I read this after loving California Fire And Life (by the same author). What I found was Neal Carey, a wonderful plot, some great dialogue and Don Winslow taking another step up the ladder of my favorite writers.

This book is intriguing, gripping and fun. It is filled with detail and an insight that leaves the reader enriched for the experience. Novels that flit from city to city seldom manage to capture the feel of the setting with any great detail but Don Winslow finds a way to take you from New York to London and have you believe he's lived in both places all of his life. The scenes in Yorkshire are a little stereotyped, but that's nitpicking in the extreme.

Neal Carey is an excellent character, hard, streetwise and compassionate, backed up ably by Joe Graham and a smart mouth. The story is well told and unfortunately believable.

This is a brisk, immensely enjoyable updating of the private eye and noir genres. When we first meet Neal Carey he's a graduate student at Columbia, working on a degree in 18th Century English Literature. But then he receives a call from his "Dad," Joe Graham, who turns out to be the one-armed dwarf who sort of adopted Neal when he was eleven years old and running the streets. A series of flashbacks shows Graham teaching Neal how to survive and grooming him for an eventual position trouble shooting for a shadowy organization called Friends of the Family, who look after the interests of the wealthy clients of the Kitteridge family bank in Providence, RI. Over the years, Neal learned everything from how to tail people to how to search a room without anyone ever knowing, and in the course of these unusual studies, Joe realized that Neal was a gifted student. Eventually the Friends send him to school, but now they need him for a special assignment.

It's 1976 and with Jimmy Carter likely to win the Democratic presidential nomination, he's expected to look for a northern running mate. Senator John Chase of Rhode Island has a decent shot at the job, but there's one significant skeleton in his closet : his troublesome teenage daughter has run away to London. Now it's up to Neal to go find her and bring her back in time for the Convention.

Neal is a streetwise and sassy hero, which makes for plenty of snappy banter. And the London he arrives in is in the midst of the birth of punk rock, which provides an unusually anarchic backdrop to the action. Add in a priceless first edition of Tobias Smollett's The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle and a double-crosser within the Friends and you've got a mystery that cleverly mixes elements of classic noir with various innovations of the author's own. Imagine Oliver Twist by way of Raymond Chandler with a soundtrack by The Clash, and you'll capture something of the spirit of the story. It all makes for great fun and I look forward to reading the subsequent books in the series.

GRADE : A-

Well what can I say, this is a fascinating book. I fell in love with Neal and his clever comebacks for Levine and everyone else who gave him crap halfway through the book and by the end I was wishing he was a real guy! Way to go Don Winslow I would also recommend California Fire And Life, its heavy stuff but it totally knocked me out :)

I'm sure you're no doubt thinking, "Why should I buy/read this book when I've already seen the movie countless times?" The answer is because, as with most book to film transitions, the movie version only scratches the surface of this story and its characters. (And that's saying a lot considering that the movie is one of the greatest of all time!) If you are a fan of the film, you owe it to yourself to read this book! I recommend it highly!

P.S.: Donn Pearce spent time on a Florida chain gang, so he knows the subject matter all too well.

Of course the movie is better, but the book offers a different atmosphere and character backgrounds not found in the film. It is almost like watching a grittier remake in your head.

I started off being a dyed-in-the-wool fan of the movie, and have been for years, and didn't read the book until this year. I am very glad I did, because in some ways it is better than the movie. There are things about Luke's background and his personality that are easier to understand in the book. Also, I love the way it's told, from the character Sailor's perspective. The book gives us a better idea of how truly brutal the conditions were for chain-gang convicts, which we didn't really get a true picture of in the movie. I felt that was an important aspect of the book, the living conditions of the convicts, and one the author, Donn Pearce, wanted us to have an understanding of, since he was in a chain-gang himself. Life was miserable for Luke and all the convicts.

