Customer Reviews:
SECRETS AND FRIENDS: THE BECHTEL ADVANTAGES!!.......2005-12-17
Laton McCartney has torn the cover off of the Bechtel Group and given us insight into one of the most successful, most influential, and most controversial mega-businesses in the history of the planet earth. A giant octopus with tentacles everywhere imaginable, plunking down projects, and sucking up billions of private and public funds, all over the world. We hear lots about Halliburton and it's foibles, but when was the last time you heard a peep from the Bechtel Group? Bechtel is a "private" corporation with no stockholders and no messy SEC investigations to endure. These guys, as the book tells us, know how to operate out of sight. Even their internal power struggles and disappointments are out of public sight. The book describes Stephen Bechtel, Jr as operating his personal life in a way that would make an experienced undercover spy proud. And then there is "The Grove", the real "friends in high places". There are things in this book you should know, but don't believe everything. A dollop of good sense will guide you through what is on the edge of truth and what isn't. Just be careful not to believe everything.
This is one of the most interesting reads of non-fiction that one will ever make, because it informs us of what has been going on behind our backs, out of reach of the "evening news" or "headline news", Time, or Newsweek, or the New York Times, for that matter. You can thank publishers Simon and Schuster for bringing this to the light of day.
The definitive Halliburton book has not been written yet because so much 'flotsam and jetsam' has yet to be retrieved and examined in the wake of the Iraqi War(s) and disasters like Hurricane Katrina. To be sure, Bechtel was and is involved in both wars AND Katrina, on a parallel track with Halliburton. So knowing Bechtel, gives general strategic insight into Halliburton and vice versa. In addition, when one finishes this book, you must immediately 'google' the word 'Bechtel' to see what they are currently 'up to'. Clues are everywhere on the web, but they are still secretive and still very active, making money 'hand over fist', but not without making their own strategic mistakes. Guess who is responsible for rebuilding the Baghdad electrical grid and water/sewage systems? Well, well! The fact that they have made it through the rough patches attests to their internal strengths as detailed in the book. And yes, there is Reagan, Bush I, George Pratt Schultz, (and probably Bush II involvement, since Riley Bechtel is a presidential advisor on middle eastern trade). Well, well, indeed! The book folds nicely into current events. While Halliburton is getting nothing but grief over Iraq, Bechtel is all but invisible and bullet-proof, just as our author suggests in earlier times.
Some of this is appalling, almost immoral, but it always seems to be quite legal. Like giving a Saudi a 10 percent share in Arabian Bechtel in order to secure the initiation of a project. Sounds like a bribe to me, but it was ruled otherwise and everything proceeded on. Whew! So don't look for Bechtel to be in any courtrooms in the near future. If you 'google' "Bechtel Lawsuit", there is precious little there, since 20 years ago, except for Bechtel suing Bolivia, South America's poorest nation, for $25 Million. Read the book, take some of it with a huge grain of salt, and keep the rest in your storehouse of knowledge. At about 240 pages in a Hardcover, with 30 pages of 'notes' & 'index', it's a brisk, but penetrating read into this corporation, how it operates, and how it affects us all. Ante up! Five PENETRATING Stars!!
Corruption = Bechtel.......2004-04-24
This book shows the public the real Bechtel.
A shadowy Corporation, with slimey leadership from the beginning.
Money is all that matters regardless of international affairs or U.S. patriotism or U.S. policies.
Bechtel has helped out so many of America's enemies.
Bechtel would have built a sarin factory for Saddam if Bechtel thought they could make money and get away with it!
Yellow Journalism at its Worst.......2001-01-19
This book would make even William Randolf Hearst blush. McCartney uses innuendo, falsehood, and fabrication to create a highly skewed view of the well-known engineering construction company. While seemingly a "well-documented" work, he in fact uses "off the record" quotes and otherwise unattributed sources to paint a extremely unflattering picture of the company and its founders, owners and officers. Despite the apparent effort spent in researching his subject, he demonstrates a consistent ignorance of the industry he writes about including its practices and terminology. He casts a wide net of aspersions on the individuals who built the company by quoting unnamed sources and reiterating disproved allegations. He has a positive gift for making any legitimate business activity seem highly suspect, and alludes to "rumored" charges of impropriety without providing any documentation of such. The reader should view this work in the same manner as the depiction of an industry dinner in Washington D.C. recounted in the book's closing pages. The event described did in fact take place, but Mr. McCartney's insertion of Steven Bechtel Jr. into it is a complete fabrication.
