Efforts of workers in this country to organize and to fight for fair wages and decent working conditions have been long and extremely arduous. The history of the labor movement has been fraught with violence and bloodshed. It was not until Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal that Congress passed laws allowing workers to organize and to strike for the conditions which should have been rightfully theirs all along.

Set in California in the 1930s, _In Dubious Battle_ accurately depicts individuals who strike when the owners of the orchard in which they pick apples decide to reduce their pay. The book documents these workers' extreme poverty and hunger, as well as their fears of bodily harm or even death at the hands vigilantes and police with whom they must contend during the strike. Their leaders, some of whom are on the extreme left political fringes, are men of fervor and dedication who are willing to sacrifice their own lives in the struggle. Steinbeck who often wrote of the sufferings of the common people, to his credit, presents a balanced portrait of these men. Bullying unarmed strikers into a fighting frenzy against men who possess deadly weapons, exploiting the martyrs in their ranks, and stealthily committing arson as methods of gaining them sympathy, were considered ethical acts that justified their worthy ends. One of the book's great strengths was its non-fictional, documentary feel. Admittedly, Steinbeck's matter of fact approach and dialogue sometimes dulled the book's dramatic impact. On the whole, though, I felt as if I were living amongst very realistic people, experiencing their disappointments fighting a dubious battle in an ultimately successful war for economic freedom of all working people.

A long time forgotten when a man had only one concern: to find work at any wage so he could feed his family. No other time in American history exemplifies this best than the Great Depression when transplanted Okies worked up and down the West Coast. In In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck, a group of migrant workers courageously decided to strike against the powerful and wealthy landowners. Wonderfully written, In Dubious Battle engrosses the reader easily eliciting reaction ranging from outrage to shock.

First of all, I was outraged at the owners attempts to break the strike. The owners seemed to have control over just about every thing in the city. For example, the owners hired people called vigilantes to start trouble and then the coops blamed the strikers for the trouble and tried to arrest them. Next, the owners had the newspapers write that the people who got shot were shot by the strikers. A wonder example of how the process used by the owners worked was when a farmer naned Anderson, who let the strikers stay on his farm. The vigilantes burned down his farm, and the papers placed the blame in the strikers. Clearly, the vigilantes and the papers worked for the owners. The puplic did not really know that the strikers were the good guys. The public thought that the strikers were organized crime. For that reason the owners outrage me the most, for decieving the public. However, I was also shocked at how the police and newspapers were seemingly controlled by the owners. The police are supposed to uphold the law at all times. But when one of the strikers was shot and killed by the vigilantes, the cops tried to blame the rest of the strikers, even though the cops knew that the vigilantes did the killing. The papers were also aware of the truth, yet they also blamed the strikers and print editorials written to make the strikers look like organized crime. One of their editorials actually endorsed violence against the strikers:"We believe the time had come to take action...This paper doesnto ad has never believed inviolence; but it does believe that when the law is not sufficient enough to cope eith these kinds of malcontents and miderers, an aroused citezenry must take a hand..."

Besides being impressed with how the story got my attention, I was also impressed the the main character, Jim. He was knew to the whole strike idea and was literally learning as he went along. During the story, Jim is under the guidance of a man named Mac, who is in charge. What impresses me the most is Jim's ability to be the only person who is thinking rationally in times of disorder among the rest of the strikers. THis is illustrated best when the strikers turn into a frenzied mob after someone got beat up. Jim, who is at the moment injured, uses his head to not join the mob to attack the owners, who have used the police to barricade the roads. I often thinkthat rationality is the only advantage the strikers have.

To sum uo, In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck is a wonderful book to read, as are all John Steinbeck novels. A person would read about the hadship endured by the migrant workers in a history book by they would only understand whoat happened by reading one of Steinbeck's novels concerning this subject.

By far, Steinbeck had his finest moments writing this story. That says a lot about a man who did such great character studies as Of Mice And Men, The Grapes Of Wrath, The Winter Of Our Discontent, and The Pearl. In this story, Steinbeck hits a raw note rarely reached in American Literature. Few people would have it in them to write a story about the "Reds" in the 1930s. Steinbeck not only wrote the story, he made it his masterpiece. The story alone is the best he ever published. A story about a migrant worker strike in California and the effects of an ununionized strike unfold in the novel. The more important part of the novel is the humanist views Steinbeck took. Every man can feel the hate of the system tearing you apart. He captures that hate in all 300 pages of this story. In every aspect, he captured people who have been pushed too far in In Dubious Battle. He told the story of men who had nothing to lose and in the end lost anyway. This is not another story of the underdog. This is the story of the American Dream being left unfulfilled.

