Book Description
A lot more than you might think. By tracing the origin and development of modern management concepts, you can develop a more logical, coherent picture of the present state of management practice, and a deeper understanding of the analytical and conceptual tools of the trade. The History of Management Thought, Fifth Edition, presents the unfolding story of the lives and times of major figures in the field, as well as the enduring themes and influential ideas that have helped shape management thought––from its earliest, pre-industrial beginnings to modern theories. Throughout this comprehensive history, author Daniel Wren profiles significant eras, and analyzes various trends and movements. Now updated and revised, this Fifth Edition reflects the impact of technology and changing market conditions.
Customer Reviews:
History of Managment.......2007-07-16
The History of Management Thought is a good resource to find information about who, when, what, and how of managment. However, key information is embedded in other text so if you don't write the information down right away, it will be hard to find later.
Primer for Management Theory.......2006-11-10
This is an excellent primer for the management theory student. It gives a clear, concise history of organizational management from early civilizations right through to the 21st century. It is easy to read and nicely laid out. Although expensive as far as text books go, it is a book management and leadership students will want to keep for their personal libraries.
Strong Foundation.......2006-02-25
This book is a very strong foundation and the starting point for all management students, managers, and leaders, who are willing to learn about management.
Daniel A. Wren, who is one of the most famous management history gurus of our time, provides the basics necessary to understand the evolution of management thought, before jumping into contemporary works on different areas of management.
This book is the latest edition of "The Evolution of Management Thought". Don't be misguided with the slight change in the name from "Evolution" to "History". Previous prints with title "The Evolution of Management Thought" is out-of-print.
Scholarly, thorough and interesting.......2005-09-21
Management of workers to accomplish organizational tasks predates even the bible. Virtually every field has a organizational structure and management philosophy - even if they don't explicitly state it and some may not even know it! Prior to the modern age, most people simply managed in whatever ad hoc way they thought was best - no one really studied how effective different methods of management were. But as organizations grew in both size and complexity, effective management became synonymous with more profits from higher productivity and less waste.
Dr. Wren traces the evolution of management history and thought - exploring the early ideas of what people believed was effective and how these philosophies changed as more ideas came into the field and as technology changed the way we work. This book is for anyone serious about understanding management philosophy - where it's been, where it is, and where it's going.
The history of management by Wren.......2005-04-21
This book is highly reader friendly. it presents the history of management theory, in an easy to understand chroniclogical format. Daniel Wren introduces terminology, theories and paradigms in a manner that is clear, and concise.
This books is a keeper for any business, management or administration majors, in any discipline.
Book Description
This book serves as a guided introduction to the rich a diverse perspectives on leadership throughout the ages and throughout the world. Each of the selections, introduced by the editor, presents enlightening thoughts on a different aspect of leadership. Writings by Plato, Aristotle, Lao-tzu and others demonstrate that the challenges of leadership are as old as civilization. Machiavelli, Tolstoy, Ghandi, and W.E.B. Du Bois provide a wide range of insights into the eternal practice and problems of leadership. Modern masters of leadership such as James MacGregor Burns, John Kotter, and Warren Bennis join such leading practitioners as Max De Pree and Roger B. Smith in discussing contemporary issues in leadership theory and practice.
Customer Reviews:
Leader's Companion.......2007-02-17
The book has a good general overview of concepts important to leadership and explores many of those concepts in depth. It is structured in an organized way, too.
A valuable resource..........2007-02-14
This book was an assigned text in a leadership course for seminary. I was pleasantly surprised by this collection of essays and excerpts from many classic leadership books. I anticipated a rather dry book, but I was pleased by the level of engagement that I experienced throughout the readings, with very few exceptions.
The format helps with this, as most readings were ten pages or less. This made the book very digestible and accessible, as it moved from topic to topic and from author to author. This format also served as a primary drawback of the book, as it is obviously impossible to establish any sort of continuity. To that end, however, the editor very strategically organized and categorized the various selections, thereby making it as coherent as the format would allow.
Ultimately, I was favorably impressed with Wren's "The Leader's Companion." It's a book that I'm glad to have on my shelf, as I'll certainly refer to specific essays in the future as various situations arise in my leadership settings. Though I wouldn't describe it as dynamic or inspiring, it is certainly a helpful resource for anyone interested in the study of leadership.
Very unique book.......2005-09-01
I would recommend this book to be used in a classroom because of its extreme variety. It jumps all over the place and is really filled with theory but is a great book to bring about discussions.