Engineered the World : And Made a Lot of Money At It Too........2000-01-18
An excellent book that provides an interesting insider's view into one of the largest engineering and construction firms of modern times. From the Hoover Dam to the Middle East to the United States Government, this book shows how the Bechtel Corporation did what it wanted to, when it wanted to, and used whom it wanted to as long as it made the few controlling members of it's management very rich. And all this was training for the government deals to come. This book offers a historical detailing of this company's ethical and social violations as well as the building of an empire. Read it.
Book Description
This comprehensive volume provides a complete, authoritative, up-to-date reference for all aspects of power plant engineering. Coverage ranges from engineering economics to coal and limestone handling, from design processes to plant thermal heat balances. Both theory and practical applications are covered, giving engineers the information needed to plan, design, construct, upgrade, and operate power plants. Power Plant Engineering is the culmination of experience of hundreds of engineers from Black & Veatch, a leading firm in the field for more than 80 years. The authors review all major power generating technologies, giving particular emphasis to current approaches. Special features of the book include: * More than 1000 figures and lines drawings that illustrate all aspects of the subject. * Coverage of related components and systems in power plants such as turbine-generators, feedwater heaters, condenser, and cooling towers. * Definitions and analyses of the features of various plant systems. * Discussions of promising future technologies. Power Plant Engineering will be the standard reference in the professional engineer's library as the source of information on steam power plant generation. In addition, the clear presentation of the material will make this book suitable for use by students preparing to enter the field.
Customer Reviews:
Power Plant Engineering.......2006-08-14
This book presents the latest data on power plants and provides much needed formulas and rules of thumb for sizing equipment based on plant size and arrangement. The book has many examples of equipment and has a good section although somewhat out of date on permitting of power plants. I would recommend it for any power plant engineer especially those just entering the power generation industry.
Good for the one who involve in power industry........1999-03-25
This book cover all subjects concerning power plant, from economics to operation of the plant. Some data you can not find from somewhere else.
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- Broad Overview
- Great reference handbook
- electrical part
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Standard Handbook of Powerplant Engineering
Thomas C. Elliott ,
Kao Chen , and
Robert Swanekamp
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
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Power Generation Handbook : Selection, Applications, Operation, Maintenance
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Combined - Cycle Gas & Steam Turbine Power Plants
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Steam Plant Operation
ASIN: 0070194351 |
Book Description
Extensively revised and updated, this new edition of a classic resource provides powerplant engineers with a full range of information from basic operations to leading-edge technologies, including steam generation, turbines and diesels, fuels and fuel handling, pollution control, plant electrical systems, and instrumentation and control. New material covers various energy resources for power generation, nuclear plant systems, hydroelectric power stations, alternative and cogeneration energy plants, and environmental controls. With over 600 drawings, diagrams, and photographs, it offers engineers and technicians the information needed to keep powerplants operating smoothly into the 21st century.
Customer Reviews:
Broad Overview.......2007-09-06
This book provides a very broad overview of all energy topics. Much of the information could probably be found in a more up-to-date form from the internet. The first section seems straight from the EIA's annual energy report. Do not purchase this book as an day-to-day guide for operations, calculations and benchmarks. Do buy this book if you're looking for a general description of energy topics.
I say this as a mechanical engineer as the electrical sections do seem to go into more depth.