I'm german, but I spent a year in America and I had to write an essay about the book. I didn't know what it was about when I started reading, but after a few pages Steinbeck caught my attention with his way of writing. I was really impressed how he described his feelings towards the journey. After reading "Of mice and men" I had to correct the view I had of John Steinbeck. The way he describes people is just amazing. I mainly read the book to compare the characters I meet during my year in Kansas with those in the book. But not just the people intested me, also how much the society has changed in 40 years. And I was surprised. Steinbeck previewed several themes that are of importance nowadays. for example the enviromental pronlems we have. Also the lack of interest in political matters. But without Charley the book would never be what it is. One laughs about him(yellostone national Park) but one the other hand one suffers when Charley feel bad. I liked to read the book, because it is written in an easy to understad language. That' why I rated the book 5.

I read Travels with Charley after reading most of Steinbeck's novels. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately read it again. This work lets the reader get a glimpse of John Steinbeck, the American and the man. I put American first because Steinbeck, I believe, was one of those men who loved his country so much, that he seemed to consider himself an American above all else. I enjoy creative works by individuals who have an unquestionable love for something. I believe Steinbeck was such a person. In the early '60's he is dismayed (but loves) America, and so sets out to rediscover her. Since he is a shy person, he takes his dog, a large black poodle named Charlie, with him to help break the ice with people as he travels around the country. What follows is an account of the places he goes and the people he meets, but more importantly to me as a huge Steinbeck fan, is the uncovering of John Steinbeck, the man. If you want a vicarious trip into '60's America or want to know John Steinbeck, you'll love this little book. I still love it !

A guy - a dog - a camper truck named Rocinante(in case you don't know and I didn't--that is the name of Don Quixote's horse.) This is Steinbeck's account of a road trip around the U.S. He traveled via RV before thousands took it up when only a few traveled via camper trucks. It's a 1960 trip with humor, pathos, and keen observation in which Steinbeck sees America from the grass roots.

I loved Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday. I adored East of Eden and The Wayward Bus. I have been reading Steinbeck all of my life. I have seen every movie ever made based on any story he has penned( I mean penciled). This one is the winner for me. I loved his account of everything he saw, but I especially loved the parts about his traveling companion, a 12 year old large French poodle named Charley. Can't travel - read this and you will be making a journey of heart and soul. Like history - it's here. Love America - now you will even more.

I was a baby when Steinbeck married; I was a young teacher when he took this trip. I was a mother of two when his bright candle went out and yet this story is classic - it is contemporary and ageless. My husband and I took turns reading it and shared the laughs and joys. Thanks to Operation Windmills(Steinbeck's original title) I can hardly wait to hit the road again next year. Travels with Charley - a great read!

If you want my opinion, I think that the novel At All Costs written by John Gilstrap is really exciting in so far as the opening is pretty thrilling and suspenseful. The rest of the novel is a bit too longwinded so the reading sometimes gets very boring. The ending is very nice and also a bit surprising to find out who the guy is that pulls the strings in the background and what exactly his reasons are. Moreover, it is a bit shocking that the state is that powerful in manipulating facts. The novel also is so thrilling because sometimes you donÂ't really know what exactly is going on in some passages.
Throughout the whole book you can't help sympathizing with Jake and Carolyn Brighton if they will ever manage to prove their innocence and to make the best of the situation and to make their little son Travis, who is only thriteen years old and really the most innocent person of the novel, feel comfortable. There are many moments when the little family is very close to getting caught by the FBI. These unexpexted twists arouse the readers' tension.
So all in all you can say that although some chapters are a bit complex John Gilstrap has a very special way of writing which makes it easy for everybody to understand and sympathize, because the characters speak the language you know from the 'normal' people surrounding you every day.

