Lewis "Buddy" Nordan is an excellent author. The stories contained herein are at once thought provoking, stimulating, sometimes funny and sometimes serious. I have re-read them many times. Nordan deals in a reality which is sometime his, sometimes yours... (When in fact you can grasp it.) Though it is sometimes a macbre world, it always makes sense. From the hidden Elvis suit to the midgets, Nordan makes you feel comfortable, only to surprise you. This collection is fabulous in my opinion, but it is hard to be specific as to why, because that is the style. Read it...You'll be better for it. Nordan's southern roots run deep and there is a story to tell there wheter it be part fiction and part non-fiction, or a delicious mix of the two. A good book!

Being from Arkansas, I have seen my share of freaks. Take a look around the South; they are everywhere. Being a Mississippi native, Lewis Nordan, too, has seen his share, but rather than ignore them, as most authors do, Nordan embraces them. The result is "Sugar Among the Freaks," a collection of stories about southern living, most of which contain a freak of some sort. The stories will make you laugh out loud at times and cry inside at others. The end result is that horrible realization that you--the reader--are the truest freak of them all.

The relative newness and the complexity of Java have created an enormous amount of difficulty for those who teach it in the CS curriculums around the world. While the structure of the computer science major is also not a stable entity, there are some constants that must be covered. A course in data structures is a staple in the beginning, generally being taken after the first course in programming in the main language used in the major. The problem has been that Java is such a large language, there are so many different ways to teach the first course. This has required textbooks in data structures using Java to either assume very little or to assume too much.
This book takes a middle, very effective approach. The assumptions are that the reader has a good deal of programming knowledge, but not necessarily in Java or any other object-oriented language. Part one is devoted to a survey of object-oriented programming in general and how it is done in Java in particular. An instructor could use it to prep the students familiar with programming in other languages or to fill the holes of any material not covered in previous courses.
The main point of the book is of course the coverage and explanation of the standard data structures used in programming. These structures are described by a combination of explanation and a great deal of source code. To help prevent the cramps in the fingers and brain that would come from typing it all in, all source code is available online. This is especially helpful because exercises are included at the end of the chapters and many of them involve modification of the code in the text. Turning good code into bad code by mucking with it and then correcting it is far and away the best way to learn to program, since that is how we program anyway. This is a backhand way of saying that the exercises make excellent short, yet challenging programming assignments.
Data structures has often been the course where computer science students are set on the track to performing significant work in the field. Good data structures texts in Java have been lacking, so this book fills a significant void. Definitely worth examining for adoption.

September 8, 2000

It is customary as Professor of Computer Science at Long Island University for me routinely to review and select textbooks about Object-Oriented programming and Data Structures in Java and other programming languages for both undergraduate and graduate classes. Almost every day the Computer Science professors receive desk copies of new computer textbooks from publishing houses. Most textbooks are unacceptable for one reason or another. Either they don't cover their subject adequately; appear to be written for the author's peers rather than for the student, or coded examples don't work so the book is rejected.

Recently, while attempting to select a textbook on Object-Oriented programming and Data Structures in Java for both undergraduate and graduate seminars for the fall term 2000, I discovered one outstanding book: Fundamentals of OOP and Data Structures in Java by Richard Wiener and Lewis J. Pinson, published by Cambridge University Press, ISBN No. 0-521-66220-6.

Fundamentals of OOP and Data Structures in Java is written in a clear, concise style with numerous examples that WORK. This textbook is written with students in mind, not the authors' peers. It is evident that Professors Wiener and Pinson understand data structures, their intended use in any programming environment, and when and how to use them. Conceptually, their presentation makes this book a must for any class that focuses on Data Structures and Object-Oriented programming in Java. I particularly like "Part Two: Data Structures." This section discusses "Abstract Data Types," "Containers as Abstract Data Types," and the classic data structures themselves. No important topic is bypassed or perfunctorily treated. Clear explanations and examples abound.

Students, professors, or anyone interested in object-oriented programming and data structures in Java, BUY THIS BOOK!

