Amazon.com
Jon Katz couldn't afford a country house--his wife didn't want him to buy it; his career looked like it was going off track; and his daughter was about to leave home for college. But when he saw the view from a decrepit little cabin in the mountains, near Cambridge, New York, he knew he had to have the place. So, against all rational impulses, he bought the cabin and used it as a summer retreat. He read Thomas Merton, helped his best friend prepare to be a father, deepened his relationship with his dog, and wrote a book about the spiritual wisdom that came to him in everyday life. Running to the Mountain: A Journey of Faith and Change includes some particularly elegant and urgent readings of Merton, whose central concerns Katz summarizes as well as anyone has:
Merton was obsessed with a central issue for our time--figuring out how to live, trying to forge a life of balance, purpose and meaning. I've grown to share his obsession, his belief that life demands a lot of tinkering, and requires people to give birth to themselves not just once, but over and over.
--Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
Jon Katz, a respected journalist, father, and husband, was turning fifty. His writing career had taken a dubious turn, his wife had a demanding career of her own, his daughter was preparing to leave home for college, and he had become used to a sedentary lifestyle. Wonderfully witty and insightful,
Running to the Mountain chronicles Katz's hunger for change and his search for renewed purpose and meaning in his familiar world.
Armed with the writings of Thomas Merton and his two faithful Labradors, Katz trades in his suburban carpool-driving and escapes to the mountains of upstate New York. There, as he restores a dilapidated cabin, learns self-reliance in a lightning storm, shares a bottle of Glenlivet with unexpected ghosts, and helps a friend prepare for fatherhood, he confronts his lifelong questions about spirituality, mortality, and his own self-worth. He ultimately rediscovers a profound appreciation for his work, his family, and the beauty of everyday life--and provides a glorious lesson for us all.
Customer Reviews:
Garbage and dishonest writing.......2007-02-12
This author is becoming well known for his dishonest and insincere tugging at the heart strings of dog owners and dog book buyers. Don't buy it and don't read it. The way I see it, he owes me a refund.
I really enjoyed this book.......2006-05-03
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in less than 24 hours---so obviously it held my attention. I think some of the Amazon reviewers are a bit too hard on Katz. His experience is his experience after all---and who are we to judge if he is too "urban" or if he still doesn't understand what the rural experience is all about. While I do understand that as a writer Katz is always looking for another book topic---I think he found one here that was worthy of his great writing style. He's a self-deprecating guy who is easy to like. He allowed us, his readers, to enter his world and enjoy ourselves. That's a feat in itself. I say---keep writing memoirs Jon---you have a lot to offer.
Part of me Liked It, Part of Me Not So Much.......2005-04-26
I liked the book, got weary of the more "spiritual" portions, comparing his adventure into solitude with Merton's. Some of it I had to read twice just to get what he was talking about. I guess you would say it is "deep stuff." I would've enjoyed the book more if it was written simply about his trip to the mountain. I enjoyed reading about his buying the cabin and all the work it took to fix it, and the people he met. He wrote a lot about his family and portions of his life. I would rather read about life on the mountain with his new cabin, his dogs, the people...more adventure like in his other books. But this book is not necessarily about an adventure to a mountain, it's about his life and facing the future, and trying to figure it all out; it's about Jon Katz doing some soul searching, trying to escape the monotony of his life and find peace and happiness. Although I feel indifferent to his "spiritual" journey, most people feel like they need to escape from the monotony of busy everyday life and find peace, so it was easy for me to empathize with him this way. I too look for ways to make life newer and better, to face change and embrace it. His musings weren't all too deep for me. I could relate to some of them. Overall I liked the book.