I tend to disagree with it but it has redefined my perspective on leadership.
It goes as far as to say why we should not teach leadership. I feel you can not be taught to be a great leader but you can be taught essential element in becoming an outstanding leader if you choose to personally master those elements.
weLEAD Book Review from the Editor of leadingtoday.org.......2004-12-22
Books on leadership now abound in bookstores and in our popular consciousness. Anyone who begins a serious study into this subject will soon come across familiar names such as John Gardner, James MacGregor Burns, Robert Greenleaf, Bernard Bass, Kenneth Blanchard, Terrence Deal, Warren Bennis, Max De Pree and others. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one book contained some of the most insightful writings and thoughts of these individuals? The Leaders Companion - Insights on Leadership Through the Ages is such a book and should be on every leader's bookshelf!
This massive work is edited by J. Thomas Wren and he undertakes a difficult task. Wren constructs the book with three basic premises. First, that leadership is not just a modern "fad", but is "central to the human condition". Leadership as a concept is both current and timeless. The second premise of the book is that leadership is not just the province of a select few, but is available to all. Thirdly, and perhaps the most important premise is that leadership is a valuable area of study, especially the process of leadership. Wren hopes the reader will appreciate the "real end of leadership: the achievement of mutual goals which are intended to enhance one's group, organization or society."
To initiate these premises the book approaches leadership from a broad perspective. Wren draws upon a broad range of classical writers, leadership scholars, and the wisdom of modern leaders. The book is divided into thirteen parts that guide the reader through the complex structure we commonly call leadership. Wren acknowledges that understanding this process lies at the heart of improving our lives, surroundings, and world.
This book is an outstanding collection of various leadership perspectives and models. He has opened up the study of leadership through the ages and from a worldview of different cultures. The Leaders Companion - Insights on Leadership Through the Ages is great reading and should be part of your own leadership library!
Great compendium, but slanted toward social-psychological..........2002-03-01
This book consists of 64 excerpts from (mostly) modern writers about leadership, with a social-psychological perspective. (The non-modern excerpts are from, for example, Plato, Machiavelli, Tolstoy, Lao-tzu, Carlyle, etc.) There are a couple of chapters dealing with women's leadership. The editor, J. Thomas Wren, has struggled to find common grounds--e.g., modern views of leadership, leaders and followers together, the leadership environment. Nearly all writings are slanted toward social-psychological, around concepts like "transaction," "transforming," behavioral theories, system perspectives, influence, tactics, organizational decision-making, and so forth.
A friend noted the paucity of "high quality" mass leadership in today's America--he was speaking of the Enron mess and the financial predations of high-power executive America, the corruption of the political process by highly expensive campaigns, the stagnation of our drug "war," and the pervasive ironic cynicism in public commentary. This book does not deal with the absence of leadership, unfortunately, or the inability of America to handle fast-moving problems (such as global warming, and our contribution to it)--but it is great background material and well worth reading.
Average customer rating:
- A Woman's perspective of "The End"
- The world ended and it's all the Christian's fault.
- Unforgettable journey
- Ho Hummm...
- 10 Stars If I Could!
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A Gift upon the Shore
M.K. Wren
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0345363418
Release Date: 1990-02-03 |
Book Description
“A Gift upon the Shore is a lyrical, haunting story of two women, an artist and a writer, surviving in a dark near future. Driven by rich and fully drawn characters, this is a powerful, compelling story of a friendship that survives the devastation, only to face a more difficult test from the ‘gift’ found upon the shore… It is also about remaining human under the worst of conditions, and the humanizing influence of books and art, even when their existence is threatened.
“Above all, it is a poignant expression of the durability, grace, and potential of the human spirit.”
—Jean M. Auel
Customer Reviews:
A Woman's perspective of "The End".......2007-03-14
First, let me say that this is a slow paced book, and not riven through with violence, though there is enough. If your looking for Post Apocalyptic Fiction such as the Stand or Swan Song (both of which are proudly on my shelf) this is not for you. There's no Mad Max Thunderdome. Instead, there is a quiet, almost Quakerish view of a very small part of a world gone terribly bad.
This wonderful book has earned a permanent place in my collection of Post Apocalyptic Fiction, along with Jack McDevitt's Eternity Road and Walter M. Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz. Why? Because not only does the book observe The End through the eyes of a woman, which is quite unique, it shows the constant human need for knowledge, the quest for lost knowledge, and best of all, the complete love of books that inhabits these three novels.