The novel At All Costs by J. Gilstrap deals with the pretty topical subjects of international warfare/ arms trafficking and the corruption of FBI. Gilstrap combines those subjects in a very interesting way. The novel is a thrilling page-turner with growing suspense and a real surprising end.
The way the characters are presented is logical, detailed and very realistic, thus makes them rather interesting and gives the reader the possibility to identify with the main characters.
In our opinion the beginning is a little long - winding, but it turns out to be a stylistic device aimed at building up suspense. This "normal life" beginning makes it unputdownable.
Unfortunately the novel gets very violent and even a little artificial in the end, so Gilstrap is kind of breaking the mood.
But all in all we would say that At All Costs is a book worth reading especially because of the surprise of finding out who the guy is who pulls the strings in the background and why.

Gilstrap's debut novel "Nathan's Run" was the best debut in the genre for many a year .Subsequent novels have not quite matched it for pace ,power and heart but then very few could."At All Costs"is still pretty darn good and vey few who read will feel short changed in the thrills department
It is in essence a chase story."Jake" and "Carolyn"are outwardly solid reputable citizens,albeit with a troubled child prone to get involved in fights with school mates who pick on him for his trailer park life.They are ,however,on the FBI's "Most Wanted List" having been wrongfully accused of terrorism and murder several years previously
They were aided in their escape from capture by "Carolyn's"wealthy uncle who sets them up with a new identity and it is to him they turn when by accident the FBI stumble upon their true identity,and are forced ,with son "Travis"to go on the run

It is not I trust ,revealing too much of the plot to say that the frame-up was initiated at the highest level of the government and the family are chased by some very potent and resourceful enemies.However ,neither they nor the uncle is without resources and the scene is set for some high velocity thrills with two especially effective hitmen-one for each side-stirred into the mix

My one reservation is that it is "Nathan's Run"writ large.It is a family on the run ,not just a boy,the pursuers are the Federal governmentand not ,as in the earlier work,local criminals.Still,this is carping,and lovers of a good yarn well told should dive into the book with all expediency and despatch.
Strong narratives are always welcome ,and since Hollywood has abandoned them for special effects,we must rely on our writers.Gilstrap does not let us down.

You're more likely to have seen Silence of the Lambs than Manhunter, though it's Manhunter that is closer to the life Douglas has lived. Douglas hasn't had the benefit of a beachfront house and designer suits from the creator of Miami Vice. He's done much, much more. Joining the FBI in the last days of the Hoover regime, he has been one of those responsible for dragging it out a role as America's secret police. By recognising the motivations of serial killers and developing the science of describing them to narrow the suspect pool and predict their behaviour, he has added offender profiling to the weapons available to law enforcement. The cases described in the book are harrowing - Douglas hides no detail that helps the reader understand the techniques he uses, and makes no bones about his preference for the death penalty in such cases. He has long inhabited a world that most of us hope never touches our lives or those of our loved ones. He has emerged out of it sane and with clear-headed proposals for making our world safer. The writing style is clear, helped by Mark Olshaker, author of four crime novels. The book is already available in the UK in softcover.

I learned about this book while searching for information on the methods used by law enforcement personnel to catch the most unusual and baffling of criminals -- people who mutilate their victims or conduct ritual behaviors surrounding the murders. This is exactly what Douglas talks about in this remarkable book. Douglas championed the cause of behaviorial profiling, convinced that psychology could be used to predict future behavior; an idea that was previously greatly doubted in the scientific community. If you watch "The X-Files" you will see this method often reflected in Agent Mulder's investigations of ritual murders and other bizarre crimes. Douglas is also clearly dedicated to the use of solid, real world facts to support his methods. He does not engage in pure speculation, but uses the factual evidence he acquires to make a theory. Over time, as he finds flaws in his theories, he meticulously adjusts his technique to make his predictions work. This book should be a staple in the collection of anyone who is interested in criminal psychology, investigative techniques, or FBI methodology.

Douglas's career experience is anything but boring. Sort of a biographic story, Douglas tells how he struggled to find a career for himself and then stumbles his way into the FBI. He takes us through how the criminal profiling unit became a recognized unit under the FBI. However, don't get me wrong, the book is rich with terror as Douglas recounts the cases he worked with some of the most brutal criminals of our time. I never used to read for pleasure and since reading Mindhunter, I have gone on to read Obsession and Journey into Darkness (also written by Douglas and Mark Olshaker). I strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in criminology, to read this book.

