Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mayflower
  • Unraveling a Myth
  • Not what I was hoping for
  • Educational book
  • Not what I expected, but
Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War
Nathaniel Philbrick
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Colonial Period | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
MassachusettsMassachusetts | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
New EnglandNew England | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Team of Rivals Team of Rivals
  2. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
  3. Suite Francaise Suite Francaise
  4. The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 (Vintage) The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 (Vintage)
  5. Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer (P.S.) Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer (P.S.)

ASIN: 0670037605

Book Description

From the bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea—winner of the National Book Award—the startling story of the Plymouth Colony

From the perilous ocean crossing to the shared bounty of the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrim settlement of New England has become enshrined as our most sacred national myth. Yet, as bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick reveals in his spellbinding new book, the true story of the Pilgrims is much more than the well-known tale of piety and sacrifice; it is a fifty-five-year epic that is at once tragic, heroic, exhilarating, and profound.

The MayflowerÂ's religious refugees arrived in Plymouth Harbor during a period of crisis for Native Americans as disease spread by European fishermen devastated their populations. Initially the two groups—the Wampanoags, under the charismatic and calculating chief Massasoit, and the Pilgrims, whose pugnacious military officer Miles Standish was barely five feet tall—maintained a fragile working relationship. But within decades, New England would erupt into King PhilipÂ's War, a savagely bloody conflict that nearly wiped out English colonists and natives alike and forever altered the face of the fledgling colonies and the country that would grow from them.

With towering figures like William Bradford and the distinctly American hero Benjamin Church at the center of his narrative, Philbrick has fashioned a fresh and compelling portrait of the dawn of American history—a history dominated right from the start by issues of race, violence, and religion.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mayflower.......2007-10-18

The history presented by Nathaniel Philbrick is very interesting and gives a person a more personable view of the Mayflower families and times (as well as of the Indians in New England). I found his information to be quite complete and filled in a lot of history that has not been published before that I know of.

5 out of 5 stars Unraveling a Myth.......2007-10-18

" Wherever they first set foot on the American continent, it wasn't Plymouth, and it certainly wasn't Plymouth Rock. The first Thanksgiving (in 1621) was indeed attended by Indians as well as Pilgrims, but they didn't sit at the tidy table depicted in Victorian popular art; they "stood, squatted, or sat on the ground as they clustered around outdoor fires, where the deer and birds turned on wooden spits and where pottages -- stews into which varieties of meats and vegetables were thrown -- simmered invitingly."

- Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

How many of us grew up with myths about the Pilgrims and about the first Thanksgiving? We all believed that the Pilgrims and the Indians sat at a beautiful table laden with turkey, cranberries and all of the fixings. Not only was that not the case, they certainly didn't set foot on Plymouth Rock.

Philbrick puts these myths to rest. And he tells us about the beginning of our new country and what was the basis for its foundation. Our myths contained stories about Massasoit and Squanto, Bradford and Winslow and, of course, Miles Standish.

One of the major accounts in the book was that of the King Philip's War. We learned that it really did not have to be. Both sides could have developed solutions which respected the goodness in each other as well as the differences.

We learned about how the Indians were shipped off to foreign places during this war and were separated from all of their families and tribes....never to be heard from again (having been made slaves). Only a few ever made it back like Squanto, for example.

Philbrick discusses why the war occurred after so many years of peace and why the descendants of Massasoit and of Bradford and Winslow came to see things differently than their fathers; losing sight of the faith and the respect for the individual that their forefathers had long revered. They also blocked out the memory of how they all needed one another to survive.

The Mayflower Compact, we learn, is one document that laid the foundations for the country that America was to become. Yet, our forefathers had to live through a nightmare of a war (of their own making) where both sides suffered tremendously. It took many years after the war ended to ever recoup even a portion of what was lost.

Philbrick's book is a story of courage, community and war on both sides as well as a story of how our forefathers lost sight of what the Indians had done for their ancestors and their fathers and what was owed to these people. In doing so, they also lost sight of the need for diplomacy and how to work together to come up with solutions that would be good for both the settlers as well as the Indians.

MAYFLOWER has won many awards and the book deserves all of them. What I have come away with deals first with the myth. This was unraveled for me so that I could understand and gain knowledge of the facts of these early settlements. I learned what worked, what didn't work and why the peaceful compact fell apart. I also learned that we can gain a lot from understanding our past and that we do not have to make the same mistakes over again.

Nathaniel Philbrick has given us hope that our future does not always have to resemble our past. He wrote, "When violence and fear grip a society, there is an almost overpowering temptation to demonize the enemy. But some on both sides refused to succumb. They were the ones whose rambunctious and intrinsically rebellious faith in humanity finally brought the war to an end, and they are the heroes of this story."

During the times that we face now, our heroes can continue to be those leaders and citizens who strive to focus on the faith in humanity and celebrate our differences as well as our similarities finding solutions rather than reasons to turn away from each other.

Four Stars: B+ (Recommend Highly)

Bentley/2007
Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War

3 out of 5 stars Not what I was hoping for.......2007-10-13

I couldn't get into this book because it was very different from what I thought it would be. I expected "Mayflower" to be a detailed account of why the pilgrims decided to journey to America, and also a vivid description of what life aboard the Mayflower was actually like. The book did cover those things, but only for a few short pages. Most of the book is devoted to the history of Plymouth Colony and King Philip's War. Author Nataniel Philbrick does an excellent job of shooting down the myths many people believe about what the pilgrim settlement was actually like, but I was much more interested in reading about the actual Mayflower journey and was disappointed that so little information about that event was included in this 400+ page book. "Mayflower" should be called "King Philip's War" so readers know what they're getting into.

5 out of 5 stars Educational book.......2007-09-26

This is a very informative, accurate writing of our history. More people should read and know the real history of our country.

4 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, but.......2007-09-16

the book was still a captivating piece of literature. I read this directly after reading In the Heart of the Sea by Philbrick, and was expecting the same type of story. That was not the case however. The title is a bit misleading in that one thinks they are going to be reading (or at least I did) a story of the journey. The subtitle should have cued me in. The book is about the struggle between the settlers and the natives more so than it is about the voyage to the new world. All that being said, I still loved the book. I gave the book four stars because I wish there was more about the actual voyage, and I think the title is a little misleading. All in all though, it is a superb piece of literature.
Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret Special Operations Team
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • infsoldier0441
  • Not worth the effort
  • Good stuff about S.F
  • Inside story
  • Fairly Interesting
Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret Special Operations Team
Michael Smith
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
  2. Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior
  3. Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army
  4. Licensed to Kill: Hired Guns in the War on Terror Licensed to Kill: Hired Guns in the War on Terror
  5. Roughneck Nine-One: The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-team at War Roughneck Nine-One: The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-team at War

ASIN: 0312362722
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Book Description

A top-secret U.S. Army Special Operations unit has been running covert missions all over the world, from leading death squads to the hideout of drug baron Pablo Escobar to assassinating key al Qaeda members, including Iraqi leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and, in one of their greatest missions, capturing Saddam Hussein. 'The Activity," as it became known to insiders, has achieved near-mythical status, even among the world's Special Operations elite. Now journalist Michael Smith gets inside this clandestine military team to expose their explosive history and secrets.