I've been on a Post Apocalyptic kick, lately, working my way through books never before read and those read and nearly forgotten. It has left me, surprisingly, with some hope for us, for our future.
This book will quietly haunt you, you will remember it, you will pass it along to a friend, you may reread it. I think you will never forget it.
The world ended and it's all the Christian's fault........2006-07-27
That is this book in a nutshell. The Christian characters are all unfailingly and unrelentingly wild eyed lunatics who nearly destroy attempts at recovery after the End. The only hope for humanity lies with our agnostic heros who work to plant a seed for a future rebirth of civilization. I'm glad I borrowed this one from the library instead of buying it.
Unforgettable journey.......2004-05-15
"A Gift Upon the Shore" is a story that will always stay with you once you've read it.
In contrast to lots of other apocalyptic novels this one is so believable, the characters so real. It is very well written and you can't but feel with the heroines as they survive the end of civilization and struggle on day by day and year after year. And here for once are people who don't just settle into cave man style lives ("Earth Abides") but here you find the ultimate effort of trying to preserve knowledge for the generations born after the "Golden Age".
Ho Hummm..........2004-03-19
First off: I was looking forward to reading this book. I love `post apocalyptical' novels, so when the Library had this book for sale, I eagerly snapped it up. Well...I have to say the first chapter ruined it for me. Number one, I'm not a big fan of novels written in the first person, but this book has a chapter at the beginning, which is written from one of the main characters POV that spoils major, plot points. This is a pet peeve of mine when reading fiction, and it seems to be a trend when writing from first person. I prefer not to read what's going to happen before it does...Ugg.
But I persevered, and read more of the book. I found the writing style of this book to be quite dry and stilted. Chapters read like entries into a diary, and characters speak quite unnaturally. There is one paragraph where a main male character speaks in a single huge paragraph without pause! Ech. Every character has a biblical name and the writing style seems stiff and boring to me.
I guess "A gift upon the Shore" is just not my bag. The narrative style was too dry and unappealing and the author tells us whats going on most of the time rather than showing us. I guess I'll just have to give this book a pass.
10 Stars If I Could!.......2003-12-08
This novel supposedly takes place in the near future, beginning just before a nuclear war and subsequent plague decimates the human population. Mary Hope is the principle character, and she relates a story that begins when she is a young woman and progresses until she is older, in her 60's, this story being told to a young man named Stephen as Mary attempts to prepare him to eventually replace her as the teacher of their small group on the Oregon coast. Most of the group is of a fanatical religious bent and she has to carefully navigate through this. Author M. K. Wren gives us this interesting tale through the perspective of a woman, and I am aware that women tend to be more introspective than men are, of emotions and their environment, and also more attuned and sensitive to interpersonal relationships, this is all very evident in this novel, and well done. The story is very philosophical, I loved it. The underlying message is that the human race has squandered precious resources preparing for war, plunging us into worldwide recession, culminating in nuclear war and plague. There is no ultimate right and wrong, only human values and the importance we ourselves place on them.
The story gives graphic detail of events at the "end" and far past it, made me feel as though I was really there. It illustrates the strong will and determination some people possess in the face of calamity, and a quest to save part of civilization. I loved the rational world-view of the two principal characters, Mary and Rachel, no mythmaking or herd behavior with these ladies, they accept the true nature of the universe. A very poetic novel, always reflective, I savored every word.
Average customer rating:
- why another retelling?
- A wonderful version of a classic tale
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Luba and the Wren (Picture Puffins)
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
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Welcome Comfort
ASIN: 0698119223 |
Book Description
When Luba helps a frightened wren, it promises to grant all of her wishes. "I am content, I have no wish," Luba says-at first. Then Luba's parents convince her to ask for a bigger house. After that, they want an estate, and later, they ask for a palace. With the granting of each wish Luba hopes her parents will be satisfied, but instead they only want more. Where will it end? This Russian version of The Fisherman and His Wife masterfully illustrates the rewards of simplicity and the dangers of greed.