This is more like a series of linked vignettes centered on the free-wheeling vagrant (with a home) communal that lives above Monterey. The Paisanos', headed up by Danny, lives are irrevocably altered once Danny is bequeathed two broken down homes from his recently deceased Viejo. Steinbeck's writing here is direct and the life lessons the characters stumble upon haphazardly seem profound. One of the most unique aspects of the work is how seeming dishonest thieving lifestyles are justified by the amoral moral code developed by the Paisano's. The whole story has a deep sense of place, with the run down Tortilla Flat sitting above Monterey coming alive bit by bit. I read the whole book on a 5-day backpacking trip, so it's a short quick read but one worthwhile. The only other thing that I've read by Steinbeck is "Travels With Charley" which I thought was fairly phenomenal. The writing style deserves a 5, but since the shortness of the book didn't allow it time to delve too deep beyond linked short stories I'm reserving my 5's for possibly some of Steinbeck's books yet to be read by me.

Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat" is written in a purposefully simple yet effective language that is easy to read but makes it's point. I like to thing of this novel as "Steinbeck Lite" becasue is is a smooth reading book but not as deep as "Of Mice and Men." It does touch on important social themes, such as happiness in poverty and different blends of friendship, but is not as important or insightfulas other Steinbeck works. In other words, this book is a good read, but don't expect it to change your life. "Of Mice and Men" or "The Grapes of Wrath" are better if you have not read them already. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars but I rounded up.

Tortilla Flat was an actual place in Carmel that John Steinbeck placed in Monterey. He took some stories about the paisanos (a mixture of Spanish, Indian, Mexican and Caucasian bloods) that lived in this marginal place consisting of shacks and, using the style of the Arthurian legends, spun these tales about Danny and his friends. They are meant to be humorous and serious at times, and the characters are larger than life. Certainly, no one could live as Danny, Pilon, Jesus Marie, Big Joe Portagee and the Pirate, consuming wine by the gallon, eating whatever they can steal and taking up and whoring with any woman they want, but this is hardly the point. The tales have an epic proportion to them like Malory's knights of yore but from the vantagepoint of the New World. This makes Tortilla Flat an entertaining and cleverly written book.

Danny is the central character of the book and the anchor that holds his group of friends together. They may be vagabonds but they have a moral code. An example: the Pirate lives with five dogs in a chicken coop. He takes some kindling wood into town each day and receives a quarter for it. He does not spend the money but hoards it. The paisanos estimate it to be $100 and think of stealing it, but are unable to follow the Pirate to where he has hidden the money. To get around this problem they invite the Pirate to live with him and try to discover the whereabouts of the money by suggesting it could be stolen quite easily. The Pirate eventually brings the money to the paisanos and discloses why he is saving it: the money is to fulfill a promise made to St. Francis to present a golden candlestick to a church in the saints honor. Why? Because the saint cured an illness one of his dogs had. Once the paisanos know the money is for a religious purpose they guard it diligently. The chapter in Tortilla Flat when the Pirate's vow is fulfilled is one of the most beautiful and memorable in the book.

This is a beautifully written book filled with humor and pathos. Mr. Steinbeck was criticized in writing this book by some readers who could not enter into the spirit of the book thinking he was glorifying the free and easy lives of Danny and company. This was not his intention; he was only telling stories inspired by the free spirits of the paisanos. Unfortunately for us, this criticism was bitter and Mr. Steinbeck never undertook such a book again. It is our loss that he could not give us another Tortilla Flat.

I read this book in a little over 2 hours ... I simply could not put it down. Anyone who has lost someone dear to them needs to read this book. John Edward drives home the point that our lives here on Earth are temporary and we'll all be together again in the Afterlife. It's a very comforting, albeit short, novel that warms the heart and assures the reader that our departed loved ones are still with us, watching over us. Although the story itself was simple, I found myself smiling a lot while reading it. Many of the instances proving life-after-death rang true to me, i.e., feeling a tap on the shoulder soon after the death of a loved one. That happened to my sister-in-law about 5 mins. after my father-in-law died in his hospital bed.

I ordered this book for my best friend who recently lost her husband. She's not a "believer" in psychics, but I'm confident she'll enjoy this book since it's a novel and not the typical "psychic reading" book. John Edward is the best! So, buy this book for a quick, warm & fuzzy read!