The Activity’s story begins with the abortive attempt to rescue the American hostages from Iran in 1980. One of the main reasons Operation Eagle Claw failed was a chronic lack of intel on the ground, so in January 1981, U.S. military chiefs set up the “Intelligence Support Activity,” a cover name for a secret army surveillance team that could operate undercover anywhere in the world. Hidden from the politicians and the government bean counters, it would carry out deniable operations preparing the way for Delta and SEAL Team Six.

Michael Smith has spoken to many former members of the Activity, and we follow them on operations from the war on the drug barons that led Colombian "death squads" to the hideouts of Pablo Escobar and his men. We learn of more recent missions, including snatching war criminals from their safe houses in the Balkans (at one time disguising themselves as French soldiers to lull a Serb warlord into a false sense of security), and operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. Killer Elite reveals the incredible truth behind the world's most secret Special Operations organization, a unit that is at the forefront of the War on Terror.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars infsoldier0441.......2007-08-29

I found this book to be a great read. To me this book went into great detail about the "behind the scenes" aspects. From reading many other books related to the Global War Terrorism, mainly dealing with the special forces aspect, I was able to "tie all of their stories together". This book fills in many blanks in military operations in the Tier 1 arena, as well as exposing you to a small group of absolute professionals. This book also holds nothing back in revealing how unglamorous and non-Hollywood Special Forces and the military in general are. I highly recomend this book to anyone interested in this little known area of the Department of Defense.

2 out of 5 stars Not worth the effort.......2007-08-21

I tend to be someone who likes to utilize my time effectively. Even when reading for entertainment, as was the case when I bought this book. Unfortunately, it was more a lesson in the inner political battle that ensued about Special Operation Forces and their leaders. I more than once got a taste of Smith's views on the Iraq war, especially when he talks about why we went into Iraq, which had absolutely noting to do with the topic of the book. You can probably guess he painted a picture of, "there was no good reason to go into Iraq." Same liberal nonsense the media pushes on us everyday.

The only reason he is getting two stars and not one is for the few interesting pages that actually talk about operations. Otherwise a complete waste of time.

4 out of 5 stars Good stuff about S.F.......2007-08-19

This is a book well worth reading if the subject of today's Special Forces and selectively targeting badguy's interests you. Much of what the highly secretive 'Army of Northern Virginia' has been doing for the past 3 decades is revealed here. If you are someone interested in the above subject. I would also recommend: The Phoenix and the Birds of Prey, The Hunt for The Engineer and the book: Striking back.

5 out of 5 stars Inside story.......2007-07-24

I was enlightened and enjoyed the book. Easy reading but somewhat disturbing to find that our countries political and military leadership cannot mak timely decisions that are able to insure national security.

4 out of 5 stars Fairly Interesting.......2007-07-16

This book on the ISA had some new info, but mostly material I have read in other places. A pretty good book overall. I found some chronological mistakes, but I find more and more that this is commonplace in these kinds of books that must expound on historical events; so much for the editor doing his job. I liked it and would recommend it to others who want to know how the U S Govt is handling the more touchy military ops. These (ISA) are the guys you never read or hear about unless someone writes about them. This is the book for that.
Cien años de soledad: Edición conmemorativa (The 40th Anniversary Edition)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Maravilloso!
  • Deception
  • An over-rated Nobel laureate
  • One of my favourite books in a wonderful edition
  • One hundred years of pleasure
Cien años de soledad: Edición conmemorativa (The 40th Anniversary Edition)
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Manufacturer: Santillana USA Publishing Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
Latin AmericanLatin American | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Garcia Marquez, GabrielGarcia Marquez, Gabriel | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
SpanishSpanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
EpicEpic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
SpanishSpanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Fiction BooksLook Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Religion & Spirituality BooksLook Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Garcia Marquez, GabrielGarcia Marquez, Gabriel | ( G ) | Autores, A-Z | Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books
GeneralGeneral | Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Clásicos | Comicidad | Contemporánea | Literaria
Latino AmericanaLatino Americana | Literatura Mundial | Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books
No-FicciónNo-Ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Automotriz | Ciencias Sociales | Crimen y Criminales | Educación | Estudios de la Mujer | Feriados | Filosofía | Gobierno | Hechos Verídicos | Planeamiento Urbano y Desarrollo | Política | Sucesos de Actualidad | Transportación
GeneralGeneral | Lo Oculto | Religión y espiritualidad | Libros en español | Formats | Books
EpopeyaEpopeya | Fantasía | Ciencia ficción y fantasía | Libros en español | Formats | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Don Quijote de la Mancha Don Quijote de la Mancha
  2. Cronica de una muerte anunciada Cronica de una muerte anunciada
  3. Memoria de mis putas tristes Memoria de mis putas tristes
  4. El laberinto de la soledad El laberinto de la soledad
  5. Ines del Alma Mia: Novela Ines del Alma Mia: Novela

ASIN: 8420471836
Release Date: 2007-03-21

Product Description

The Real Academia Española celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Garcia Marquez s masterpiece in this beautiful commemorative edition. Prologues by Carlos Fuentes, Alvaro Mutis, Mario Vargas Llosa and other intellectuals. One Hundred Years of Solitude is the first piece of literature since the Book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire human race. -New York Times Book Review

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Maravilloso!.......2007-08-29

Inicia la historia con la boda de Ursula Iguaran y Jose Arcadio Buendia, la busqueda de un pueblo ideal donde vivir, la angustia de la espera de los hijos, angustia debido a la supersticion ya que eran primos y les habian dicho que sus hijos podrian nacer con cola de cerdo!...

Una historia completamente llena de cultura latinoamericana, donde la supersticion, hechiceria, leyendas, herencias, costumbres y etc's no fallan. Esta edicion viene acompañada entre otras cosas de un arbol genealogico que te es de gran ayuda, ya que despues de algunas generaciones de Jose Arcadios y Aurelianos.. pues es sabio recurrir a el.

Siempre he admirado la manera tan descriptiva de Garcia Marquez, pero con este titulo desde la primera persona hasta la ultima, arboles, esquinas y lo que gusten nombrar a todo se le otorga una historia, es un maestro!

