I felt disappointed reading this book.... The ideas of the author are not fresh and his interpretation of Grotowski is, at best, misguided.

After a long hiatus from performing, reading this book excited me to absolutely no end! Stephen's thoughts and wise teachings brought me back to a place that I'd forgotten and was sorely missing. Thank you for the palpable tenderness and care that LEAPS off the page directly into my world and " where I live " Reading about acting can be confusing, right? This book magically trancends anything stodgy, incoherent, or inconsistent in structure and message. ( SO MANY acting and performance manuals DO NOT EVER get past the lumpy and condescending realm...) THIS is elegantly crafted and now sacred to me! Thank you Stephen.

Stephen Wangh, a former student of Grotowski and now a teacher of Experimental theater shares his knowledge in this inspiring and well written book. First of all, I want to say that you really need to have a teacher and be in a group to learn Grotowski's physical acting better. Grotowksi's work can also be very challenging and confussing at times and this book really helps guide you through it. The book follows a group of Stephen Wangh's first students through his training. That is what makes the book better then your average acting text book. You take a journey along with these people while learning the Grotowski method. As an actor I could relate to the actors frustrations and fears and in the book we see them overcome them. The book explains everything from what clothes to wear to voice work. I am glad Wangh added a section at the end of the book about how to deal with and survive acting. Very few people talk about this subject and it needs to be brought up more. I read this book before I was about to start working on a play and it re-inspired me and made me more discplined and focused. Stephen Wang also isn't self centered and basically says that do what you have to do to do the role you're playing good but try this method. The book is very well-thought out and easy to understand. Any actor should read this even if they think they know the Grotowski method.

A summary of his statement on p. 125 on "Russell's Mathematical Logic" describes the "vicious circle principle: forbids a certain kind of circularity which is made responsible for the paradoxes. The fallacy in these, so it is contended, consists in the circumstance that one defines (or tacitly assumes) totalities, whose existence would entail the existence of certain new elements of the same totality, namely elements definable only in terms of the whole totality." This led to the formulation of a principle which says that "no totality can contain members definable only in terms of this totality, or members involving or presupposing this totality." (The vicious circle principle). (Also a "not applying to itself principle to keep the vicious circle principle from applying to itself p. 126

In describing Russell's theory of types he says, "The paradoxes are avoided by the theory of simple types which is combined with the theory of simple orders - a "ramified hierarchy""

Godel argues that the vicious circle principle is false rather than that classical mathematics is false.

p. 202 "A remark about the relationship between relativity theory and idealistic philosophy (1949a) (Note that this view supports my usual presentations in class on this!)

"The argument runs as follows: Change becomes possible only through the lapse of time. The existence of an objective lapse of time 4, however, means (or, at least, is equivalent to the fact) that reality consists of an infinity of layers of "now"

p. 203 which come into existence successively. But, if simultaneity is something relative in the sense just explained, reality cannot be split up into such layers in an objectively determined way. Each observer has his own set of "nows", and none of these various systems of layers can claim the prerogative of representing the objective lapse of time. 5"

This text is adequate for the first time reader, but it is not as good as "Going Public" by Arkebauer and Shultz (I've used both for teaching). This is written in a style that is a little more terse and dry than the other and does not quite have the detail of information. This book, though, does have a good explanation of current SEC rules.

Stephens has produced a passionate and provocative book about three luminaries of African-American culture who have probably never been grouped together before---and certainly not so interestingly. Stephens, who holds a PhD in Communication, is doing something that more American Studies scholars should emulate: he's making comparisons across political boundaries, and he's challenging some prevailing orthodoxies about how we think about race in the US. Very much worth reading and arguing about.

Small Animal Clinical Oncology is NOT aimed at "civilian" pet owners like me. I bought this book after getting a cancer diagnosis on my dog, desperate for more detailed information than what I've found so far in books for the general public. I hesitated at the price, but I'm now very glad I bought it. I strongly suggest having Taber's Medical Dictionary handy if you're not in the field, and many of the photos were very tough to look at. Each chapter is written by different authors, it's footnoted to the nth degree which makes it easier if you should want to find further info. The chapters are well laid out and offered lots of basic and not so basic info on different tumors and cancers, progression, treatments, theory, classifications, pathology, etc. The last chapter on Bond Centered Practice is very touching from where I stand, addressing the handling of us owners in a very comforting way.

This book has most anything pet owners could want to know from a conventional medicine standpoint if they're willing to wade through it. There's info about the not-so-conventional side too, I found that a bonus since I'm interested in both sides. I did get totally lost in a couple of the theory chapters, that's to be expected for the likes of me, but I managed most of it. While a tough read for for a those not in the field, I've really learned a lot from this book, it's the best I've found on the subject so far. I can't rate this 5 full stars since I am not in the target group it's written for. If there are any problems, inaccuracies, or unnoted controversies, I'd probably never know, but none are obvious to me anyway.