Lately, I've become fascinated, if not quite addicted, to watching a late-night program called "Crossings with John Edward." John Edward is a psychic medium who claims he communicates with people who have passed from this life, and from watching his show, I'd say his claims are pretty good - but that's another story. Edward has branched out into the literary world to bring his message of validation in this life in his new novel, "What If God Were The Sun?"

In his story, the central character is Timothy Callahan, a man who hails from a large Italian American family, a typical close-knit family that loves big gatherings. But above all else, the Callahans love one another. However tragedy has struck this boisterious family when Timothy's mother discovers she has cancer.

As the family struggles to deal with this new phase of their lives, Timothy begins to wonder what happens after someone dies, when they cross over to the afterlife. In one instance as the family watches old home movies, he wonders to himself, "As I look over at my mom, I know that she's wondering if all these faces of yesteryear will be the faces of her tomorrows. Will she see them when she crosses over? Will her loved ones welcome her on the other side, as we all want to believe? I hope so."

As his mother's struggles with her battle with cancer progresses, Timothy remembers back to his childhood when his mother explained that God was the sun, an epiphany that becomes more tangible as he wrestles with impending death. As the story comes to it's emotional and dramatic end, is it the death of Timothy's mother we've been following or someone else's journey to the afterlife? Readers will be surprised.

"What If God Were The Sun?" will probably not win any big prizes for being great literature, and at some points it's hard to figure out just who the narrator is talking about, but it's overall message is relatively simple. Edward's main point is to pass along the message of letting the important people in your life know that you care for them in this lifetime. He offers a comforting message that love that can bridge even death.

In his work as a psychic medium, Edward helps survivors work through the overwhelming and sometimes unbearable grief of losing a loved one. I was personally touched by this sensitive story. Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, it's kind of nice to think that the ones we love might be watching out for us after they're gone. I'd like to think my dad and aunt are watching out for me.

Sharon Galligar Chance, Times Record News

"What If God Were The Sun" is an amazing novel. It is one of those books that move you from laughter to tears with a turn of the page just like the passing of days in one's life. John Edward, really out did himself with this wonderful story of family. This is a novel that anyone with a family can relate to. You will get wrapped up in characters like Grandma Rosie and come to love each and everyone one of them. You will feel like you are going through the good and the bad times with this family and enjoy the ride. I give this book 5 stars (I would give it more if allowed) it touched my heart and when it was done I longed for more. John Edward, is amazing all around from his first novel "One Last Time" to his t.v. show "Crossing Over" this novel fits right in at the top. What can I say, I am a true fan and when you give this book a chance you will become one too.

In my opinion, Hiroshima by John Hersey is a great book. It is a book that I believe everyone should read. John Hersey tells this tragic story from six of the survivors points-of-view, which is really interesting and caught my attention. Reading about the stories these six survivors have to tell really helped me to understand what emotional pain the people of Hiroshima experienced. Before reading this book I never really had an opinion on the bombing of Hiroshima; it never ran through my mind. After reading this book I now have an understanding of what happened in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, which I'm thankful I have. Stories of shock, helping each other, and moving on are told. We tend not to think about the people that lost their homes, family, and friends because it didn't happen to us or our country. However, it was real and did happen. John Hersey tells the surviving stories of Miss Toshinki Sasaki, Dr. Masakazu Fujii, Mrs. Hatsuyo Nakamura, Father Wilhelm Kleinsorge, Dr. Terfumi Sasaki, and Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto, and also in the new edition their fates forty years later. There is no better way to tell the story of Hiroshima than by the survivors of it. I enjoyed this book very much and encourage everyone who hasn't read it to do so.

On August 6, 1945 a noiseless flash spread out across the early morning sky of Hiroshima. One of the greatest diasters of World War II had just occurred. This is the story of six people of all different social classes surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. With an explosive force of 12,500 tons of dynamite it completely annihilated the city of Hiroshima. This book is the stories of six survivors excatcly as they remember it with no detail left out. Although they endured the same horror they all have very different points of view about what happened on that fateful day. This book tells the stories of Miss Toshinki Sasaki, Dr. Masakzu Fujii, Mrs. Hatsuyo Nakamura, Father Wilhelm Kleinsorge, Dr. Terufumi Sasaki, and The Reverend Mr. Kiyoshi Tanimoto. It conveys the message, that through the horrors of war, some good can come out of it. For instance, people joining together to help others in a time of need or distress. A book that has the ability shed light on the horrors the Japanese people faced is truly a work of art. John Hersey has written a masterpiece of literature that should and MUST be read by everyone.