3 out of 5 stars Deception.......2007-08-25

I had a deception with this novel and this author. I thought it was first of all more organized in his thoughts, second, the theme was not one that lead to any valuable thought or of value to society, except just an invention of his imagination, which seems very convoluted. I read the one he wrote about the coronel did not have any answer or something like that, and that one I liked. But I thought this was his best novel, and I was far wrong. Gloria

3 out of 5 stars An over-rated Nobel laureate.......2007-07-03

I read Spanish-language books to try to improve my Spanish vocabulary and reading ability. I had already read this author's "Putas tristes", and his autobiography, "Vivir para contarla". In the latter book García mentioned that he had read Romulo Gallegos when he was young. The latter's book, "Dóña Bárbara", which truly IS a classic of Latin American writing. I found García's book to have the same theme ("the struggle between landowners and peasants in L.A.), and even the style, to be essentially the same. Many other Latin authors, such as Isabel Allende, seem to also use the same plagiaristic ploy. Another thing annoying about García is his self-admitted tendency to employ outrageous exagerations with a straight face. In one episode of "Cien años" he describes a man so strong he carries a store counter from a store out into the street, and it too eleven men to get it back in. Come on now!!

5 out of 5 stars One of my favourite books in a wonderful edition.......2007-07-01

I first read Cien años de soledad during my last year of high school, and I have read it several times again since then. Everytime I read it, I remember the words of my literature professor, after he asked us to buy the book: " I envy you all so much, so much - he said- because nothing compares to the feeling of reading Cien años for the first time. I wish I could feel like that again." He was right.

This is a magical book, and this anniversary edition one that deserves a place in the library of all those who love Gabo.


5 out of 5 stars One hundred years of pleasure.......2007-06-13

Esta nueva edicion conmemorativa a cargo de la Real Academia Espanola en conjuncion con la Asociacion de academias de la lengua espanola pone en manos del lector la novela de Garcia Marquez consagrada ya como un clasico de la literatura universal. Aunque esta edicion tiene el merito de compilar una serie de ensayos de escritores de la talla de Carlos Fuentes, Vargas Llosa, Alvaro Mutis, Claudio Guillen, entre otros; una extensa bibliografia y un utilisimo glosario, el lector que se inicia en esta obra deberia complementar su lectura con la insuperable edicion critica de Catedra que trae, ademas, notas a pie de paginas, ausente desgraciadamente en la presente edicion. De todas maneras esta es una edicion muy cuidada que limpia las asperezas, erratas y expresiones dudosas de previas ediciones.
Sick: The Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis---and the People Who Pay the Price
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A compelling read
  • Good reading
  • Right on Target
  • Good convincing argument for reform
  • Let's not panic and create a new American health care crisis
Sick: The Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis---and the People Who Pay the Price
Jonathan Cohn
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Health Care DeliveryHealth Care Delivery | Administration & Policy | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Health Care DeliveryHealth Care Delivery | Administration & Medicine Economics | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Health Care Planning & PolicyHealth Care Planning & Policy | Public Health | Administration & Medicine Economics | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Science BooksLook Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. A Second Opinion: Rescuing America's Health Care A Second Opinion: Rescuing America's Health Care
  2. How Doctors Think How Doctors Think
  3. Who Killed HealthCare?: America's $2 Trillion Medical Problem - and the Consumer-Driven Cure Who Killed HealthCare?: America's $2 Trillion Medical Problem - and the Consumer-Driven Cure
  4. Money-Driven Medicine: The Real Reason Health Care Costs So Much Money-Driven Medicine: The Real Reason Health Care Costs So Much
  5. Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance

ASIN: 0060580453
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Book Description

America's health care system is unraveling. Every day, millions of hard-working people struggle to find affordable medical treatment for themselves and their families—unable to pay for prescription drugs and regular checkups, let alone hospital visits. Some of these people end up losing money. Others end up losing something even more valuable: their health or even their lives. In this powerful work of original reportage, Jonathan Cohn travels across the United States—the only country in the developed world that does not guarantee access to medical care as a right of citizenship—to investigate why this crisis is happening and to see firsthand its impact on ordinary Americans.

The stories he brings back are tragic and infuriating. In Boston, a heart attack victim becomes a casualty of emergency room overcrowding when she is turned away from the one hospital that could treat her. In South Central L.A., a security guard loses part of his vision when he can't find affordable treatment for his diabetes. In the middle of the prairie heartland, a retired meatpacker sells his house to pay for the medications that keep him and his aging wife alive. And, in a tiny village tucked into the Catskill mountains, a mother of three young children decides against a costly doctor's visit—and lets a deadly cancer go undetected—because her husband's high-tech job no longer provides health insurance.

Passionate, illuminating, and often devastating, Sick interweaves these stories with clear-eyed reporting from Washington and takes us inside the medical industry to chronicle the decline of America's health care system—and lays bare the consequences any one of us could suffer if we don't replace it.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A compelling read.......2007-10-14

This book is a great read, that yet again, puts a much needed human face on our health care crisis.

4 out of 5 stars Good reading.......2007-08-16

I needed to read this book for a class I was taking. But, it was not a chore to read at all. It was very informative and gave me answers to questions I had regarding the health care situation here in the United States. The book is very easy to read and I could hardly put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the health care crisis.

5 out of 5 stars Right on Target.......2007-08-09

This book just begins to describe the issues with our health care system. The for-profits skim the lucrative services from the "not-for-profits", leaving us all with the tab. We are all subsidizing the for profit entities and paying their dividends.
Do people really think the US Government does not control the US healthcare system now? Medicare and Medicaid represent over half of hospital and physician payments and everything else is heavily regulated by the US government now! We have a government run and controlled system now and it is operating poorly!

5 out of 5 stars Good convincing argument for reform.......2007-07-16

SICK by Jonathan Cohn is, thankfully, one of many books coming out these days about problems with our health care system in the United States. The style of the book is brilliant, since in the first eight chapters Cohn carefully examines various aspects of health care and uses case studies of people who fall through the cracks to illustrate problems that exist. As this book explains, we have excellent medical facilities in the U.S., but the terrible problem is that many people are denied consistent access to those facilities. Many of the people Cohn uses as case studies die because of lack of access. He provides enough detail about those people to make you see them as real people and thus to empathize with their plights, yet he also provides quite a lot of "technical" detail about health care. If, on the other hand, Cohn had focused totally on the technical aspects and policies, he would have lost everyone but the policy wonks. And if he had focused totally on personal stories, the book would not have been educational enough. Instead he strikes a very good balance between the two.