For those of us who love the movie so, we have to remember that Donn Pearce was the Creator of this CoolHand Luke character and without him there would be no movie. We are grateful to him for creating all the characters and the whole story, and also writing the screenplay for the movie. Pearce suffered the life of a chain-gang convict himself only to go on to write a bestseller that was made into one of the greatest films of all time. Not bad for a one-time prisoner.

Note: Pearce wrote his character Luke to be 28 years old in the book. Paul newman was 42 when he played the role. But who would notice?

This book is the autobiography of a man who in his own words was "a liftime .235 hitter." But oh what a .235 hitter! A man who played with Jackie Robunson, Pee Wee Reese, and several other famous Brooklyn Dodgers, who while managing the Red Sox had a pitcher who called him a "gerbil," and dealt with a "clueless owner" while managing the Rangers, and who was fortunate enough to be part of the Yankees' late 90s dynasty. And the stories he tells in this book are ones worthy of a man who has been in baseball over 50 years. His times with the Dodgers, his reign as manager of the perenially hopeless Chicago Cubs, his times as bench coach with the Yankees. And yet he has a kind word for virtually everyone he has either played with or against, or managed or coached, with the exception of Bill Lee. It's apparent the two did not get along, then again I'm not sure how I'd handle being called a "gerbil" either.

This book shows "Zim" to be a delight both on and off the baseball field and a man who has seen virtually everything in his baseball life.

Zim: A Baseball Life is a great read for any baseball fan. Don Zimmer is a true gem, his wisdom, knowledge, and humor are all found in this wonderful book. Sports fans of all ages would enjoy this book.

Who's the answer to more baseball trivia questions than anyone else in history? Don Zimmer, of course. "Zim: A Baseball Life" is 52 years' worth of anecdotes from the one guy who's been everywhere and seen it all.

Zim's the only man to have been in uniform at all three New York Yankees' perfect games (the first and last of which were 43 years apart); he played a pivotal role in the Brooklyn Dodgers' lone World Series victory (by coming out of the game early); he was the first to play third base for the New York Mets (hundreds have followed, and, like Zim, none lasted very long); and he managed the 1978 Boston Red Sox when Bucky Dent hit that pop fly over the Green Monster on October 2nd.

"Zim" is a fast read, spilling over with Zim stories on every page. It's written on a very simple level, but is meticulously researched and, as a result, is completely authoritative. A couple of factual errors pop up, yes, which co-writer Bill Madden probably could have caught (Zim is said to have received roses when the Yankees won the 1999 season opener; news that is surprising when you remember the Yanks lost that game), but overall the errors, like strands of Zim's hair, are few and far between.

The 2002 baseball season is about to begin and, no surprise, Zimmer will be there in uniform again. He's a funny guy (and a funny-looking guy) and it does the troubled sport of baseball a world of good that Zimmer is still around, the link between Pee Wee Reese and Derek Jeter, Clem Labine and Mariano Rivera, Sal Maglie and Roger Clemens, Walter O'Malley and George Steinbrenner. Here's hoping Zim has another half-century's worth of stories left in that massive belly of his.

This ebook focuses on the best strategies on how to write a good screenplay to sell. It is comprehensible with up-to-date information and exceptionally inspirational. When you think on how to write a good screenplay a lot of things come to mind but Paul Sinor has compile for us the most important survival tips to win in this game. There is no doubt that this book will inspire anyone to be a screenwriter or to become a better one. There is an unbeatable combination that only Paul Sinor can compose for you to begin your journey at the same time that your own drive, ambitions and writing skill will expand like you never seeing it before.

Those who buy this book will be fortunate enough to learn about the screenwriting trade and expand their horizon whether it is for writing or just for education. Don't hesitate to get it today.

This is a great read... I think that it's a great book for a screenwriter to have especially when you don't live in a city that lives and breathes the film industry. It does give you a step up in a great direction and I highly recommend it!