Great reference handbook.......2005-04-08
I teach power plant technology in an applied sciences college of a large urban university. One of the ongoing challenges of teaching is finding a comprehensive textbook. Although not perfect as a textbook this is a great reference for developing student's foundation in power plant technology
electrical part.......2000-06-01
i am a mechanical engineer working for the power generation industry. as one grows up in professional line, the responsibility also grows. as a mechanocal engineer i have been always reluctant to see the electrical aspect of the power generation until one day i have to take important decision concerning the electrical aspect of the power plant. this hand book came to my great help & stisfaction and took me through most of the electrical engg aspects related to power generation in a very very simple way. Topics like the harmonics, selection and imporatntace of many basic electrical components have been very well covered.i am glad to go through such a book. i would imagine such hand book is a must for practicing power engineers.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Overview and Powerful Source of Information
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Probabilistic Safety Assessment in the Chemical and Nuclear Industries
Ralph Fullwood
Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
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ASIN: 0750672080 |
Book Description
Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA) determines the probability and consequences of accidents, hence, the risk. This subject concerns policy makers, regulators, designers, educators and engineers working to achieve maximum safety with operational efficiency. Risk is analyzed using methods for achieving reliability in the space program. The first major application was to the nuclear power industry, followed by applications to the chemical industry. It has also been applied to space, aviation, defense, ground, and water transportation. This book is unique in its treatment of chemical and nuclear risk.
Problems are included at the end of many chapters, and answers are in the back of the book. Computer files are provided (via the internet), containing reliability data, a calculator that determines failure rate and uncertainty based on field experience, pipe break calculator, event tree calculator, FTAP and associated programs for fault tree analysis, and a units conversion code. It contains 540 references and many referrals to internet locations for information.
Provides the only free fault tree analysis computer code and reliability database
Very comprehensive coverage of chemical and nuclear risks
Gives links to the internet
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Overview and Powerful Source of Information.......2001-06-21
This book is an excellent overview about Probabilistic Safety Assessment. In this case applied in Chemical and Nuclear Industries. The references are complete, but in some cases are not updated. A very well overview about data, methods and software used in this analysis is done. The relevant incidents in both industries are explain in special chapters.
Finally, this book is a powerful source of information with a lots of links to useful and more specific information. A complete startpoint in Probabilistic Safety Assessment.
Book Description
Rees offers the first in-depth account of the extraordinary transformation in the safety standards, operations, and management of the nation's nuclear facilities spurred by the accident at Three Mile Island. Detailing the surprising success of self-regulation within the nuclear industry, his book reveals the possibilities for effective communitarian action.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing analysis .......2005-10-08
For a long time I have been looking for a book with a coherent and convincing analysis on successful self-regulation. Well, perhaps any type of successful regulation. Books on regulatory failure are much easier to come by. And this book had such a promising setting. The claim: A single catastrophic accident at any one US nuclear plant would have ruinous consequences for the entire industry. Each licencee is a hostage of every other licencee. Safety pays! Result: the nuclear industry has founded the INPO organization, to police uniform high safety standards, simply to protect industry's huge investment in nuclear power.
Rees' basic hypothesis is that nuclear power plants operate on some sort of Enlightened Self Interest (ESI). This assumption on rationality is never explicitly stated however, nor is it examined critically. But Rees argues from industry sources that nuclear plants strive to be safe, they compete with each other to be the safest, and that the nuclear industry provide INPO with muscle to make life difficult for those who either cannot or will not do so.
Surprisingly, many of Rees' examples have kind of a dualism. On the one hand, Rees' examples tell a story on how the Three Mile Island accident resulted in soul searching and catharsis, how the transformaton has resulted in increased industry responsibility, how new controls have been set up, and how INPO succesfully fulfills its policing role. But many of the examples could equally well be interpreted the other way around:
- that INPO has been given only weak powers - the so-called Management by Embarassment in closed industry fora. Not stong ones; because linking INPO evaluations and insurance cost, for instance, can affect stock price enormously (p94)
- that INPO is extremely cautious not to alienate its sponsor base (p145)
- that the "safety pays" notion is not widely shared across industry, to say the least, and that cost-cutting on safety is widespread
- that the wake-up call from Three-Mile Island is not received by all actors
For instance, take the example of the INPO crack-down in 1987 - eight years after TMI (!) - on a plant where all operators had fallen asleep on several occasions, leaving operating reactors unattended. Is this an example of a more fundamental free-rider problem in the industry and an opportunity to re-examine the rational ESI assumption ?- or is it an example of succesful INPO peer-pressure intervention? Rees only considers the latter.