A Place to Self Evaluation.......2005-03-05
During a change of life as he reaches the empty nest era, Katz shares his thoughts and reasons for acquiring his mountain get-away. After he and his wife raise their daughter, Katz decides to find a relaxing haven, to spend some time alone, to read the philosophy of Merton and play with his dogs. This account of his rehabilitating a run-down mountain cottage was fun to read. It is a story that many of us wish to echo as we approach our post-midlife (despite the title) years...finding and enjoying a summer get-away. To reward one's self of the work conducted through life is an admirable goal, even though Katz's goal, in part, was to find material to write about (he is an author by the way). I thank Jon Katz for sharing his adventure with us. It was fun to read and I, no doubt, will re-read this as my time comes to find my reward some day. There simply is something tranquil about having a place to go to where one doesn't need a clock, where the beauty of nature and seclusion are paramount. I feel there is a deep feeling within all of us to have such a paradise to go to. I can picture myself now sitting on the porch, overlooking a beautiful valley between mountains, with a good book in hand while man's best friend lies at my feet.
Take this book for what it is, a fun account of one man's experiences of finding that one summer place to spend some alone time (and time with the family)--to contemplate his life while enjoying it with his four-legged friends. It sounds like a beer commercial, it just doesn't get any better than this. A very good read. Similar books: David Brill, A Separate Place; Mark Phillips, My Father's Cabin; Elizabeth Gilbert, The Last American Man; and, of course, the classic, Thoreau's Walden.
If you know of any similar books, please drop me a line John@delbridge.net.
Risking it on the mountains.......2005-01-12
With a fine sense of humor, Jon Katz reveals his most innermost feelings when he explores the purchase of a crumbling, dilapidated mountain top cabin in upstate New York. Jon, an author, is not a talented handy man around the home. It appears he can barely screw in a light bulb, not to mention his weak skills balancing a check book. Obviously catered and emotionally indulged by his wife, it is a strong reflection of his love for her that he takes on the job of becoming not only responsible financially, but challenging and accomplishing simple things like scrubbing a toilet and cooking dinner. Later, he takes on tougher skills of gardening and basic home maintainance.
His emotional torture is the realization that the couple can barely afford the luxury (?) of a second home, especially one with significant needs. His prolonged assault of ponderous concerns weigh heavily on him as he goes through the decision of actual purchase and facing the extensive renovations ahead of him. He perceives the purchase as an escape for which he can write his novels, articles and self-exploratory memoirs yet the sacrifice he is inflicting on his wife and daughter disturbs his decision making processes. But his love for the home and the mountain lure him and with excessive reflection of his motives and writings of Thomas Merton, he bites the bullet and signs on the doted line.
Central to his development are his extraordinary blond labradors and their day to day activities. A black lab owner myself, I found this the most charming aspect of his life style. There is something so deeply penetrating in one's love for their dog, and it was quite palpable in the experiences they shared together. Special kudos to his patient and loving wife, Paula who understood when to let go and trust in her man. Their daughter, Emma, friends Jeff and Michele, and the incredible townsfolk round out a very lovely story of growth and achievement. Jon's writing skills truly made me feel as if I too, was sitting in his front yard, sipping scotch and watching the mountains looming in the distance. He just may tug of few of you out of your hum drums, and provoke you as well to purchase your little cabin in the mountains.
Average customer rating:
- Thorough Analysis of Global History
|
Seapower in Global Politics, 1494-1993
George Modelski , and
William R. Thompson
Manufacturer: Univ of Washington Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Military
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Naval
| Military
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0295965029 |
Customer Reviews:
Thorough Analysis of Global History.......2000-05-12
Modelski and Thompson have put together a constructive argument in analyzing war and its relationship to economic growth, hegemonic stability, and naval power
Book Description
Arguing that the power in America is concentrated in large institutions, this book studies the people at the top of these institutions—who they are, how much power they wield, and how they came to power. Tom Dye has chronicled the national leadership since the Nixon-Ford years, each edition featuring the current president and his staff. The seventh edition focuses on the new Bush administration and the contrast it will bring to Washington following 8 years of Clinton dominance. The commentary is supported by years of data analysis involving more than 7000 institutional elites, which includes governmental and corporate leaders. This edition describes the return of the Bush dynasty to power. It includes a new chapter on “The Money Elite”, describing the power of the banking and financial community as well as the Federal Reserve Board; Chapter 7 now covers important issues concerning elite interlocking, recruitment, social characteristics, class, and factionalism; the discussion of “How Institutional Leaders Make Public Policy” has been expanded greatly in Chapter 8; several discussions have been added, including “The Globalization of Economic Power,” “The Battle for IBM,” “Alan Greenspan: Ruling over Money,” “Hillary Clinton: Power and Ambition,” and “Liberal and Conservative Factions among Elites”.