Another neat balancing act that Cohn performs involves solutions to our health care crisis. SICK mainly examines the situation with our health care system, and is not mainly about solutions. There are other books out there focusing more on that. Cohn deals with solutions only in the last chapter, which runs 17 pages. In that space, he clearly advocates a government-run universal health care system. He holds up France as a good model to emulate, where he says there is universal coverage, quick and easy access to care, and overall better results than we get. And yet the French pay far less than we do for health care, as does everyone else in the world! Cohn could have devoted more space to his proposed solution (maybe in a sequel?), but I believe his method of focusing on problems will convince more people of its prudence, since many Americans are opposed to more government intrusion in health care. Everyone who reads SICK must surely conclude that SOMETHING must be done to seriously reform health care in the U.S. If there is some better answer than government-run universal care, what is it, and why hasn't someone done it already? The burden of proof is on the nay-sayers.

2 out of 5 stars Let's not panic and create a new American health care crisis.......2007-07-11

The author argues for single tiered universal health care - probably government administrated. As both a middle class consumer and a retired surgeon I agree (don't we all) that our medical insurance system needs fixing. But let's consider this further: Are the people of this nation really willing to pay for great health care for everyone? It won't be cheap. In the past 15 or so years Americans have shown that they want first-rate services, but have not been willing to vote for tax increases to cover them. By contrast, many of the European Countries that are cited as having successful healthcare financing systems have notably higher taxes.

So what are we really likely to get? At minimum a two-tiered system - the wealthy and the rest of us. Do we want that? If not, how many tiers are acceptable and who should administer them? The federal government? The private insurance companies?

So far the nationally-administered systems in this country have manifested several weaknesses. The MCARE system is a highly regulated system, setting prices, frequency of service, deciding the criteria for who can receive what treatment, how long a patient can stay in the hospital and much more. About 15 years ago, to contain costs, HCFA coined the phrase "the best the system can afford" and has since continued to reduce MCARE reimbursement, hospital stay length and covered services. MCAID is even more subject to economic pressures, and a quick review of its history shows that Congress has consistently balanced their budgets by cutting MCAID. Most recently, Congress passed a pharmacy reimbursement bill which prevents MCARE from negotiating pharmaceutical prices, a standard HMO practice.

In the short run patient's may be getting a bargain, but many of the finer physicians are opting out of being MCARE providers, or leaving practice because of the low compensation and heavy regulation that inteferes with their ability to effectively treat patients. And among those that are staying in practice, more and more doctors are choosing to provide non-covered services such as plastic surgery or diet counseling and products, creating a shortage of physicians in many areas.

Finally, contrary to popular belief, MCARE is a tiered system, in that it requires a monthly premium (which some can't afford), and allows for purchase of a secondary insurance (that many more cannot afford) to cover the required copayment.

We all know that conventional insurance has many of the same weaknesses and consequences. So what now?

I think a satisfactory system is developing through the efforts of state politicians that are working to design complex systems to meet a multitude of health care needs. This has spurred a dialogue that is highly educational and, I believe, over time will result in multi-tiered systems that will; provide a variety of choices for those that can afford health care coverage, eliminate discrimination against folks with pre-existing conditions and aging bodies, and fund a respectable level of health care (that can't be reduced by a budget-stressed Congress) for those who can't afford health care coverage.



Spy: The Inside Story of How the FBI's Robert Hanssen Betrayed America
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Far and away the best book on the subject
  • Couldn't put it down ...
  • A companion to Breach
  • Oh What Tangled Webs He Weaved
  • Slow start, but interesting
Spy: The Inside Story of How the FBI's Robert Hanssen Betrayed America
David Wise
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Military & SpiesMilitary & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Military | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Intelligence & EspionageIntelligence & Espionage | Military | History | Subjects | Books
RelationsRelations | International | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
True CrimeTrue Crime | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Spy Handler: Memoir of a KGB Officer Spy Handler: Memoir of a KGB Officer
  2. The Bureau and the Mole: The Unmasking of Robert Philip Hanssen, the Most Dangerous Double Agent in FBI History The Bureau and the Mole: The Unmasking of Robert Philip Hanssen, the Most Dangerous Double Agent in FBI History
  3. The Spy Next Door: The Extraordinary Secret Life of Robert Philip Hanssen, the Most Damaging FBI Agent in U.S. History The Spy Next Door: The Extraordinary Secret Life of Robert Philip Hanssen, the Most Damaging FBI Agent in U.S. History
  4. Confessions of a Spy Confessions of a Spy
  5. The Main Enemy: The Inside Story of the CIA's Final Showdown with the KGB The Main Enemy: The Inside Story of the CIA's Final Showdown with the KGB

ASIN: 0375507450
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Book Description

Spy tells, for the first time, the full, authoritative story of how FBI agent Robert Hanssen, code name grayday, spied for Russia for twenty-two years in what has been called the “worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history”–and how he was finally caught in an incredible gambit by U.S. intelligence.

David Wise, the nation’s leading espionage writer, has called on his unique knowledge and unrivaled intelligence sources to write the definitive, inside story of how Robert Hanssen betrayed his country, and why.

Spy at last reveals the mind and motives of a man who was a walking paradox: FBI counterspy, KGB mole, devout Catholic, obsessed pornographer who secretly televised himself and his wife having sex so that his best friend could watch, defender of family values, fantasy James Bond who took a stripper to Hong Kong and carried a machine gun in his car trunk.

Brimming with startling new details sure to make headlines, Spy discloses:

-the previously untold story of how the FBI got the actual file on Robert Hanssen out of KGB headquarters in Moscow for $7 million in an unprecedented operation that ended in Hanssen’s arrest.

-how for three years, the FBI pursued a CIA officer, code name gray deceiver, in the mistaken belief that he was the mole they were seeking inside U.S. intelligence. The innocent officer was accused as a spy and suspended by the CIA for nearly two years.

-why Hanssen spied, based on exclusive interviews with Dr. David L. Charney, the psychiatrist who met with Hanssen in his jail cell more than thirty times. Hanssen, in an extraordinary arrangement, authorized Charney to talk to the author.

-the full story of Robert Hanssen’s bizarre sex life, including the hidden video camera he set up in his bedroom and how he plotted to drug his wife, Bonnie, so that his best friend could father her child.

- how Hanssen and the CIA’s Aldrich Ames betrayed three Russians secretly spying for the FBI–including tophat, a Soviet general–who were then executed by Moscow.

-that after Hanssen was already working for the KGB, he directed a study of moles in the FBI when–as he alone knew–he was the mole.