It is a mystery to me why Rees has not exploited this alternative line of interpretation and the reason why I find the analysis disappointing.
Rees demonstrates that self-regulation can improve the safety of some plants, likely in ways that public regulation cannot achieve and possibly in a more efficient manner. But the analysis fails to demonstrate that self-regulation can replace public regulation, which is surprising, bearing in mind the "hostages of each other" setting of the analysis.
Persuasive Argument For Communitarian Regulation.......2004-09-09
Joseph Rees has written a superior account of the improvements in nuclear systems safety since the Three Mile Island accident. Without getting too deep into the technical details of nuclear systems or chemistry (other than a basic explanation of the general theory of plant operation and a bit of detail about the faulty PORV design), Rees analyzes TMI from a human factors and safety systems vantage point, and subsequently details the improvements made to the US nuclear power industry since the accident.
Rees especially details the workings of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), a non-governmental industry group which oversees safety more diligently than even the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in a system that Rees dubs "communitarian regulation." He details industry problems such as "nonconservative decision making" and provides useful analogies to other industries. The case of Consolidated Edison (p. 154) is of particular interest for those people interested in studying corporate safety systems and programs.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in nuclear power, and particularly to professionals and students with an interest in industrial safety, regardless of their specific field. This book has applications in every industry, and will improve the understanding of human factors and industrial safety for any interested reader.
Hostages of Each Other.......2000-05-29
This book is about how the Nuclear Energy Industry "bootstrapped" itself to improve operational and nuclear safety after the TMI accident. Prior to TMI, the NRC had been enforcing minimum safety requirements, not promoting operational excellence. The industry realized it might not economically survive another TMI, and while the fundamental design of the plants appeared to be safe, significant operational improvements were needed to reduce the chance another similar accident. The industry formed INPO (the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations) to share information and resources to promote excellence and safety in operations. The book is full of stories of what happened and quotes from the principles involved (no heavy technical stuff) and I found it an enjoyable, interesting read. The author is a professor at the Center for Public Policy at Virginia Tech, and I detected no pro or anti-nuke sentiment, just lots of well researched information. Probably the best book I have read on the subject.
Book Description
This book provides everything we need to understand nuclear power. Written in easy-to-follow prose, it frankly describes the role that nuclear power could and should play in meeting our electrical energy needs. It disambiguates nuclear controversy from all sides of the nuclear debate and discusses the potential of energy production from other available fuels. It authenticates the energy policy decisions that each nation must make to address reaching the peak of oil supplies, while effectively dealing with societys' increasing energy consumption needs and associated environmental consequences. The authors are very astute at explaining the complexity of nuclear issues and reducing them to general terms for reader comprehension. They examine nuclear plant operations and the potential for accidents, dissect how nuclear accidents have occurred and outline how such events can be avoided in the future. They are well versed in the special problems of nuclear engineering and use their experience and expertise to show us how nuclear energy can be produced safely. They provide the necessary background to really grasp a clear perspective of the potential of nuclear energy and the vital elements of nuclear safety systems that prevent accidents. They discuss radioactive elements, including their decay properties and provide good background information on the basic physics involved in actual practice.
Customer Reviews:
Not just technical info.......2006-02-04
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although I picked it up for its scientific information, Ramsey and Modarres have also included some of the intrigue that we all know exists within the industry. I found the geo-political and cross-industrial information insightful. I'd love to see more on this... like, "who wants to kill off the nuclear power industry? And why?"