"Polacco's freely brushed watercolors are bright with decorative borders, richly patterned clothing, and exotic onion domes." (Booklist)
Customer Reviews:
why another retelling?.......2005-08-03
Patricia Polacco is an extremely talented author but I don't completely understand where she was coming from with this one. The classic story of the Fisherman and His Wife here receives a new treatment where Luba, previously "full of joy and free from care as all children should be", saves the life of a little enchanted wren and is pressured by her parents to request more and more gifts in return. In the traditional story the fish, tired of granting wishes to the never-satisfied wife, states that the couple will get what they deserve and it turns out to be their original house. This story has a slightly different ending where the parents ask to be "as Gods" and the wren grants their wish saying to Luba, "Go then, my child... it is already done". She returns to find them with their original humble dwelling and station in life returned to them, yet content with their lot, as they embrace their daughter warmly. I'm not sure how the parents being happy at last (although it's a nice touch) constitutes their wish being granted. Overall I'd say to stick with the original when you choose to share this story with your children.
A wonderful version of a classic tale.......2000-06-15
Polacco's book is a time honored theme, this retelling from the Ukraine. When Luba saves the Wren's life her parents insist she return to ask for a favor. The parents never seem to be satisfied and send Luba back time and time again. In the end the parents are returned to the happy couple they were when they started.This book can be successfully compared with any of the many available versions of the Fisherman and His Wife but also contains elements from The Stonecutter -- another tale available in several versions. Sometimes those with seemingly little power/wealth think other situations would make them a different person or happier. And when they do obtain power their humility is lost. Satisfaction seldom comes when one has not earned that power or wealth. Polacco's wonderously beautiful watercolors brings this theme into the full vision of readers. A delightfully new twist on a classic tale.
Book Description
Why do people care about being moral? What motivates us to interpret our lives in moral terms? In this book Thomas Wren uncovers and assesses the largely hidden philosophical assumptions about human motivation that have shaped contemporary psychological theories about morality.
The traditional view is that truly moral men and women want to do what is right and good for its own sake' However, this internalist perspective has been eclipsed in recent psychologies of morality in favor of the view that people act morally for the same extrinsic rewards and punishments that supposedly motivate every other sort of human action. Wren argues that it is possible to develop a social and behavioral science compatible with, and even based on, the conviction that morality is intrinsically motivated.
Beginning with behaviorism and social learning theory and moving on to the more cognitive approaches of psychoanalytic and cognitive developmental theories of moral experience, Wren shows that these theories embody tacit but distinctive metaethical perspectives concerning the nature of moral judgment and what he calls "moral care," the tendency to think of reality in moral categories. Wren points out that this tendency is conceptually distinct from a specific "moral motive," such as benevolence or loyalty. He notes the difference between these two sorts of motivational tendencies in each of the psychological theories discussed, and derives results that are themselves subjected to the test of whether they can be subscribed to in good faith by men and women who are not only theorists but also moral agents. Wren's analysis of Piaget's theory is especially valuable and leads to a discussion of Kohlberg's later psychological work, a discussion that will open new areas of inquiry to philosophers.
Thomas E. Wren is Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University of Chicago.
Book Description
Provides every lawyer who is currently Of Counsel or contemplating such a position-and every firm that recognizes the status-with the background, understanding and language required to protect the interests of all concerned.
Book Description
A timeless, utterly charming Christmas fable, beautifully illustrated and destined to become a classic When Paul Auster was asked by The New York Times to write a Christmas story for the Op-Ed page, the result, "Auggie Wren's Christmas Story," led to Auster's collaboration on a film adaptation, Smoke. Now the story has found yet another life in this enchanting illustrated edition.It begins with a writer's dilemma: he's been asked by The New York Times to write a story that will appear in the paper on Christmas morning. The writer agrees, but he has a problem: How to write an unsentimental Christmas story? He unburdens himself to his friend at his local cigar shop, a colorful character named Auggie Wren. "A Christmas story? Is that all?" Auggie counters. "If you buy me lunch, my friend, I'll tell you the best Christmas story you ever heard. And I guarantee every word of it is true."And an unconventional story it is, involving a lost wallet, a blind woman, and a Christmas dinner. Everything gets turned upside down. What's stealing? What's giving? What's a lie? What's the truth? It's vintage Auster, and pure pleasure: a truly unsentimental but completely affecting tale.
Customer Reviews:
Fascinating story.......2006-01-09
Many (many!) years ago I read this story; years later, I saw the film "Smoke" with Harvey Keitel and William Hurt. I was so deeply influenced by both that I suggested that the Great Books discussion group I was in should read this story for our December reading (never mind that half of us are Jewish).
