What a splendid and timely book this is! Without trace of pontification or gloom-mongering, Barker lays out what we need to have thought about before we can respond effectively to terrorism. As I read the book, I was struck by how widespread terrorism is in the world today and what a very long history it has in human affairs. I already knew that my ancestors had used WMD's (smallpox infested blankets) on the indigenous peoples of North America; but I did not know that the great French celebrant of American frontier Democracy, Alexis deTocqueville, had written of his own nations' conquest of Algeria, 'In France, I have often heard people that I respect, but do not approve of, deplore burning harvests, emptying granaries, and seizing unarmed men, women, and children. As I see it, these are unfortunate necessities'. .'

Terrorism is a horrific topic. Unlike many writers in this area, Barker is equal handed in his sympathy and slow to moralize. In fact he shows how moralizing often obscures the issues at stake. To design ways to oppose terrorism he prefers the metaphor of international law enforcement over the metaphor of an International War Against Terrorism. It is more likely to lead us to think practically about ameliorating the conditions that foster terrorism and less likely to allow us to depersonalize and abuse the populations from which terrorists arise. Above all, the book helps you advance your own thinking on this fraught subject.

Barker's book is one of the No-Nonsense Guides, which originate from a Candian Publisher, Between the Lines. These are a series of thoughtful, succinct works on the most thorny issues of modern life, ranging from climate modification, to world trade, to world history. They are pocket books in the old fashioned sense of books you carry with you on the subway, to the dentist office, to the kids' hockey game that are so interesting and well-organized that you keep your place between interruptions.

I applaud both the series and the volume.

Warren Hope and Jonathan Barker have done a good job of editing Norman Cameron's poems. The author of a number of brief, witty poems, Cameron's work deserves to be better known. He coined a little collection of thoughtful and memorable myths that at once criticize and delight in the paradoxical lot of modern humanity.

How interesting it was, to read a book, written by someone you have been related to for 25+ years, and as a result meet this person for the very 1st time. Whether this had been a family member or a complete stranger with the same challenges of mental illness, it would have been impressive to be welcomed into the vulnerability of the struggle. I was quickly engrossed in the journey of self discovery and truth that plagues so many people in the bi-polar community. I also felt priveleged to read it from the afflicted's point of view. Not only was the author generous with his interpretations of what must have been several grueling scenarios in the journey; in addition there were statistics, facts and direction for seeking support offered. Yes, I am proud of the author's personal successes, as a result of his self discoveries, but I also feel that those of us who suffer to understand and/or support someone in our lives, regardless of the relationship, would highly benefit from reading this book.