Excellent Introduction To Nuclear Safety.......2005-08-09
"Commercial Nuclear Power" is a must-read book for anyone with an interest in nuclear energy specifically, or with electricity production and consumption generally. The book is fairly technical, and would be most easily understood by people with some basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, or engineering; having said that, the authors are very good at explaining difficult ideas from general concept to specific application, which makes the book comprehensible to an average reader. One thing that makes the book easier to digest is the lack of higher math, which is frequently where this subject can bog down for non-professionals.
I like the book especially because I appreciate the focus the authors have on system safety, including human factors issues (and the use of simulation in training). The book is great at presenting all sides of the nuclear debate, and provides the necessary background to really grasp the vital elements of nuclear safety systems. The section on Accident Sequence Precursors (ASP) is particularly strong, and demonstrates the efforts undertaken to prevent accidents by the study of minor incidents and precursors. Specific methods are discussed in terms of different types of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), as well, which effectively shows how the pieces of the puzzle fit together (although I disagree with one of the procedural steps in Figure 2-3 "Accident Sequence Precursor Analysis" on page 117). This plus the discussion of the "Defense In Depth" (Chapter Four) concept are the most useful components of the book from a safety perspective.
There is a very good discussion of all radioactive elements, including their decay properties, and good background information on the basic physics involved in actual practice. The discussion of core thermal hydraulic design, reactivity control, Doppler effect considerations, and the remainder of Chapter Three ("Control and Safety Systems") is particularly well written and interesting, though Chapter Four ("Accident Prevention") is probably the single most valuable chapter in the book for safety professionals.
The book concludes with several interesting documents, including a forecast to 2015 of expected electricity consumption by country, and deals with the problems each nation faces in energy production decisions, with good coverage of the problems in China and Africa.
This book is invaluable for nuclear safety professionals, students of nuclear energy, or concerned citizens. It is the single most readable and comprehensive background book on nuclear power that I have yet seen, and I recommend it very highly.
Nuclear Energy - From Jane Fonda to Reality.......2002-06-26
This book, though somewhat technical, is a primer in the problems and great potential of nuclear power. It dissolves the fog of "junk science" perpetuated by some environmentalist groups and the Press in particular. A must read if you want to have an informed, accurate opinion as a 21st century power consumer.
a well composed,(although lengthy ) abstract of past/future.......1999-02-04
As an Electrical Engineer, I found this book to be a learning tool in the areas of non-fossil fuel power.Should be required reading for undergraduate science majors.
S.J. Clarke MSEE
Enlighting - Nuclear History - Past, Present & Future.......1998-07-16
If you want to learn more about the Commerical Nuclear Power - Is it safe? Where are we now? Where are we going? This is the book to read. It's all here! Yes, it's technical, but obviously written to be understood by the layperson as well. Thanks!
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Wet-Steam Turbines for Nuclear Power Plants
Alexander Leyzerovich
Manufacturer: PennWell Corp.
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Steam Turbines: Theory and Design
ASIN: 1593700326
Release Date: 2005-04-01 |
Book Description
As traditional fossil fuels are depleted and world demand for power increases, nuclear-generated electricity has a strong future. This volume by a world-renowned scientist should be a must-read for all nuclear power plant personnel. With the widespread deployment of wet-steam turbines at nuclear power plants worldwide, readily available information on operations and maintenance is a critical factor. Wet-Steam Turbines for Nuclear Power Plants presents in-depth information essential for plant operators and managers. This book explains in clear, but detailed language, the design process by the world's leading wet-steam turbine manufacturers. It also gives readers comprehensive instruction on the subtleties of operation and maintenance of these complex components.
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Modern Instrumentation and Control for Nuclear Power Plants (Technical Reports (International Atomic Energy Agency))
Manufacturer: International Atomic Energy Agency
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ASIN: 9201011997 |
Book Description
Nyle's life with her grandmother on their Vermont sheep farm advances rhythmically through the seasons until the night of the accident at the Cookshire nuclear power plant. Without warning, Nyle's modest world fills with protective masks, evacuations, contaminated food, disruptions, and mistrust.Nyle adjusts to the changes. As long as the fallout continues blowing to the East, Nyle, Gran, and the farm can go on. But into this uncertain haven stumble Ezra Trent and his mother, "refugees" from the heart of the accident, who take temporary shelter in the back bedroom of Nyle's house.The back bedroom is the dying room:It took her mother when Nyle was six; it stole away her grandfather just two years ago. Now Ezra is back there and Nyle doesn't want to open her heart to him. Too many times she's let people in, only to have them desert her.Karen Hesse's voice and vision are grounded in truth; she takes on a nearly unharnessable subject, contains it, and makes it resonate with honesty. Part love story, part coming of age, this is a tour de force by a gifted writer.