However, back in the day, the story was only a figment of my fevered imagination, if you searched the libraries or the internet (young then). The story had been published only once, in the New York Times, and then dropped to the bottom of the sea. Meanwhile, director Wang had gotten in touch with Auster and they had agreed to make it into a film. So it HAD to exist somewhere, right?
After digging into the internet, I located a gentleman who had published a limited edition, William Drenttel. He had published it in a small run of very nicely bound books for a lot of money, or a REALLY limited edition for well over $100.
I wrote (humbly) to him, and here is what he said:
Lori, happy to send you the text for the limited use of your reading group.
I've attached it as a Word file, as well as posted it below. Hope you have a great evening on 1/19. Best, Bill Drenttel
Published by William Drenttel New York & The Delos Press
December 1992
Printed by Libranus Press, England, in an edition of 450
Story Þrst published in The New York Times on December 25, 1990.
Auggie Wren¹s Christmas Story
Paul Auster
Illustration by Brian Cronin
So that is how my book group was able to discuss "Auggie Wren" years before this book became an affordable reality.
Of course I think it is a wonderful and complex story about growth, redemption, sadness, joy, pain, and how to move on with one's life...instruction of a sort.
Auster is brilliant, as always.
The making of 'Smoke'........2005-04-13
Auggie Wren runs a store where you can buy tobacco and magazines. One day a youth steels a few paperbacks and Augggie Wren runs after him. The young man loses his wallet and Auggie stops to pick it up. He looks in the wallet and finds the address
of what turns out to be the grandmother of our young delinquent. ( I can't tell anymore without spoiling the plot ).
Film director Wayne Wang was seduced by this little story and it was he who persuaded Paul Auster to write the script for "Smoke". (1994).
The present edition of "Auggie Wren's Christmas Story" has two parts. The first part is a kind of introduction and uses a scene from the film where Auggie shows his photo collection to Paul. Even in this introduction reality and fiction are intertwined to become one and the same.(And isn't this the true value of literature, to erase the borderline between dreams and every day reality ?).
The second part is the story like it was told by Harvey Keitel in "Smoke".
At the end Paul Auster says: " As long as there's one person to believe it, there's no story that can't be true."
An Unsentimental Christmas Story.......2005-01-11
Auggie Wren's Christmas Story by Paul Auster is one of those short books which is fun to read either before, during or even after the holidays.
Paul Auster, the highly regarded author, is asked to write an editorial piece which will appear on Christmas morning in the NY Times. At first Mr. Auster doesn't even want to write the article fearing he has nothing to say, but then he's worn down and agrees to do this. One thing the author knows is he doesn't want to write
anything sentimental. Readers should think of his thoughts as a non Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. When in fact he sits down to write the article, though, he has trouble actually write this unsentimental tale. Days go by and he has nothing written on paper to show for his efforts.
Fearing he may never write this article, Mr. Auster mentions his problem one day to the man who owns a small newspaper and cigar store in his neighborhood. The man, Auggie Wren promises to tell him a Christmas story if he treats him to lunch. And so over lunch the author listens to a tale which is both sentimental and poignant which asks what does a wallet, a blind woman and a camera have to do with each other. More important than the answer which these questions raise are the more important ones like what is true, what is lying and did any or all of these events really ever happen.
This is a warm and somewhat sentimental story, despite what the author hoped for, about the spirit of the holidays in the tradition of O. Henry's Gift of the Magi. Consider buying this title for next Christmas. This book is just perfect as a holiday gift and sure to be a keeper in the future.
A surprising little Christmas story.......2004-12-19
Auster succeeded in what he attempted to accomplish: to create an unsentimental Christmas story. The story is surprisingly effective, in that the reader is not entirely certain of what direction the plot is going. This slim book -- little more than an elongated article -- is pure, forced action. One event closely follows another. What I enjoyed about it is the series of moral dilemmas offered up to the reader. Should Auggie have turned in the thief? Was it a wise choice to visit the thief's home? Should he have stayed with the grandmother? And should he have taken the camera that he found in the bathroom? If he had not done any of these actions, then we would not have today the collection of Auggie Wren's a-picture-a-day. Does the end justify the means? I read this book to my two sons and had a very interesting discussion regarding the choices that Auggie made. This book, in combination with Auster's "I Thought My Father Was God," makes for worthwhile discussions around small, fascinating stories. The beautiful illustrations by the artist ISOL merit close study.