The book gives a concise description of places to eat in any size city in the USA. Does not give a lot of detail but can be useful if your not always interested in five star restaurants.

This book makes cross country back road traveling even more fun. Sure there are a few problems, but most fair-sized towns have entires, and many small towns do. We have had wonderful fun and some interesting, to say the least, meals because of it. Well worth its price.

We've used this book four times, and have been pleasantly surprised each time (Carson City NV, Winnemucca NV, someplace or other in UT, and San Francisco).

The first White book I read was MANNER OF DEATH. This one seemed to go on and on and on without going anywhere, sort of like walking or running on a treadmill. It never seemed to go anywhere until the end where he tied it together FINALLY!!. The characters were fractured as well as the storyline. I could not keep track of all the characters nor did I want to because frankly they were not that interesting. A disappointment compared to MANNER OF DEATH.

Stephen White is, without a doubt, a truly extraordinary author. Even when his books aren't as good as you'd hoped, they're still good enough that you don't want to put them down (and, in my case, are willing to give them a second chance and re-read it). This book, while not the best, is still enjoyable. I believe the author hit his stride in "Remote Control" and has been off and running since.

While the book would've benefited from fewer characters (I had to go back and find where one was introduced to find out what her importance was), it was still enjoyable and had me reading well past midnight.

I've been a big fan of Stephen White for many years. I re-read Private Practices in one sitting last night. It only reconfirmed why I grab White's books as soon as they're printed.

First and fundamentally, White writes with great suspense and lots of unexpected twists and turns. In this book, a ski death, a spousal abuse murder,the crash of the United flight in Sioux City, a gas explosion and a gourmet restaurant all find their way into the tangled web.

Still,when I recommend White to friends (which I do often), the recommendation always includes the wonderful dry humor of the books.About 3/4's of the humor is universal and a healthy forth is directed at Colorado things - weather, the People's Republic of Boulder and skiers. Funny enough for outsiders and really big grins for locals.

One word of caution to new readers of the Alan Gregory series. Unlike many male slueths, Alan doesn't have a new babe in each book. If you want to follow his romantic relationship, as well as the progress of friends and neighbors, this is a series worth reading in sequence. It starts with Priviledged Information. This book, Private Practices, is the second in the series...

The only way a reader could give any credibility to the authors' outlandish and contradictory theories (either Charles Lindbergh or his sister-in-law killed the baby!) is to ignore the actual evidence which overwhelmingly proves Bruno Hauptman's guilt. And that's exactly what the authors do: They ignore the fact that large amounts of ransom money was found at Hauptman's house, that the unique mis-spellings in the ranson notes (for example, hyphenation of "New-York") matched handwriting samples from Hauptmann written from before the kidnapping (pretty hard to fabricate or forge pre-existing business documents), that Hauptmann was a notorious "second-story" burglar back in Germany, etc., etc. The authors focus on the weak pieces of evidence against Hauptman and then knock down that evidence--a classic "Straw Man" strategy. The authors base their theory on an affidavit which, (they casually mention) was "lost" years ago. Now THAT'S SOME PROOF!!!!
If you are seriously interested in this crime, read one or both of Jim Fischer's books.

The theory that Charles Lindbergh might have committed the kidnapping as a 'joke' (he was well known for pulling bizarre and risky practical jokes on friends and family) was a possibility that was never considered by the police who investigated the kidnapping at the time. It should have been considered! Contemporary readers have the benefit of knowing about the Ramsey case, the Susan Smith case and many other sad stories of parents harming their own children.

People who dismiss Ahlgren and Monier's book and theory that Lindy was involved in his son's disappearance and death must have the stars of Lindbergh's fame clouding their eyes. One also needs to realize that Lindbergh's contribution to American culture as an aviator did not make him a perfect man or father. If Lindbergh did what Ahlgren and Monier suggest he did, he was guilty of poor judgment and had an amazing lack of protective parental instincts for his son, but he was not a cold blooded killer.

There were many 'loose ends' in the state's case against Bruno Richard Hauptmann. This book offers some very plausible explanations for many of the previously unexplained or poorly explained events surrounding the 'kidnapping' and death of Charles Lindbergh, jr. It is not perfectly written, but it's well worth the read.

In 1927 Charles Lindbergh flew the first solo trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Paris, this is recorded in the history books. In 1932 his 20-month-old son was abducted and killed, also recorded in the history books.

The subsequent investigations lead to the arrest, conviction and death of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, again recorded in history. But what if history was wrong and what if Hauptmann was setup? That is what the authors try to prove in this book.

The book gives new evidence and sheds new light on a crime many consider to be the worst in history. The authors show that Lindbergh cremated the body before any autopsy was ever done. They show, with convincing arguments that Lindbergh's story doesn't add up.