The book Hiroshima, written by John Hersey, is a great book to read. The book gives a magnificent portrayal of the struggles that the people of Hiroshima went through after the bombing by the Americans during World War II. The constantly changing point of view, in each section of the five chapters, might be confusing, but it keeps the book moving at a steady pace and makes the reader want to find out what will happen next to each person. The different stories of each suvivor shows how ever person, no matteer if they were rich or poor, young or old, helped as many people as they could, no matter if they were friends or not. Also, the book gives a feeling of almost being there with the people and feeling their pain and suffering from burns, cuts, and anything else that happened to them. The book also shows the people's fear of another attack on the city by the Americans. The changing of characters adds depth to the story, by adding to the main plot. These additions help explain what happened to them during and after the dropping of the atomic bomb. The styles, way of life, and fears that people had during the late 1940's and early 1950's is also greatly displayed within the entire book. The main focus, in some cases, is not the dropping of the atomic bomb, but rather the people coming togther for one cause and dealing with the tragedy of losing loved ones and how they will rebuild there city. Each character also changesin different ways after the horrific events of World War II and the bombing. If I had to recommend a book to a person thats likes World War II history or someone that just likes to read it would definitely be this book. It would be this book cause of the time it took to write and the readability of the book.

By now, John Sandford (the pen name of John Camp) has these things down pat. His main character, Lucas Davenport, is a three-dimensional policeman, hunting serial killers and dangerous murderers, seducing women, and cracking wise now and again. The secondary characters---other cops, the killer, his girlfriend, victims---are marvelously rendered, and you're actually sad when one meets his/her end.

This time around, the bad guy is an art professor named James Qatar, who kills beautiful women, and has been doing it successfully for years. He's an interesting and very well-drawn character, what with his obsession with clothing, and his meticulousness about the killings that he does. Davenport is looking at a particular murder, and it's discovered that a woman, missing for several years, resembles the killing in a few details. Then clues begin to build up, and the suspense builds as the plot thickens, so to speak.

I would recommend this book, though of course it's not the best (I still think Rules of Prey was in a class by itself; it should be read first) and if you haven't read other books in the series you're going to be a bit at sea about the relationships between the various characters. Still, a good book.

Colleagues respect St. Patrick University associate professor art historian James Qatar for his collective works. This includes one book and several scholarly articles published in highly regarded journals and magazines. Unbeknownst to his peers is that Professor Qater has a second life in which he hunts blondes, has sex with them, and kills them.

When an early victim is found, the police link her to photographs that are part of Qater's hobby of creating pornographic works with women he knows but who don't really know him. Being a political appointee, Minneapolis Deputy Chief of Police Lucas Davenport expects to lose his job within six months when the mayor retires. Lucas intends to use his time wisely to catch the killer.

John Sandford is one of the top authors of police procedurals due to his three dimensional characters that consistently turn the "Prey" books into great reads. The hero is a flawed individual with a complex and realistic personal life that places demands on him even as he risks everything because he believes in the value of justice for all. CHOSEN PREY is the best of a great series. The audience knows the identity of the killer early on, but watch in fascination as Lucas tries to do likewise while balancing his complex personal life.

Harriet Klausner

All of us Sandford fans deeply look forward each year for early May to come around because that mostly means the release of a new Prey novel! In "Chosen Prey," Minneapolis Detective, Lucas Davenport, along with Marcy Sherrill, Sloan, Del, and Weather (Lucas fiance), return in one of John Sandford's most interesting and exciting Prey novels that he has written. The plot: James Qatar is a prestegious history professor at St. Patrick University in Minneapolis. He has a very secretive life on the side. He enjoys playing kinky sex games with women he barely knows and ends up killing them for pleasure. He also enjoys taking pictures of women and distorting their figures to look like they are participating in grotesque sexual activities. His method of murder: a rope. James Qatar is a very sick individual that has killed over eight women in three states. None of the cops have been able to link him to the murder. When a murdered women turns up in the barren woods, close to home to Lucas Davenport, he vows to find this killer who killed this beautiful woman. After investigating for a while, and with the assistance of and out of state officer, he discovers that three other women have mysteriously disappeared in Wisconsin. All these murders/ disappearances are connected. Can Davenport and the gang get James Qatar before he claims his next victim? The twelfth novel in this amazing series is a definite success!