Customer Reviews:
Elite View of American Politics.......2003-05-04
Pretty good book about political elites in the United States. Its strongest point is its empirical discussion of personalities and of groups that have a lot of power in America. Even though the book has been through seven editions, including one following election 2000, some information needs to be updated. This is true, for example, of the discussion about the richest people in America.
The theoretical model I found a bit tangled and not one hundred percent persuasive. I am on the side of the author as far as the major thesis, but I think theoretically this is not the last word on the elite theory of American politics, nor is the book astonishingly creative from the theoretical standpoint.
I also needed more persuasion as far as some specific hypotheses. For example the role of endowments and foundations was presented as a truly major role. Most textbooks on American politics do not even mention endowments and foundations that support academic and scientific research. Much less do most textbooks on the subject consider endowments and foundations to be key players.
Nevertheless, it is a clear no-nonsense book and easy to read, especially if you are interested in politics. I thought it had a nice introductory chapter, paying homage to some of the early great elite theorists, such as Vifredo Pareto, Robert Michels, and Gaetano Mosca.
I recommend it to undergraduate students in American politics and political theory.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Book..........2003-04-17
Paul Reese was a miracle. I had read a number of books about people that walked across America, but a marathon a day?!?! You will be inspired. Written in a very straight forward manner, it won't be the poetry of the words that get you, it will be the poetry of this man's amazing spirit that will make you a fan. I highly recomend this book.
Great book for Ultra runners!.......2002-05-01
I found this book totally addictive. It was a day-to-day journal of Paul Reece's Run X USA and the things he saw and did with his wife! This book sucked me right in and I wasn't able to put it down!! Lots of tips for wana-be runners and those who are veterans! Great tips for getting on the open road and what to watch out for! Fantastic book! Made me want to RUN!!
Book Description
A guide to the politicos, money men, lobbyists, and deal makers who really run America
What foreign country has the power to send America crashing into a recession? Why is the USA still dangerously dependent on oil, when viable energy alternatives have existed for decades? Who made the call that we should return to nuclear energy—and then took a high-paying position with a nuclear company? Which youth group was a spawning ground for many contemporary power mongers? What lobbyists and special-interest groups are running the show on Capitol Hill—and exactly what tools of persuasion are they using?
Melissa Rossi answers these questions and more in this timely and topical guide to whoÂ's pulling the strings behind the scenes of American politics. This latest edition of RossiÂ's popular What Every American Should Know. . . series puts the spotlight on our own backyard, covering topics like:
• Which groups ensure that Americans pay more for drugs than any other nation
• How our immigration laws are damaging the U.S. economy
• WhoÂ's telling the school boards what your child will learn
• Who really benefits from U.S. foreign policy
• How corporations and government agencies are spying on us
• Why we should avoid electronic voting
• Who killed the electric car and who exposed it
Organized by topic for easy reference, What Every American Should Know About WhoÂ's Really Running America shows Americans what is going on behind the scenes and how they can counterbalance the influence of a small, powerful elite to put the power back where it should be—in the hands of the people.
Customer Reviews:
Better Title: How Republicans Are Screwing Up America.......2007-08-09
I'm not a conspiracy freak, but i expected this book to delve into the forces that are behind the scenes, working against America's historical interests. What you get here is a somewhat amateurish indictment of both political parties with a not too well hidden anti-Republican slant. If you are looking for anti-Republican propaganda, there is an abundance of better choices. Do yourself a favor, breeze through this at the bookstore while you have a cup of coffee. You'll learn, as I did, that this book does not deliver on its title.