Customer Reviews:
Beautifully written!.......2007-04-15
Phoenix Rising is a beautifully written book that kids from grades 4-9 would enjoy. I loved the descriptions of the changing of the seasons in New England, where the story takes place. I also liked to see how the main character, Nyle, changed from the fall to the spring. This book is sad at times, and really makes you think about the consequences of nuclear power.
A GREAT BOOK!!!.......2007-03-28
I READ THIS BOOK A FEW MONTHS AGO...I SIMPLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I WANTED A CLASS SET FOR MY 5TH GRADERS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS BOOK IS OUT OF PRINT SO I WAS UNABLE TO PURCHASE A NEW SET. HOWEVER, I WAS BOUND AND DETERMINED TO HAVE MY KIDS READ IT. SO, BETWEEN AMAZON AND EBAY I PURCHASED 25 USED COPIES. MY STUDENTS LOVED IT SO MUCH, MOST OF THEM READ AHEAD AND FINISHED IT EARLY. THIS IS MUST FOR ALL STUDENTS TO READ. IT IS AN EASY READ SO I WOULD EVEN VENTURE TO SAY THAT CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS FOURTH GRADE COULD READ THIS.
Erin's Book Review.......2007-02-27
In school we read a brilliant book as a group, Phoenix Rising (by Karen Hesse). If you are looking for something interesting to read, Phoenix Rising is a good book for pretty much anyone. It is a book on the subject of problems, regarding loss.
The history of the family is very unfortunate. Just before the book started there was a radioactive explosion at a nuclear power plant. The main character, Nyle and her grandma live on a farm near Cookshire, Vermont. Nyle's dad left when she was very young. Her father left Nyle with her grandparents when her mother was very sick because he did not want to see Nyle's mother die. Her mother died years before the explosion as well as her grandfather; they both died in the back bedroom. Nyle saw it as the dying room. Then Ezra and his mother, two evacuees, came to stay in the back bedroom.
The events of the story are very dramatic. There was a radioactive explosion. Suddenly there were protective masks, contaminated food and evacuations. I think it would make it very hard to try to live a peaceful life again after something like that.
The main troubles the family had were: One, Nyle was afraid to care or love anyone again. Two, sometime Nyle will have to face telling her best friend, Muncie about Ezra. Muncie and her family live on Nyle's grandmother's property. She was afraid if she told Muncie about Ezra staying with her, Muncie would freak out and move off their property, and then Nyle would not have a friend. Three, it is hard to deal with everything, and it is hard to face the truth that anything could happen to Ezra.
The thoughts and opinions I had for this book were focused on the author and the book as it unraveled. When I first read the book it seemed stupid. I wanted to tell my teacher it was a lousy book and the worst book that was ever written, but I read it anyway. I kept reading and it was the one of the greatest books I ever read. That was because I could relate - I have lost people in my life. But, the only question I had for Karen Hesse was, "What was her point? What was the moral of the book? What was she trying to tell us?" I don't have an answer, but I know there was a point and everyone sees it from a different point of view. And this book made me feel that I am not the only one that has lost important people.
Even though it was a story, people can still relate to it. I thought the beginning was slow to start, but once I got into it I wanted to read more. I saw Nyle as the main character and as the Phoenix. Ezra could have been the Phoenix because he helped Nyle change how she felt about people. I think people should recognize that if you don't like a book you could abandon it or keep reading because you should never read a book you dislike.
