and drugs" but should talk about "tax reform, school choice and home ownership". Rather that "bringing in the gospel choir to sing and sway in the East Wing during Black History month can't we do more than pander to those folks who then start criticizing us the second they leave the building"? Christie suggested that the President "should visit with small business leaders, doctors and investors who support his vision and happen to be black". Andy Card, displaying his honesty and sincerity, became an active participant and devoted significant amounts of his time to find ways in which the President's agenda could resonate with those who were skeptical about his policies.

Black in the White House made me feel that I was actually observing the leaders of the country on a personal level without the critical remonstrations of the media promoting their anti-Bush rhetoric. I was able to see, through Christie's eyes, the leaders in President Bush's cabinet as thoughtful, intelligent and sincere individuals who are honored to spend a few years of their lives dedicated to the President and the country. Although not intended to be an historical document, the book represents a view of the White House and the Presidency that is seldom revealed. It was refreshing to observe the White House from the perspective of someone who loves to be there rather than from someone who is there to condemn it.

Loved this book!.......2007-08-29

This book is one of my favorites. Ron Christie's persective of the White House workings kept my attention from cover to cover. I have to tell you...his thoughts on some things made me laugh out loud and others made me cry. Thank you for the book Mr. Christie--and you are definitely not a "wart on history's nose". :-)

Where did they find this guy?!.......2006-08-19

I suppose that if you are a guileless, hard-core reactionary, then you'll really love Ron Christie's no-fault treatise on everything good about W's Whitehouse.

While I am an AA (African-American) with moderate political views, there is something simultaneously self-satisfied and self-hating about Mr. Christie's over-the-top conservative tome in which he anecdotes countless situations in which he is the only person of color in the room (one would not count Conde Rice). Here he finds few faults with the Bush administration while describing his Horatio Algers' climb to middle management in the Republican Guard.

He breathlessly reports of his adventures in becoming one of the youngest African Americans to navigate his way into the echelons of republican politics, without any self-acknowledgment that he may, in fact, just be a "token".

I'd say it was an interesting read if you want to understand how the Republican Party simultaneously manages to find no real value in diversity, while exploiting - in a nominal way - the value of having a symbolic representative.

This is a smug account of his interactions with politicos in the West Wing and it reads like a report on "What I Did Over my Summer Vacation".

Thoroughly unsatisfying for the political junkie.......2006-04-12

If you are looking for the proverbial "fly on the wall" perspective of the White House, this might fit the bill nicely. Christie gives a very...accessible account of what it's like to work for the President. Unfortunately, Christie's experiences (as he presents them anyway) come across as though he had about as much impact on meaningful policy as a real fly on the wall. Certain passages made me cringe as the author described being nearly paralyzed with awe every time he met high profile people for the first time.

I surely hope this was an editing error that slipped through but on page 233 Christie describes Karl Rove as being "thought by many to be the most powerful man in the White House other than the VP". If that was supposed to be a dig at Bush it's pretty unbecoming considering the way Christie fawns over W through the rest of the book. I STRONGLY suspect a junior proof-reader at publisher Nelson Current let her political views enter into her work and introduced the error as a prank. Pretty funny.

I wouldn't recommend this for those learning about politics, government and the executive branch either. It is too lean on how various departments and individuals work together to implement policy. Also lacking is any insight on how one gets to such a position.

Disappointing.......2006-04-09

I read Ron Christie's new book as I was looking to find some insight into how the Bush White House works. Having seen the author on a number of tv programs he comes across as earnest, forthright and dedicated to the conservative cause. Unfortunately, he hasn't been in the top echelon of decision-making to warrant a good book. It's too low-level.

I wish Mr. Christie well.....there's nothing more in his book that we already know, would care to know or will find out sooner or later.

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