"Fish" is a parable that deals with Mary Jane who was assigned to the third floor of her company who had the reputation of being ineffective, unfriendly and labelled a "toxic energy dump." Mary Jane had to find ways to improve morale and basically changed the attitudes of some thirty employees under her supervision. She employed the tactics of fishmongers at Pike Place Fish, a world famous market in Seattle in order to learn from them how to make the workspace more fun and effective.

The four principles that Mary Jane learned from the fishmongers are "choose your attitude," "play," "make their day," and "be present." The book basically explains how these principles would improve morale in the workplace, making it fun to work even if the work itself is boring and at the same time, valuing both their internal and external customers. "Fish" is quite encouraging and it reminds me a lot of "Who Moved My Cheese?" as both books are short, concise and easy to understand.

Fish! is a deceptively thin but surprisingly inspiring book. I found it easy to relate to and engaging because the main characters, Lonnie and Mary Jane, were down-to-earth people in realistic circumstances. There weren't any business buzzwords or corporate strategies to make it feel contrived. While claiming that there are 4 things necessary to change the way we look at our work, I found one major theme prevailed for me: bring 100% involvement to our jobs - no matter what we do. The book talks about "choosing your attitude" and "playing" at work, but it was clear to me that these seem to happen naturally when you don't resist your work and become totally involved in it "being present" as Lonnie describes it. I believe these philosophies go far beyond work and apply to every area of one's life. If we are totally engaged in any activity, especially the one we spend most of our lives doing, learning to be present is easy when you simply do what you have to do.

The best book I have ever read on the subject of being present is Working on Yourself Doesn't Work by Ariel and Shya Kane. While Fish! is a fun way to learn how to enjoy even mundane tasks, it only scratches the surface compared to what Working On Yourself Doesn't Work will teach you about truly being present and satisfied in all aspects of your life. Both books are simple, fun reads and can help you discover magic in your life.

A wonderful book that simplifies the steps to have the right atmosphere in any environment.

Mary Jane has been given the difficult task of turning around the 3rd floor inefficiency to be a productive and pleasant place to work. In helping her in the task she meets Lonnie, who works in the fish market, and who makes her see how he managed to bring the best out of his employees even though they work in a stinky place.

The four lessons learned to achieve such results are: Attitude, Play, Make their day, and Be present. Those simple words and how to carry them between the employees and be able to transmit them to the customers should be enough to turn the life around.

A great book, that also helps with our daily lives and how to approach life on daily basis, make the best of things, give it your best shot and the rest is history.

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that, prior to checking out "Rabbit, Run" from the library a few days ago, I had never read ANYTHING in my 38 years by John Updike. What a mistake! First, as many other reviewers (here and elsewhere) have pointed out, Updike is an amazing, powerful, beautiful prose stylist. In my opinion, and admittedly having only read one Updike book ("Rabbit, Run") now, I would say that he ranks up there as one of the greatest American fiction writers of the 20th century. In some ways (stylistically and thematically), Updike reminds me of another great (albeit problematic) American 20th century writer, Norman Mailer (his masterpiece, "The Naked and the Dead," specifically comes to mind). Second, I'm just in awe of how clearly, accurately, and powerfully Updike - at only 28 years of age (!) - was able to say so much in "Rabbit, Run," capturing the zeitgeist of a time and place (drab, grey, conformist, late 1950s suburban American hell, as epitomized by Brewer, Pennsylvania), and presenting his characters with such nuance, balance, wisdom, honesty, and - most importantly - truth. Incredible. Finally, I don't feel that it's an exaggeration to say that "Rabbit, Run" (and its sequels, which I haven't read, but have read about) is one of the most important achievements in American literature EVER.