Nyle reminded me of myself because it is difficult for me to change like her. I can't seem to come to a conclusion. But my loss helped me understand feelings that the characters had. I would definitely recommend this book. I would recommend this book to children around 10 and 12, as well as people just looking for an interesting book.
Mikey's book review on the best book ever!.......2007-01-23
Phoenix Rising is about a farm girl named Nyle. Nyle's best friend, Muncie, is (to everyone but Nyle) a mutant. Muncie is very small, but has twice the strength of Nyle. There was an explosion at a nuclear power plant and everyone needs to wear radiation masks. Ezra is the son of the boss of the power plant in Cookshire (southern Vermont).
Nyle and her grandmother decide to house two of the evacuees. Ezra's mother is named Mrs. Trent. Ezra's father died in the accident (he ran in and got other people out because Ezra told him it was his fault and he also kept absorbing more and more radiation when finally his skin was all bubbly and black, he died in the hospital bed). Ezra is 15 and Nyle is 13 years old.
Nyle feels she has to hide Ezra from Muncie because Muncie's family is afraid they will get sick if they are around people who have the radiation sickness. Muncie's family is also very careful with their decisions. Muncie is always thinking of the perfect thing to say. Later in the book Nyle and Muncie go to Manchester and see a replay of the accident on the news and Nyle realizes why Ezra is so afraid of the outside world.
I liked this book because it had some sad parts in it and it had a scenario of a nuclear explosion. It's also what would happen if there was a nuclear explosion at a power plant.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes books with many conflicts. The conflicts had an impact on the book by connecting things together and making you realize that everything happens for a reason. No events in this book just happen then fade away. I also recommend this book to anyone who likes stories that could be real but aren't, because when I was reading this book I kept wondering if the story was real... but it wasn't.
The characters had a personality. Ezra's personality was kind and gentle. He was also rich but after the accident he realized there are other people that aren't rich but can still have a happy life. Nyle's was a simple farm girl that liked the outdoors. Muncie's personality was a kind caring person that cared about other people and if they were different she tried to make friends with them. I like books like that because it keeps the story alive. I loved this book and I hope you will too! On a scale of 1 to 100 I give this book a 100!
Adam's Review on the Best Book Ever!.......2007-01-23
Phoenix Rising by Karen Hesse is the best book I've ever read! I think it teaches you about loss and that there's always someone out there for you. It takes place in Vermont. It's about two thirteen-year-old farm girls named Nyle and Muncie and a fifteen-year old radiation-sick boy named Ezra. Nyle and Muncie are best friends. Muncie's family is very afraid of radiation and people that are sick from it. They also live on Nyle's Grandma's Property.
Ezra lived in Cookshire. When he lived there, his father owned the nuclear power plant. When the power plant blew up, Ezra's father went in to get other people out and ended up dying. Ezra got sick from radiation and Nyle and her grandmother allowed him and his mother stay there. Nyle lived with her grandmother. Many years ago, her father left and her mother and grandfather died.
When Ezra came to stay, Nyle stays home to help him. When Nyle stops going to Muncie's house and stays home with Ezra, their friendship starts breaking. When Muncie finds out about Ezra, Nyle and Muncie's friendship ended for a while. But when Nyle and Ezra needed help, Muncie didn't hesitate. I think that it was smart that Nyle didn't tell Muncie about Ezra because if Nyle told Muncie, Muncie's family would move away and Nyle would never see her again, but if Nyle and Muncie drifted apart, after Ezra left they could try to be friends again. I think that the morning after Muncie found out about Ezra, Muncie was overreacting about why Nyle didn't tell her about it. Earlier in the book Muncie said the evacuees were mutants, and when Muncie found out about Ezra, she said that Nyle should have told her. However, Nyle was telling Muncie that she would have freaked out if Nyle had told her.
I liked the part when Muncie said that everyone is dying because it made sense, no matter how young you are, you're still slowly dying. I think something the author could have done better would be to take out the part where it said that Mrs. Trent was getting sick from radiation because the author never said anything else about it. On a scale of one to ten, I rate this book a twelve! I hope you take my advice and READ THIS BOOK!
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