Great book.....great tools to go and learn for yourself.......2007-07-14
I do not know this author's background, since this is the first book of her's that I have read. I always thought something was wrong with our government but hadn't spent the time to learn much about it. Very insightful read.....but please use it as a tool to go and learn about the issues on your own. She gives great websites to check out so you can create your own informed opinion. Think for yourself and happy reading!
Heavy on ad hominem attacks, light on evidence.......2007-07-11
There is a disturbing trend -- on both the left and right -- of books that simply scream, rant, and peddle conspiracy theories. These paranoid books offer up a simplistic "scapegoat" to blame for all the World's problems. And sadly, the rhetoric is not matched with any evidence or research. Think Ann Coulter & Sean Hannity on the right, and Michael Moore and Al Franken on the left.
Rossi's book is one of those. If you already believe all the world's problems are caused by a grand underground conservative conspiracy -- and do not require any actual evidence -- this book is for you. If you seek more than assertions, but actual *evidence*, then this book is not helpful.
Rossi briskly moves from subject to subject, with each short section limited to substanceless assertions. Her tactic is to list a conservative theory, and then ridicule it as "silly" "ridiculous" "ludicrous" or "implausible." These assertions are followed with no argument, no data, no evidence, and no footnotes (footnotes are reserved only for background information). Instead, she simply says "everybody knows" conservative ideas on the environment, economics, immigration, and geopolitics are wrong. And on a personal level, conservatives are purposely destroying America, and are too stupid to understand economics or work in think tanks (what a classy book). Again, this is substanceless and sloppy writing.
I'd add that the book is poorly researched, but honestly, It does not seem researched at all. Her criticisms of conservative organizations and individuals (for whom mere political participation is portrayed as scandalous) do not cite the actual people/organizations themselves, but rather, cite some other liberal organization's critique. In other words, she relies exclusively on (very biased) secondary sources for her information. That is not a trait of a serious book.
It is interesting that Rossi relentlessly attacks conservatives' academic and intellectual credentials. For the life of me, I cannot find what academic credentials Rossi brings to economic, foreign, environmental and immigration policy. She's a travel journalist, not an economist or political scientist. Her lack of substance conveys the impression she is in well over her public policy head.
In short, this book is another in the line of partisan hit pieces -- high on namecalling, light on evidence. Liberals seeking a brisk reiteration of their conventional wisdom may get some innocent laughs (while hopefully acknowleging the book's lack of research and evidence). Anyone else seeking an intelligent, articulate, fact-filled explanation of liberal public policy should look elsewhere (such as Matt Miller's "The 2 Percent Solution").
Average customer rating:
|
Who's Running America? The Clinton Years, Sixth Edition
Thomas R. Dye
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Federal Government
| Government
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
History
| Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Social Groups
| Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Political Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
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Systems Of Government
| Political Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
| General
| Islamic Government
| Monarchy
| Representative Government
ASIN: 013123241X |
Book Description
Arguing that the power in America is concentrated in large institutions, this book studies the people at the top of these institutions, who they are, how much power they wield, and how they came to power.
KEY TOPICS: This volume chronicles the changes in leadership in Washington accompanying the first Democratic administration in 12 years. It describes how changes in technology, especially in the mass media, have inspired challenges to established elites.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Journal of International Affairs, published by Columbia University School of International Public Affairs on September 22, 2003. The length of the article is 6742 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: In search of democratic governance in Central America: political parties are controlled by a handful of people who profit from running the parties in a patrimonial style, and there are narrow prospects for economic reforms. Why has so little progress been made?(Strong and weak states: cases of governance)
Author: Carlos Sojo
Publication:
Journal of International Affairs (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 2003
Publisher: Columbia University School of International Public Affairs
Volume: 57
Issue: 1
Page: 153(15)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
|
Bird Digipack (mac)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK MULTIMEDIA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
General
| Birdwatching
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0789405237 |
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- STOLEN LIVES: MY FAMILY'S TWENTY-YEAR STRUGGLE IN A DESERT JAIL (Oprah's Book Club)
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