Robert Hanssen betrayed the FBI. He betrayed his country. He betrayed his wife. He betrayed his children. He betrayed his best friend, offering him up to the KGB. He betrayed his God. Most of all, he betrayed himself. Only David Wise could tell the astonishing, full story, and he does so, in masterly style, in Spy.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Far and away the best book on the subject.......2007-09-30

Without a doubt, this book is better than any others on the case of Robert Hanssen. Wise has absolutely the best sources (just compare the acknowledgements) and it is very fairly and professionally written along all lines. Far and away better than "The Bureau and the Mole."

5 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down ..........2007-09-21

Simply put, one of the best books I've read in recent years. After renting the movie "Breach" which is loosly based on Hansen, I wanted to know more about why and how he became a spy. This book answered all that and much more. Very well written ... no loose ends. Just a great book. Such a shame that a man as intelligent as Robert Hansen used his gifts for evil and not for good. There is some evidenct that suggests that the Russians didn't even know his identity! Hard to believe they didn't have someone watching him as he picked up the money at the drop sites but ... that could be one reason he got away with it for solong. But the book also tells of the many times he should have been caught but talked his way out of it. Read this book ... it's excellent.

3 out of 5 stars A companion to Breach.......2007-06-21

After seeing Breach, I wanted to learn more about the Hanssen case, and this is the first book I found in the library. Robert Hanssen is a fascinating subject, and this book provided information that was missing or glossed over in the film. For example, money seems a major factor in his spying. I did not get that impression from the movie. Also, the movie portrays him as combative and confrontational, whereas the book depicts him as socially awkward, aloof, and a nerd.



While I respect the author's research, I am unimpressed by his writing. He does not tell the Hanssen story in an engaging way. Far too much time is spent describing the bit players. Do I really need to know that this FBI agent was "tall and affable" and this woman was "bright and articulate"? In my opinion, the book should have provided more speculation on Hanssen's motives. I also found the author's attempts at creativity and levity to be distracting and cliche. For example, note this sentence: "This time, he decided, he would play in the majors" (46). I also dislike the author's occasional moments of self-applause. For example, in a footnote he mentions that Hanssen thought the author is "the best espionage writer around" (271). Congratulations David, this pervert likes your work.



"Spy" gives a complete overview of the Hanssen case. I recommend it for its insight despite its literary flaws; however I suspect that more compelling books exist.

5 out of 5 stars Oh What Tangled Webs He Weaved.......2007-06-20

Robert Hanssen was in a league of his own. There wasn't another spy to compare him to, and not only for the amount of damage he did to compromise American intelligence to Russia. This was a man of several contradictions. It must have been hard for him to keep his respective roles straight. He was an agent for the FBI, a devoted family man, devout Catholic, obsessed with porn, spying for Russia, and became infatuated with a stripper to the extent that he took her on a trip to Hong Kong and bought her a Mercedes. He was the computer guru who appeared contemptious of other co-workers. It appears to me that he often employed the defense mechanism called reaction formation which means he took an attitude with others the opposite of which produced anxiety in himself. He not only betrayed his country by using his job for personal gain, but horribly betrayed his wife by sharing sexual photos of her to his friend. Hanssen justifies his spying by saying his first job at the FBI was in Scarsdale, New York, and the cost of living there with his minimal salary forced him into needing extra money. Hanssen spent over 20 years compromising America's secrets through approximately 18 drops of documents for the Russians. His Russian contact made sure to massage Hanssen's ego with flattery in communication with him. What the Russians paid for this information was a pittance compared to its value. A tunnel built under the Soviet embassy in Washington that cost hundreds of millions of dollars was for naught as he passed this on to the Russians. Three Soviets working for the FBI were named by Hanssen and were called back to Russia and executed. Apparently it didn't bother his conscience because he would always confess his spying along with his other sins to a Catholic priest. It doesn't appear right to me that he should be able to confess such law infractions and not be reported, but that's another story. This is the third book I've read on Robert Hanssen's life of espionage, and I feel this one is the best.

3 out of 5 stars Slow start, but interesting.......2007-06-11

This book is most appropriate for anyone who believes in US government conspiracies. The inability of the FBI to catch a spy who seemed to put out crazy person vibes for years is a bit scary. Robert Hanssen was one strange cat. Maybe he was smart, but he didn't come across as too smart in this book. It is no shocker that a guy who claimed to take religion and family values seriously ends up as a huge hypocrite. The book gets more interesting towards the end. Sad story.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Indian
  • Enchanting and riveting, this story will stay with you
  • Island Of The Blue Dolphins!
  • May be too adult for 10 or 11 yr olds
  • good
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell
Manufacturer: Yearling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Classics by Age | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Native North & South AmericansNative North & South Americans | Multicultural Stories | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Adventure & ThrillersAdventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
ClassicsClassics | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Issues | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Classics by AgeClassics by Age | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Native North & South AmericansNative North & South Americans | Multicultural Stories | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Adventure & ThrillersAdventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ClassicsClassics | Literature & Fiction | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Bridge to Terabithia Bridge to Terabithia
  2. A Wrinkle in Time A Wrinkle in Time
  3. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
  4. Where the Red Fern Grows Where the Red Fern Grows
  5. The Phantom Tollbooth The Phantom Tollbooth

ASIN: 0440439884
Release Date: 1987-02-01

Amazon.com

Scott O'Dell won the Newbery Medal for Island of the Blue Dolphins in 1961, and in 1976 the Children's Literature Association named this riveting story one of the 10 best American children's books of the past 200 years. O'Dell was inspired by the real-life story of a 12-year-old American Indian girl, Karana. The author based his book on the life of this remarkable young woman who, during the evacuation of Ghalas-at (an island off the coast of California), jumped ship to stay with her young brother who had been abandoned on the island. He died shortly thereafter, and Karana fended for herself on the island for 18 years.

O'Dell tells the miraculous story of how Karana forages on land and in the ocean, clothes herself (in a green-cormorant skirt and an otter cape on special occasions), and secures shelter. Perhaps even more startlingly, she finds strength and serenity living alone on the island. This beautiful edition of Island of the Blue Dolphins is enriched with 12 full-page watercolor paintings by Ted Lewin, illustrator of more than 100 children's books, including Ali, Child of the Desert. A gripping story of battling wild dogs and sea elephants, this simply told, suspenseful tale of survival is also an uplifting adventure of the spirit. (Ages 9 to 12)

Book Description

In the Pacific, there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the sea. Around it blue dolphins swim, otters play, and sea birds abound. Karana is the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Hers is not only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal discovery.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Indian.......2007-10-01

White people found her people and took them off island with lie of freedom. She escaped and remain on island with brother. Wolves eat brother. She walk alone and with a special wolf who is kind to her. one day she enter a water cave, found out the truth about her people fate. her people died and she survived. one day white people return to the island once again, she finally allow herself to join them. she became famous and she is buried in california. her clothing is in museum in Italy. wonderful story of her courage life.