Excellent book!!! A must read for anyone looking to get there screenplay into Hollywood. The entertainment business is tough but Paul Sinor makes it a lot easier and a lot more manageable with his new book. It covers everything you could possibly think of, from the role agents, managers and attorneys play to finding the right production company and negotiating a contract. The best part is, you don't have to live in Hollywood to get someone to read your screenplay. There's an entire chapter on what to do if you don't live in Hollywood. If you are serious about writing screenplays and breaking into the entertainment industry then this book is definitely for you!!

Don & Katie Fortune's book, "Discovering Your God-Given Gifts" is a tremendous asset in the library of every spiritual seeker, server and leader.

There are a lot of "gift" books out there and as a teacher, I probably have all of them in our library. This one is great because it presents a clear case for how different lists of gifts serve their unique purpose in corporate worship and life. It is easy to understand and share with others-- you'll want to go through it together in your Bible study group.

All of us wonder from time to time where we fit in when it comes to ministry gifts and service. The Fortunes have hit it on the head when it comes to helping us identify our motivational gifts.

This book is especially useful for ministry teams, small groups and any setting where a variety of people have to relate or serve together. The very first benefit of reading it, is the insight you'll gain to seeing how each of us in our gifts are needed to work together in balance.

Of course, the thing you will love about this are the surveys included that help you determine your primary and secondary motivational gifting. I also recommend that you order directly from the Fortunes several of the supplemental tests that can be used with children, secular audiences etc.

You'll love it. I give it my highest recommendation.

I had been searching for a good book that could be used as a study guide for my church, Bethel A.M.E. in Baltimore, MD. This book was a blessing. It clear, easy to read and explained the motive gifts in wonderful way. The surveys included in each chapter were great! The results brought about some surprises to my students who thought they knew their gifts. Don and Katie Fortune were careful to not only teach but to give real life examples that gave "legs" to their teaching.

After taking a class on spiritual gifts at my church, I was still longing for more information and purchased this book. This is the BEST information I have seen so far on the subject of spiritual gifts. It is easy, concise and truly helps you find your spiritual "niche" in life. Since purchasing this book, I have read other material, but Don and Katie REALLY know how to explain the gifts and their tests are much better than those I've seen. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is confused about spiritual gifts or wants more information.

Although I am old enough to have been able to remember Don McNeill's Breakfast Club I have only heard of him, and wanted to learn more about this popular radio show. Author John Doolittle has done an excellent job in bringing out the personality of Don McNeill. Don was a devoted family man who, despite an extroverted personality when interviewing people, was more of an introvert away from the show. Don was devoted to the midwest and chose to keep his show in Chicago from various downtown locations. I would say the primary reason for the success of the show was his sincere interest in people in addition to his willingness to pay the price in preparation time. Those who filled in for him found out there is more involved than chatting with members of the studio audience. The silent prayer and the march around the breakfast table were interesting staples of this show that I wasn't aware of. Don McNeill was a sincere man both on the show and in his private life. The CD that came with the book I bought provides interesting snippets on some of his shows and was especially interesting to listen to after having read the book. Don McNeill was a giant of radio who had a lot to contribute to other people and did.

The "Breakfast Club" was a morning radio program staple in hundreds of thousands of homes across America beginning in 1933 until its final broadcast in December of 1968. Don McNeill hosted this program which was completely unscripted and involved a lot of studio audience participation. Now John Doolittle has memorialized that unique and beloved radio show host and his program in Don McNeill And His Breakfast Club. Here is the history of a man and a program that developed an enormous and loyal listenership in an era when broadcast radio was the major daily mass media for information and culture in the country. Doolittle's informative, enthusiastically recommended history is enriched with the inclusion of an accompanying CD with sample clips from the show to give the reader an authentic flavor of what the program was like and why it became (and stayed) one of the most popular components of morning radio.

The Don McNeill Breakfast Club was a comfort of home, a memory of cherished moments sitting by the radio with my family. When I heard that a book had been written about the program I had high expectations. I was more impressed than I could have imagined. Not only did I feel a stronger sense of who Don McNeill was, I also gained perspective on American History through radio, which was so perfectly encompassed in The Breakfast Club. For anyone who remembers the lazy mornings by the radio, or for anyone who is interested in American culture and history, this book is a must!