"Gift Of The Magi" ala Auster.......2004-12-05
In this slim book, Paul Auster authors a new version of a Christmas Story. The book recounts a very interesting story about what Christmas means to so many. It represents a time of hopefullness and wishes that people have and how they may come true.
The obvious similarity between Auster's story and O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" involves the giving of gifts, one person to another, but not in the regular way we give gifts at Christmas. In this book, by a simple twist of fate, Auggie Wren, the protagonist comes upon a wallet, that was dropped. For a long time, Auggie just keeps the wallet, but eventually he attempts to give it back to its owner.
Upon arrival at the owner's house, it turns out, that he is not there at the time. However, the grandmother of the wallet owner is there. And she is blind. Yet, she allows herself to accept the visit and perhaps the spirit of Christmas by allowing Auggie to represent her grandson, as the Grandmother to believe that he is who she wishes him to be. Likewise, Auggie allows himself to accept a gift that is given in a very unusual manner.
While Auggie believes that even blind, the women knew he was not her grandson, yet she allows Auggie to act as the grandson, because that is her most personal wish at that time. In return for this favor, the grandmother in turn gives unknowingly, a gift to Auggie. Auggie though is bothered by the manner in which he acquired the gift and goes back to return it. When he arrives, the Grandmother no longer is resident at the apartment.
What actually happens to her, Auster never reveals. However, the concept of the story is tightly bound to the giving of gifts, one to another, and with the gifts, there is both sorrow and love. As each gives what they have, and each sacrifices what they have, in order to please the other.
Such is the case in this book as well. The book is highly recommemded for those who have a familiarity with "The Gift of the Magi" and also with "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. A good familiarity with those stories enhances the reader's understanding of Auster's point.
Because of the books short text, it can be read in lest than 30 minutes, but it is strongly advised that the reader reread the book immediately after finishing it the first time, in order to get the full flavor and impact of Auster's version of Christmas.
Book Description
A heat wave has struck Hampstead, Kansas, and Susan Wren, police chief of the sweltering town, has a vile flu. She struggles to keep up with work piling on her desk, while also dealing with a troubled teenage girl, a delusional World War II veteran, and a rookie cop who needs to be fired before her enthusiasm and inexperience get someone killed. If this weren’t enough to contend with, trouble from the outside world enters the small town.
Cary Black is new in Hampstead, hiding out from her abusive policeman husband, Mitch. The woman she was to stay with has disappeared, and Cary, not wanting to alert the police, assumes the woman’s identity. Mitch will stop at nothing to recover his wife, but when he tries, he’ll be on Police Chief Susan Wren’s turf.
This seventh entry in the highly praised series is the most thrilling and suspenseful yet. Charlene Weir weaves an intricate tale and Susan Wren encounters every obstacle she meets with courage and resourcefulness.
Customer Reviews:
Sleeping With The Enemy Two.......2007-06-15
I read Charlene Weir's first mystery featuring Susan Wren, Winter Widow, and was quite impressed. I was absolutely thrilled when I saw that the series had been continued. The latest istallment of Susan Wren, Edge of Midnight, was much different in tone and violence. I expected another Kansas Cozy, but the brutal rape and murder scene at the beginning of the novel was quite shocking. I wasn't expecting that. Also, as I continued reading the story of Cary Black, the abused wife, I kept thinking of the novel Sleeping with the Enemy by Nancy Price (the movie was based on this novel). In Sleeping with the Enemy, the run-away abused wife is quite similar to Cary. They both are extremely thin and don't eat much. Both wear a wig, and both settle in rural towns. But what really seemed too similar was the job that both protagonists took after coming to their new towns. In Sleeping with The Enemy, the abused wife took a job taking care of a paralyzed former professor. The professor had a teenage girl helping out who was always running to class, etc. In Edge of Midnight, Cary took a job as companion to a partially paralyzed stroke victim who was a psychiatrist. Her granddaughter needed the help and was always running off to class. On the flip side, the two characters have many different characteristics. Of course, I realize there are only so many plot variations, but the novel is not what most people remember about Sleeping with the Enemy, but the movie, which is very different. Read Sleeping with the Enemy and see the similarites. Cary was however a very sympathetic character, and the novel was her story. I would like to read a book about what becomes of her. Susan Weir was on the sidelines. I will go back and read some of the books that came between these two novels, because I believe I missed a shift in tone somewhere along the way. Overall, I was a little disappointed in this novel. Charlene Weir did bring all of her plot lines together; however, in today's modern mysteries, beware of being someone's helpful, best friend.