5 out of 5 stars Enchanting and riveting, this story will stay with you.......2007-08-27

I have to smile when reading these other reviews that say this book was one of their favorites as a child. It also was mine. I've read so many books, that most times the memory of the details within them grow dim, but not with "Island of the Blue Dolphins". I can still picture the breathtaking beauty of the island where Karana spent her growing years. I still remember her joys and trials of living alone for so long, after everyone had left. Her ingenuity and strength still amazes me. I can't wait until my children are old enough so I can enjoy this Newberry book with them. It's definitely one in a million.

5 out of 5 stars Island Of The Blue Dolphins!.......2007-08-19

When I was on vacation at Martha's Vinyard I went to the book store and bought Island Of The Blue Dolphins for myself and I loved it!! I love it so much because of it's beautiful discriptions and details that I can picture in my mind. This book is beautifully written and has wonderful detail of natural survival of hunting, and making friends (Rontu and Rontu-Aru and the English girl Tutok, the fox and Won-a-nee the otter). How many wonderful and beautiful adventures of exciting survival can one indian girl have? I am 10 years old and recommend this book to whoever loves reading and is a fan of detail and beauty!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars May be too adult for 10 or 11 yr olds.......2007-08-15

My 11 yr old enjoyed this book but says it was too sad for her taste. Kids!

4 out of 5 stars good.......2007-08-13

THIS BOOK WAS FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER. She liked it very much. I am looking for some other books for 7th graders do you have any suggestions?
The Other Side of the River: A Story of Two Towns, a Death, and America's Dilemma
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Disjointed, unstable focus
  • read in one night! a real page turner
  • Sometimes the truth is difficult to take
  • Not as good as I expected...
  • Great Writing
The Other Side of the River: A Story of Two Towns, a Death, and America's Dilemma
Alex Kotlowitz
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
AmericaAmerica | Race Relations | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Race Relations | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Discrimination & RacismDiscrimination & Racism | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America
  2. Never a City So Real: A Walk in Chicago (Crown Journeys) Never a City So Real: A Walk in Chicago (Crown Journeys)
  3. How Congress Works and Why You Should Care How Congress Works and Why You Should Care
  4. Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop: Wankstas, Wiggers, Wannabes, And the New Reality of Race in America Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop: Wankstas, Wiggers, Wannabes, And the New Reality of Race in America
  5. Amazing Grace : Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, The Amazing Grace : Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, The

ASIN: 038547721X
Release Date: 1999-01-19

Amazon.com

The author of There Are No Children Here follows up that magnificent effort with the gripping story of a mysterious death in southwest Michigan. A black teenager surfaces in the St. Joseph River, drowned. How did he get there? The towns of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, divided by both race and the river, grapple with the possibilities in this maddeningly difficult case. Alex Kotlowitz puts his sharp reporting skills to good work here, describing in detail everything that is known about Eric McGinnis's short life and untimely death. But the book is best at plumbing the racial psychology of these mutually suspicious communities. The Other Side of the River has that can't-put-it-down quality found in the best narrative nonfiction, and it speaks to issues affecting all of America.

Book Description

Alex Kotlowitz's There Are No Children Here was more than a bestseller; it was a national event. His beautifully narrated, heartbreaking nonfiction account of two black boys struggling to grow up in a Chicago public housing complex spent eight weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, was a made-for-television movie starring and produced by Oprah Winfrey, won many distinguished awards, and sparked a continuing national debate on the lives of inner-city children.



In The Other Side of the River, his eagerly awaited new book, Kotlowitz takes us to southern Michigan. Here, separated by the St. Joseph River, are two towns, St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Geographically close, they are worlds apart, a living metaphor for America's racial divisions: St. Joseph is a prosperous lakeshore community and ninety-five percent white, while Benton Harbor is impoverished and ninety-two percent black. When the body of a black teenaged boy from Benton Harbor is found in the river, unhealed wounds and suspicions between the two towns' populations surface as well. The investigation into the young man's death becomes, inevitably, a screen on which each town projects their resentments and fears.



The Other Side of the River sensitively portrays the lives and hopes of the towns' citizens as they wrestle with this mystery--and reveals the attitudes and misperceptions that undermine race relations throughout America. In this gripping and ultimately profound book, Alex Kotlowitz proves why he is one of this country's foremost writers on the ever explosive issue of race.


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Disjointed, unstable focus.......2007-10-17

Kotlowitz's first book was stunning and I think he should have stuck with that type of writing. This book is a disappointing second. The entire story is rambling and often has no discernible point. I'm sure this is much more meaningful for residents of the town. The racial thing has been slanted so many ways in the media by now, I still think that 'The Eye of the Storm' from 1968 takes the cake.

5 out of 5 stars read in one night! a real page turner.......2007-04-30

Here's the thing - you know who died, and you know where the body was found and in what condition, but you don't know the why and how. And you still can't put this book down!
Alex Kotlowitz is a master story teller of a real life murder in a racially charged small town, geographically divided by a river but racially divided by mistrust and suspicion. His research is detailed and thorough, and the reader finds himself quickly immersed and emotionally invovled with the characters. Every character is complex and likeable. There are no bad guys/good guys. Just an unsolved murder, in a town yearning to heal.

5 out of 5 stars Sometimes the truth is difficult to take.......2007-02-19

This was an excellent book--painful to read in some places, but important when it comes to understanding the role of racism and race relations in this country. I find it interesting to read the comments from some of the residents of St. Joe's who claim that their town was misrepresented. My sense is that many simply found their deeply entrenched bigoted attitudes and racism difficult to take when detailed in print for the world to read. Perhaps they should spend less time defending the indefensible and more on changing the fabric of their town and its relationship with their neighbors across the bridge.

2 out of 5 stars Not as good as I expected..........2006-05-26

Alex's last book There Are No Children Here is hard to top, but I tried to give The Other Side of the River a chance. What was the point of the book? To show the different levels of racial tensions within this particular community or to find out who killed the teenager? I am still trying to understand the purpose of the book. I felt like I didn't learn anything new.

5 out of 5 stars Great Writing.......2006-01-24

I bought this book for my parents since they own property north of Benton Harbor. I started reading the book after I realized I have worked with one of the people in the book. Very interesting. I will not state my personal opinion on the subject.