One of the best christian books I've ever read. It is very realalistic. It deals with issues teens deal with today.

The "Raise the Flag" series is one of the best series of Christian books that I have read. The first in the series, "Don't Count on Homecoming Queen" centers around Tobey L'Orange, a popular junior at King High. The first part of the book talks about how the girls met--At a "See You at the Pole" meeting. The six girls--Tobey, Norie, Cheyenne, Brianna, Marissa, and Shannon--quickly become good friends, the main thing that they have in common is their faith. The girls soon begin to meet regularly to talk and to pray together.
Then Tobey uncovers comething sinister going on at King High. She begins to suspect a popular coach of wrongdoing. When she decides to stand up for the girl and for what she believes in, Tobey is surprised to meet oppression, from teachers, students, and even her boyfriend!
The book is solid, and very well researched. The characters are in depth, and the book's main idea becomes quite clear. The book does, however, address sexual abuse, and I would not recommend it to younger readers.

I am constantly browsing the bookshelfs at my local Christian bookstore for good books for teenagers. I work with the youth group at my church and am literally shocked by the garbage they read! I want to be able to provide them with alternatives. This series of books by Nancy Rue is wonderful! It's the first really well-written series that does not focus on romance exclusively... it takes hard-hitting issues from teenagers' real lives and weaves a wonderful story. This book deals with the traumatic topic of sexual abuse and may not be for younger teens. Parents may want to read the books themselves, first, and then dicuss them with their children. I couldn't put this book down and I ended up going out to buy the whole series (six in all!)

In "Don't Gift Wrap the Garbage", Karen Stroup gives us daily reminders of what is important and what is not. So buy the book. Read It Slowly. Let the thoughts ignite some memories and fuel some fantaties for the future. Deal with the challenges the thoughts offer. Then learn how to live with the memories and challenges in creative and challenging way. How we begin the day sets the tone for the day. These meditations set the tone for the day. They are readly friendly, emotionally engaging, and theologically insightful.

I believe this book will remind readers that God is with us in all our activities regardless if they are routine or special events. The author presents us with a reminder each day that all the things we do and the people we touch are part of Gods plan. She adds humor with an insight that will help readers see God more clearly in their daily lives and this too will lift the spirit.

We received this book for Christmas as a gift from our daughter. Karen Stroup is an ordained minister that has written a delightful journal of daily reflections that makes the daily walk with God a delight. This easy to read book of reflections often bring a chuckle or grimace to your daily life challenges of grocery shopping,boring meetings and laundry. Karen tries to see a Christ reflection in all the daily challenges of a woman to lead meaningful life in this somewhat chaotic world. Karen writes with insight, humor and truth. Karen's book would be a wonderful gift for friend or family to be enjoyed every day of the year.

The author feels that many substance abusers have an underlying emotional problem like depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder etc. They really need to be treated for this in order to get the substance abuse under control.

If you are having a substance abuse problem, read this book and be sure you get screened by a real professional for emotional problems. Keep an open mind and save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache. When the emotional issues get resolved, the substance abuse problem may practically take care of itself!

A great "primer" on depression. This is the first book I read on depression after reading Darkness Visible, and I still think it's one of the best, especially as the author's daughter, who suffered from depression, contributed to it.

This was the first work on depression authored with a real life perspective on the illness and its affects on "life" that I had read. Having been trained in the mental health field and being employed in a mental health related job, this was the first work to help me feel better about my own illness. It was so easy to be understanding and supportive of others with this illness, but when it came time for me to understand and to be caring for myself, it all but elluded me.

Also in this work I found the connections between depression, addiction, weight related issues, and hormonal problems. Every little piece of my spotty medical history came into focus under the hands of the author in this book. I have yet to read anything that has helped me on the road to understanding my depressive illness any more than this book. Having a lay person relate information through her own real experiences is a definate plus as well.