So, what is "Rabbit, Run" about? In terms of themes, we've got a huge amount of material here (this is one big, meaty "rabbit" of a book!). Life, death and sex -- in fact, lots of sex ("Rabbit" is certainly an appropriate nickname in this context!!). Courage to face life (and marriage, children) vs. giving in to "rabbit-like" fear. Commitment/responsibility vs. freedom/running away. Religion vs. true faith (and what, if anything, such true faith might consist of). Sin vs. redemption. The fate of an individual attempting to find meaning and identity while fitting in (or not) to a stultifying, stifling, conformistic society (and ones' particular place/role in it). The romantic fantasy of busting loose, hitting the road, and finding a better place. (Personal note: as a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, I was strongly reminded in "Rabbit, Run" of "Born to Run," "Darkness on the Edge of Town," etc. with their many similar themes). Physical perfection/athletic achievement as potential sources of meaning, especially when you're past your "prime" ("Rabbit" was a high school basketball star, but now mainly relives his fading "glory days," as Springsteen would say). Growing up vs. remaining an eternal youth. Order vs. chaos. And, ultimately, the difficult balancing act between ones' quest for PERSONAL happiness and fulfillment vs. the needs of family, friends, employers, society. And much more.

Is this book, as some reviewers here have stated, "depressing?" Well, actually, I'd have to say yes. For one thing, Updike presents no definitive answers to all the important, dark, disturbing questions he raises here (nor could he, nor, as an artist, SHOULD he, in my opinion!). Meanwhile, almost everything his main character (Rabbit) touches somehow turns out wrongly, or tragically (the misery and alcoholism of his wife, leading to the book's climactic tragedy, being the greatest example). Plus, the setting of "Rabbit, Run" is inherently gloomy (dreary, "dung" colored apartment buildings which smell of "cabbage cooking" or "something soft decaying," a deserted ice plant with "rotting wooden skids on the fallen loading porch," etc.). People are mainly unhappy, or trapped, or scared, or confused, or looking for a little excitement to brighten up their dreary existences, or all of the above. So why read such a depressing book? Here are just a few reasons: to learn, to experience the world through the eyes of a great artist (Updike), to challenge yourself, to enjoy the sheer beauty of top-notch writing. Finally, a philosophical question: is the point of reading (or any other activity) simply "pleasure?" Should we run, like a rabbit perhaps, from anything that might scare us, or threaten us, or even depress us? Or should we stand our ground, look those things straight in the eye, and - unlike Rabbit Angstrom - NOT run. Personally, I vote for the latter option!

The novel is great: well thought-out plot, psychological profundity in portrayal of its characters and their relations, language splendor and richness of images and similes are hallmarks of the oeuvre of John Updike, one of the best writers of the century. The use of present tense in the novel makes its readers not onlookers but participants of the tragical events.

The author does not despise his main character Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom but tries to depict impartially and understand him. Rabbit, a man who once was a first-rate basketball player, in the beginning of his mature life becomes an apprehensive son, indifferent father, inattentive husband, lustful but callous lover. He thinks only about himself, he is ready to run from any obstacle or trouble (his wife, his lover or any person who does not want to do what Harry desires), 'he doesn't care who he hurts or how much'. Gratifying his selfishness and feebleness in solving ethical problems, he leaves behind only disenchantment, pain and even death. His former lover fairly tells him: 'You're Mr.Death himself. You're not just nothing, you're worse than nothing. You're not a rat, you don't stink, you're not enough to stink.'

One of the main characters of the novel is a priest, there are a lot of church-goers (including Rabbit himself) on its pages, they speak about God but do not have faith. Their sanctimony corrupts people. Even such unbelievers as Ruth, a call girl and Rabbit's lover, and Lucy, priest's willful wife, look more sincere than their pious milieu (Lucy about Rabbit: 'If he's a Christian thank God I'm not one').

So, who is Rabbit? A monster? No, the author tells us, he is just an ordinary modern man devoided of moral responsibility.

John Updike, specifically Rabbit, Run, is why I began writing. The first page is the most mesmerizing I've ever encountered, it snakes a hand gently around your throat and squeezes. When you come to, you have not only finished this book and its marvelous sequels, each more darkly rich than the last, you have devoured Couples, The Coup, The Centaur, Marry Me, The Witches of Eastwick, S., A Month of Sundays, In The Beauty of the Lillies, and everything else this man has laid his hand to. You don't read Updike, you join a cult.

I can remember the first time I read Rabbit, and how it seemed an important journey was beginning. God couldn't write a better first page. Perhaps Updike is God.

Harry Angstrom is delicious; so deeply flawed, a black diamond. He was sexist but not unusually so - he perfectly reflects our culture. And yet I don't consider Updike a man's writer, any more than I think of Eudora Welty as a woman's writer. They're far too muscular to be limited by gender. Oh, read it. Don't do anything else until you have.