I rode a mountain bike from Saint Joseph into Benton Harbor shortly after these events took place and never realized how bad things were. Never had any problems until riding my motorcycle in Benton Harbor with my black fiance'.
Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • wisdom in defeat and humility in victory
  • How Delta Came to Be
  • Excellent book.
  • Best 1st Person Spec.Ops. Account I have Read to Date
  • Excellent book.
Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit
Eric Haney
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | Military | History | Subjects | Books
TerrorismTerrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
International SecurityInternational Security | Freedom & Security | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Delta Force: The Army's Elite Counterterrorist Unit Delta Force: The Army's Elite Counterterrorist Unit
  2. The Unit - The Complete First Season The Unit - The Complete First Season
  3. Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy Seal Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy Seal
  4. Inside Delta Force Inside Delta Force
  5. Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret Special Operations Team Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret Special Operations Team

ASIN: 0385339364
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Book Description

Now the inspiration for the CBS Television drama, "The Unit."

Delta Force. They are the U.S. Army's most elite top-secret strike force. They dominate the modern battlefield, but you won't hear about their heroics on CNN. No headlines can reveal their top-secret missions, and no book has ever taken readers inside—until now. Here, a founding member of Delta Force takes us behind the veil of secrecy and into the action-to reveal the never-before-told story of 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-D (Delta Force).

Inside Delta Forece
The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit

He is a master of espionage, trained to take on hijackers, terrorists, hostage takers, and enemy armies. He can deploy by parachute or arrive by commercial aircraft. Survive alone in hostile cities. Speak foreign languages fluently. Strike at enemy targets with stunning swiftness and extraordinary teamwork. He is the ultimate modern warrior: the Delta Force Operator.

In this dramatic behind-the-scenes chronicle, Eric Haney, one of the founding members of Delta Force, takes us inside this legendary counterterrorist unit. Here, for the first time, are details of the grueling selection process—designed to break the strongest of men—that singles out the best of the best: the Delta Force Operator.

With heart-stopping immediacy, Haney tells what it's really like to enter a hostage-held airplane. And from his days in Beirut, Haney tells an unforgettable tale of bodyguards and bombs, of a day-to-day life of madness and beauty, and of how he and a teammate are called on to kill two gunmen targeting U.S. Marines at the Beirut airport. As part of the team sent to rescue American hostages in Tehran, Haney offers a first-person description of that failed mission that is a chilling, compelling account of a bold maneuver undone by chance—and a few fatal mistakes.

From fighting guerrilla warfare in Honduras to rescuing missionaries in Sudan and leading the way onto the island of Grenada, Eric Haney captures the daring and discipline that distinguish the men of Delta Force. Inside Delta Force brings honor to these singular men while it puts us in the middle of action that is sudden, frightening, and nonstop around the world.


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars wisdom in defeat and humility in victory.......2007-07-12

David Mamet, in my edition of this book, now more than three years old, long before 'The Unit' came along, writes at the beginning:

"The great military novels have about them an ineffable air of sadness. [They] seem, both in scenes of combat and in the scenes of rest, depictions of a life heightened to the plateau of regret, longing, and loss. The great military memoirs, similarly, are a record of loss and its transmutation into compassion. [...] in Eric Haney's Inside Delta Force, we are welcomed into the curious, moving and persuasive philosophy of the soldier trying to find wisdom in defeat and humility in victory."

It's a comment that reflects the spirit of the contents, and which ultimately translates into the very cool TV series based on the book. I also admit, quite without shame that the characters of 'Phantom Strike Team' in my novel 'Fontaine' were definitely inspired by this account, which I found fascinating and quite un-put-downable; much like Michael Durant's 'In The Company of Heroes'.

I have no idea how 'real' and 'true' the things depicted here are, because I have no real evidence to back up whatever I believe. However, I would like to think--possibly wishfully, but why not?--that Orwell's 'rough men [who] stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm' aren't just a bunch of thugs, who just like to shoot people, but that they are like those guys; that they are grounded and have a sense of purpose, and that Mamet's comments are on the mark.

Again, without evidence for the 'truth', whatever that may be, I cannot tell; but I choose to think that Haney has done more than just show them in the best light; that even in the harsh light of day, it all basically holds true.

4 out of 5 stars How Delta Came to Be.......2007-07-09

I read a few other reviews of this book before buying it and find they were accurate. Haney tells about how Delta force came to be in interesting detail. The people that submit themselves to the Selection process really can only truly truly want the job. If you watch or have seen any episodes of "The Unit" you can see where story plot lines came from, but don't expect any detailed past mission stories.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book........2007-06-08

As usual, the same excellent quality and service that I have come to expect from Amazon. Book was great and recommend it to anyone thats interested in this type of stuff. Great compliment to "The Unit".

5 out of 5 stars Best 1st Person Spec.Ops. Account I have Read to Date.......2007-05-19

I initially was drawn to this book after seeing it credited as the inspiration for CBS's drama "The Unit". (I'm a sucker for marketing, huh?) This book was to be the first in a long line of military non-fiction works that I read recently and for me it's still one of the best. Haney isn't the GREATEST writer in the world but his style works well for the subject matter at hand and thankfully lacks some of the irritating macho-ness that plagues many other ex-military authors. What made the book great for me was the fact that because Haney was a recruit in Delta as opposed to one of the organizers, there is a sense of mystery and the unknown as he chronicles his progress through Selection and his early days in the unit. I also read Charlie Beckwith's book on Delta and thought this was the better read. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that Haney retired so many years ago that you are left wanting to know more about current ops, but that's not a criticism of the book itself, simply a lament on my part. Overall I'd highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about what drives these incredible individuals.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book. .......2007-05-18

Great read. I spent 28 years in the Army, many of them at Bragg and retired in 2003. Mr Mercer's comments about what he believes are fact and fiction as it pertains to the contents of this book are inaccurate and I would recommend he go back and do his research correctly this time.
Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Schecter's best
  • Cant Put This Book Down
  • Deranged: The shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer
  • The Gray Man
  • Deranged: The shocking true story of America's most fiendish killer
Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer
Harold Schechter
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

CriminologyCriminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Murder & MayhemMurder & Mayhem | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
True CrimeTrue Crime | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Serial KillersSerial Killers | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
CriminologyCriminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Murder & MayhemMurder & Mayhem | True Accounts | Nonfiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
True CrimeTrue Crime | True Accounts | Nonfiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho
  2. Bestial: The Savage Trail of a True American Monster Bestial: The Savage Trail of a True American Monster
  3. Fiend: The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Serial Killer Fiend: The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Serial Killer
  4. Depraved: The Definitive True Story of H.H. Holmes, Whose Grotesque Crimes Shattered Turn-of-the-Century Chicago Depraved: The Definitive True Story of H.H. Holmes, Whose Grotesque Crimes Shattered Turn-of-the-Century Chicago
  5. Fatal : The Poisonous Life of a Female Serial Killer Fatal : The Poisonous Life of a Female Serial Killer