The authors take apart, piece by piece, every shred of evidence and show that the wrong man was convicted and that the investigators were detailed as they lead the public to believe. This first rate work gives the reader a clear picture and after reading you can decide if they have done their homework.

Not only was this a good read from a mystery standpoint, it taught me more about the Mormon religion than my college level Comparative Religion class. The author either has a very personal acquaintance with the Mormon church, or he performed very thorough research. Either way, I always love it when I learn something from a book as well as just enjoy the experience, and this was one of those books. I found this book to be HIGHLY original. In addition to the events in the plot being different from the ordinary fare, this is the first time I have read a mystery author who switches the focus from a series' main character (the psychologist)the secondary main character (Lauren)in a separate book. I read it in less than a week, was sorry when it ended.

Some of the Mormons who wrote reviews here are defending what can't be defended. Stephen White wrote a novel but he did research before he did and what he found was obviously not to the liking of the LDS Church or some of its more devout (and misinformed adherents). What White tried to do with "Higher Authority" (and I think he was very successful) was set a murder mystery against the backdrop of the workings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. What Mormon readers of this book need to do is get honest; they also need to read up on their church's history and when they do, the real theology should come through. Alan Gregory is not the main character here, Lauren Crowder is. It is what she investigates and finds that makes for the backdrop of the story. What many non-Mormon readers don't realize is what exactly LDS members believe. White gives us a primer but he doesn't cover it all. If most people knew just exactly what Mormons believe, they would never, ever become adherents. Read this book because it's a good story. After you do, go to a Christian bookstore to the section on "cults" and buy any of the books on MORMONS. Read with an open mind and when you do, you'll find that Mormons aren't Christians at all. They mean well and Stephen White points that out in his novel. But it's the negative exposure that has the Mormons trying to explain away the inconsistencies and outright falsehoods that are part of their false doctrine. Stephen White lives in a part of the country where Mormons are numerous and influential. His riting is all the more courageous because of that. There are documented cases of people making death threats to people who write and say negative things about the LDS Church. I have spoken to non-Mormon friends from Utah and they HAVE told me that UTAH is as close to a theocracy as one gets in the good old USA. Read "Higher Authority" and get an idea why.

As a born and bred Mormon, active and faithful, I read this story because it sounded intriguing. As a story, it lives up to its promise of mystery and excitement. I was dismayed at the Mormon bashing, and only want to tell prospective readers that the author has no real factual knowledge of the LDS Church and what life is really like in Utah. The truth is really simple and there's no mystery to it at all. Utah is far from a theocracy, and Church leaders do not dictate our actions, much less our thoughts. Unfortunately, the plot and premise of this book depends heavily on the possibility that even murder would be considered an option rather than have politically high-placed individuals exposed for practices which are not condoned by the Mormon religion. If you keep that in mind and discount 95% of what the author says about politics and religion in Utah, I do recommend the story.

As a new resident of Boulder County, I have enjoyed Stephen White's thrillers, even though I usually steer clear of the genre. His stories entertain me, which is about all I ask of a mass-market paperback. Here as in his other books, the bad guys (and gals) get theirs in definitive and rather original fashion -- and, alas, usually an innocent victim gets it, too, rather like life.

It's true that my steam for this particular story ran out in the last hundred pages or so; I had to fight impulses to sneak peek at the last few pages. But it was rewarding enough to power on through to the end. Readers who complain that this book didn't give them the "why" of characters' actions were not paying attention.

I hope Stephen White will bring back A.J. Simes and her sidekick in future stories. I wouldn't mind seeing more of some the the Locard group characters, as well.

This book does not pretend to be more than it is: a fairly engaging read with some corpses thrown in for prurient interest. Take it for what it is and it is hard to think you'll be disappointed.

Having read all of Stephen White's novels in chronological order (which you also should do if you feel like exploring his complete work), I was highly impressed with this eighth instalment of the loose series.

Even though some of the plot is at times... well, quite predictable (anybody here who did not have an idea what would happen to the sympathetic Dorothy pretty quickly?), "Cold Case" nevertheless offers another exciting read from this gifted author. There are of course a lot of similarities to Jonathan Kellerman's L.A.-based Alex Delaware series, but Stephen White's very credible Colorado characters lend all of his thrillers deeper roots somehow.

Like I said in an earlier review, opening up a new Stephen White novel is like visiting good friends. It's great to see the main characters being carefully developed with each new novel - and with Stephen White you can bet that the story is always interesting, profoundly researched and well written.

The words "Great author" comes to mind. Master storyteller. Weaver of words. This is the first book I read by Mr. White and my only complaint is that I didn't read his Alan Gregory novels in the order they were written. "Cold Case" is a masterful story from beginning to end, detailing the investigation of two murders that are several years old. There are several twists in this story (one or two you can see coming, but what can you do?)

I highly recommend this book, but I recommend it after having read the others in the series first!