NOT MY FAVORITE .....STILL.......2007-04-14
i do agre with many of the reviews on here pertaing to this particular offering But, I will buy or borrow Ms. weirs next book anyway . It's not unusual to hva e novel with high expectations and the author i'm sure would love to oblige ..however, this one is a bit too much a mix up .
I love her first book " A Cold Christmas " and found it at a yard sale ...still has a place on my bookshelves . Ms. Weir has a bright and long future in this genre as good as any of mary higgins clark or her daughter's , Carol . and yes, I have read every one of mis Weirs other books . Not all consistant but, perhaps time and practice will be a help .
I think she's worth the look .
Not my favorite book from one of my favorite writers.......2007-04-07
Police chief Susan Wren is very busy in the small town of Hempstead, Kansas. She has a rookie cop who has nearly killed two of her partners by not following their instructions. The teenaged girl Susan has befriended is clearly upset but won't talk to Susan. A World War II veteran suffering of Alzheimer get a hold of a gun. Into this comes Cary Black, a woman on the run from her abusive husband, who is a cop.
I so enjoy this series and felt the last book, "Up In Smoke," was excellent. For me, this book wasn't up to the same level. There was a lot going on in this book, perhaps a bit too much. I did feel the story could have been much tighter. And yet, Ms. Weir deftly wove most the fragments together into a suspenseful plot primarily focused on abuse. The protagonist of this book, rather than being Susan, was Cary. Ms. Wren did a very good job of showing the balance of Cary's fear yet strength and determination, as well as the husband's psychosis and rationale for beating his wife. However, there were a few too many coincidences and I definitely saw the end coming. This was definitely not her best book. I do recommend Ms. Weir's books and wish she would write them faster, rather than every two-to-three years, but I should recommend starting with "Winter Widow."
fresh Chief Wren tale.......2007-03-11
In Hampstead, Kansas, Police Chief Susan Wren, battling the flu, reads the riot act to new cop Ida Rather, who disobeyed a direct order and almost seriously injured another police officer. At about the same time that Susan admonishes Ida, in El Cerrito, California attorney Arlette persuades battered Cary Black to flee her abusive spouse Mitch a cop, at a time when his professed beloved is going blind. Arlette arranges for Cary to hide in the home of a friend Kelby Oliver in Hampstead.
Upon arriving in Hampstead, Cary finds Kelby is missing. Fearing the beating of her life for running away, Cary moves into Kelby's home and begins to become the woman even obtaining work under her new identity as a caretaker for a stroke sufferer and gets a library card in order to borrow books. However, unbeknownst to Cary, Kelby is in hiding after death threats from thugs because of her position as she sits on a jury in which the prosecution seeks the death penalty for a brutal rape-murder. Soon everything will converge on the frightened rabbit who obviously picked the wrong identity to hide behind.
Two things freshen up the seventh Chief Wren tale: first she is not the prime player, but serves more in a support role and second Mitch's extreme behavior between abuse and love seems genuine. The story line is action-packed from the moment that Cary flees for the Plains only to jump "Out of the frying pan, into the fire". What is fascinatingly is that it is enthusiastic disobedient Ida rather than Susan who plays the prime investigative role. Charlene Weir keeps readers' attention as they wonder whether Mitch will get to Cary before the thugs get to her as Kelby.
Harriet Klausner
Books:
- The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia
- The Longest Season
- The Many Adventures of Pengey Penguin
- The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, Numbered Edition, Brown Alligator and Tan, Bonded Leather
- The Shorebird Guide
- The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
- The Sibley Guide to Birds
- The Sibley Guide to Birds
- The Sparrow
- The Study of Variable Stars Using Small Telescopes
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Both Sides of the Ocean: A Biography of Henry Adams, His First Life, 1838-1862
- Middle East Review 2003/2004
- A Soldier's Words My Dad, My Hero: The Diary of Sgt. Paul E. Smith United States Army 1941-1958
The 21st Century Health Care Leader
Business Leadership: A Jossey-Bass Reader
The Jossey-Bass Reader on Educational Leadership (Jossey-Bass Teacher)
Thinking (4th Edition)
Thinking Socratically: Critical Thinking About Everyday Issues (2nd Edition)