ASIN: 0671678752

Amazon.com

Harold Schechter is a professor of American culture at Queens College (CUNY) who takes an academic interest in the history of violent folklore: "Our pop entertainments aren't necessarily more brutal than those of the past," he writes. "They are simply ... more state of the art." In this book Schechter turns his keen historian's gaze on real-life serial killer Albert Fish, who killed--and ate--as many as 15 children in New York City in the 20s. Fish resembled a meek, kindly, white-haired grandfather, but was actually an intense sadomasochist whose sexual fetishes included almost everything known to psychiatry. For example, he stuck 29 needles into his pelvic region. Apparently Schechter, while writing his book Deviant about Ed Gein, asked Robert Bloch (author of Psycho), "Why are people so fascinated by Ed Gein?" Bloch answered, "Because they haven't heard about Albert Fish."
Also recommended: Depraved, Schechter's book about Herman Mudgett a.k.a. Dr. H. H. Holmes.

Book Description

LURED FROM THE SAFETY OF HOME -- INTO THE JAWS OF HELL

"America's principal chronicler of its greatest psychopathic killers" (The Boston Book Review), Harold Schechter shatters the myth that violent crime is a modern phenomenon -- with this seamless true account of unvarnished horror from the early twentieth century. Journey inside the demented mind of Albert Fish -- pedophile, sadist, and cannibal killer -- and discover that bloodlust knows no time or place....

On a warm spring day in 1928, a kindly, white-haired man appeared at the Budd family home in New York City, and soon persuaded Mr. and Mrs. Budd to let him take their adorable little girl, Grace, on an outing. The Budds never guessed that they had entrusted their child to a monster. After a relentless six-year search and nationwide press coverage, the mystery of Grace Budd's disappearance was solved -- and a crime of unparalleled gore and revulsion was revealed to a stunned American public. What Albert Fish did to Grace Budd, and perhaps fifteen other young children, caused experts to pronounce him the most deranged human being they had ever seen.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Schecter's best.......2007-08-28

I have read all of Schecter's books and this is the best. He captures the psychological and historical portrait of one of the most fearsome killers in history. This bone chilling story will stick with you.

5 out of 5 stars Cant Put This Book Down.......2007-07-04

wow
at first i was wary of buying this but this book is like an E! True Hollywood Story and Stephen King book all rolled into one...i had to keep reminding myself that it was real not fiction
amazing!!!1

5 out of 5 stars Deranged: The shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer.......2007-06-29

Overall a very well written book. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down! It was very informative, yet chilling in the details of the horrible acts committed by Albert Fish.

5 out of 5 stars The Gray Man.......2007-06-27

Identified by witnesses as the "Gray Man" because of his color and withered appearance, Albert Fish left an impression on criminologists for generations to come. His bizarre sadistic, cannabalistic, pedophiliac and coprophagic behaviors were shocking even in the tabloid driven media of his time. This is not to suggest that Fish's behaviors would not be equally shocking today.

At a minimum, Albert Fish killed three children and was convicted and sent to electric chair for one of those murders. The aspects of those murders, particularly the gruesome murder of Grace Budd seem to make Fish more menacing. The pleasure and climax Fish received from causing pain to others and himself goes to bizarre levels. Fish claims to have butchered and ate his victims for a strange internal urge that he later felt remorse for. Some of the other stories about Fish may be fabricated, such as his desire to eat raw meat, yet they are still documented in the book. Yet nothing about Fish seems as bizarre about Fish as his tendency to insert needles into himself and where he inserted the needles.

Harold Schechter's research is spotless though his story may occasionally get bogged down in semantics. I have enjoyed some of his other works and plan to enjoy more in the future. This grizzly tale is certain to find a warm reception in the library of true crime fans.

5 out of 5 stars Deranged: The shocking true story of America's most fiendish killer.......2007-05-19

Written really well with a lot of good research. Harold Schechter knows how to keep you interested from beginning to end. Very, very good book.
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Calculations are only as good as your numbers
  • Pants on fire?
  • Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
  • Very Interesting
  • History as Science Fiction
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ChineseChinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
IrishIrish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
WomenWomen | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Augustine, SaintAugustine, Saint | ( A ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Doctors & MedicineDoctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Lawyers & CriminalsLawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Love, Sex & MarriageLove, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Assyria, Babylonia & SumerAssyria, Babylonia & Sumer | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
Early CivilizationEarly Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
HistoriographyHistoriography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Asian American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Asian AmericanAsian American | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
FrenchFrench | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
VictorianVictorian | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
EpicEpic | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GermanGerman | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
SpanishSpanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ChineseChinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
War on DrugsWar on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
English (All)English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArabicArabic | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArmenianArmenian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
CzechCzech | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
GreekGreek | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
HungarianHungarian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
KoreanKorean | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
NorwegianNorwegian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Persian & FarsiPersian & Farsi | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PolishPolish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PortuguesePortuguese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RomanianRomanian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
SwedishSwedish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
TurkishTurkish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ScienceScience | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Online ResearchOnline Research | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books
Native AmericanNative American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
History of ScienceHistory of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
Magic & WizardsMagic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Sailor MoonSailor Moon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
HistoryHistory | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Fiction BooksLook Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference BooksLook Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Religion & Spirituality BooksLook Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Romance BooksLook Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science BooksLook Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology) History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
  2. History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
  3. Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
  4. Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
  5. They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

5 out of 5 stars Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

5 out of 5 stars Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

5 out of 5 stars Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

4 out of 5 stars History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Books:

  1. Napoleon's Pyramids
  2. Night (Oprah's Book Club)
  3. Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls
  4. Paintings in the Louvre
  5. Parvana's Journey
  6. Pioneer Cat (Stepping Stone, paper)
  7. Programming PHP
  8. Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution
  9. Rand McNally 2007 Road Atlas: United States-Large Scale (Rand Mcnally Large Scale Road Atlas USA)
  10. Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation's History

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books

  1. True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership
  2. The Origins of the British: A Genetic Detective Story
  3. More Than L.I.P. Service: A Lifetime Investing Plan
  4. Tatters of the King: Hastur's Gaze Gains Brief Focus Upon the Earth
  5. Principles of Financial Engineering
  6. The TCP/IP Guide: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Internet Protocols Reference
  7. The Glass Castle: A Memoir
  8. Business Cash Books Made Easy
  9. Reclaiming the Future: New Zealand and the Global Economy
  10. The Kagonesti