I grew up in Northern Arizona on the Utah border. Living close to St George and Cedar City, Utah, we heard rumors of families with unusually high incidents of leukemia and other cancers and the ensuing speculation about the cause. Gallagher's compilation of stories supplies the most human view of the downwinders. She documents a dark and frightening chapter in our goverment's history. Most compelling were the stories of the workers at the test site who were not even afforded the pretense of protection from exposure. I would have appreciated additional focus on the effects of the testing on the Native American tribes in Utah and Northern Arizona.

Gallagher has given us a treasure by documenting the stories of radiation exposure victims who deserve to have their stories told. Once started, I could not stop reading this book and found myself studying each photograph for several minutes before reading the accompanying story.

Thank you Ms. Gallagher for leaving your New York roots, succuming to the fashion dictates of southern Utah and permitting yourself to become the blank slate upon which these stories were etched.

I've read and reread this book so many times I've lost count. In addition I've loaned it out to multiple friends just to get them to open their eyes. Each time I read it I'm still amazed at the liberties taken by the military during this period of time. There is so much important information here I could never even scratch the surface in a short review. The poignant stories told by the victims of these nuclear tests (mostly patriotic mormons who felt the govt. could do no wrong) will move you emotionally, besides backing up Gallaghers claims. If you consider yourself a patriot, prepare to have your world shaken. Just buy it, you wont be sorry.

As I wander through the twisted bits of rubble, staring this way and that, gawking at the awe-inspiring sight of Ground Zero and inhaling the stench of my fellow heroes, I occasionally remove my hat and wipe a tear from my mind's eye with a snotty handkerchief handed down from my mother, and hers before her. It is incredibly hard to believe how such devastation could occur on precious American soil, and in the one city in the United States where capitalism is not a crime. As an on-again, off-again volunteer firefighter, I know firsthand the inadvertent pain that the families of the victims occasionally must be suffering. As Brenda, my late ex-lover (may she rest in peace) often said whilst sleepwalking, "when God tells you your time is up, hold your chin high and look skyward." I have held that motto dear to my heart and looked skyward ever since. But I sure to heck wish I knew what kind of pain medication Christopher Reeve was on! That man can stand still for hours! That said, I have no doubt that we shall recover from this tragedy and redouble our dignity in no time. Thank you for this book!

This beginners book for amateurs has information in it you simply won't find in most other astronomy books (ie: a complete list of all the constellations). A great reference volume and a fine addition to most libraries. Don't miss.

This book is fantastic for those who either just bought their first telescope or just want to learn more about the stars by looking through binoculars. I am 37 years old and it did not seem too elementary for me. This book will gently guide you through the heavens in a way that doesn't insult your intelligence. It shows you in a simple way how to find planets and teaches you how to read star charts, all while giving you a basic education in astronomy. Great book!