Professor Dwight Peltzer Dept. of Computer Science Long Island University Brookville, NY

Dr. Wiener and Dr. Pinion have distinguished them selves once again as long time academicians in the Object Oriented Programming paradigm. This book is not for the casual Java programmer. It becomes obvious as you study this book that the authors are truly dedicated to OOP. This excellent CS-2 level textbook is uniquely divided into two parts: (1) Foundations and (2) Data Structures. Part One provides the student of Java as well as the professional Java programmer a comprehensively in-depth review of the fundamental building blocks so necessary for competency in OOP with the Java programming language. This section is populated with rich examples to enhance student understanding. Each chapter concludes with reinforcement exercises uniquely designed to support learning objectives. The authors have developed an exceptional thread of continuity throughout Part One to lead you into Part Two. The student should not skip/jump any section for Part One is uniquely compressed stressing the absolute essentials in OOP, which in-fact superbly prepares the reader for Part Two "Data Structures."

Part Two is where the authors truly demonstrate their years of experience in academia teaching the concepts of the Abstract Data Type (ADT). Their previous teaching experience in several programming languages is brought to light in their comprehensive approach as they lead the student into this prime area supporting object-oriented software development. Again as in the first section, each chapter is uniquely inclusive of clearly designed examples to support the student's understanding of the ADT concepts so essential for the OOP student or professional programmer. The authors provide a multitude of interface code listings and classes that extend and implement other classes uniquely designed to enhance student understanding. They also provide a rich set of exercises which supports the students understanding requiring the student to complete as programming assignments. To ease the students testing their code, the authors have provided an excellent set of GUI Lab applications, which are uniquely designed for the various programming exercises.

I teach Java programming at the CS-1 level and personally have used several of the author's examples to support my class lectures in preparation for the students' entry into the second level CS-2.

This comprehensive CS-2 level textbook is well worth considering for both the academic and professional teaching environments.

I'm sort of blown away and a little scared as well. I'm in my late thirties and just got out of a bad relationship and was feeling horrible. I also was getting a lot of heat from friends who felt I was an alcoholic. I'm still not sure if I am or not but after reading Richard Lewis's book I have my doubts about that but also feel a hell of a lot better for getting out of my relationship and also in some crazy way actually feel less alone. His book, although unbelievably funny at times and amazingly dark in some places is mostly one of the hippest most perceptive books I have ever read on just plain living. It's weird that a guy like Lewis who I always liked as a comedian but seemed to be so out-of-control ( and in reading I guess for a time he was)can be so in command of his life and I just got a lot of strength and courage to be myself--maybe for the first time--and not care so much about what others think of me. His stream-of-consciousness style was sort of like how he is on stage and yet it was real literary too and I can't remember the last time I was so taken by so many insights in one book. What a memoir! What a read! Thanks, Richard.

Richard Lewis has blown me away me away with this book. It is original in style, as it is neither a typical book of comedy bits or rants, nor is it a conventional autobiography. It reads like the writing of a man who sat for a solid amount of time, cutting open his insides and writing them out for the world to read - and I mean that in a good way. Lewis thankfully keeps namedropping to a minimun, but what he does reveal positively about David "Santa Claus" Brenner and others is genuinely touching. The language is often crude, something that Lewis himself seemed apologetic about at a recent reading at Barnes and Noble in New York. To me the language sounds honest and natural as it reflects raw emotions coming straight from the inside of the man. Lewis has said that he feared he would die when he completed this composition. I can barely express how appreciative I am that Richard lived to write this book and has lived on for the next chapter of his life. He writes with remorse (and actually apologizes to them in print) about his past romantic liasons. Yet he also writes with hope in general and specifically in regard to loving and being loved from now on. Although he might take offense at the corny tone of this review and say something like - "my image is changing...I'm getting rave reviews by rabbis on line", I mean this praise with all my heart: You've done a great job and may you be strengthened to go on. Thank you Richard, and G-d Bless!

I've been a huge fan of Richard Lewis' for many years and have always loved his stand-up as well as his acting. When I read "The Other Great Depression" it blew me away! Now his story-telling brilliance is written for all of us to savor anytime. As honest as he always seems to be on stage, one never knows if that's real. It's real! And then some. The book is revealing, humorous, and tremendously inspiring ... I have a long list of friends and relatives who need to read it--including my girlfriend!

... I would have never purchased this book.
I love the idea of giving my little 2 and a half year old a universal approach to tales and stories from all over the world. I new Rudoph qualified. I had no idea that there was a monster in the story; note that it was the one thing that impressed her, and she asked me what it was.
I wouldn't suggest it to anyone that wants to introduce the idea of Santa Clauss to their child.

I was very impressed with this book . . . a beautiful book, wonderfully illustrated, containing the original story, which did not have the Abominable, or Herbie, or Yukon Cornelius, like the later movie. I remember as a child in 1951 listening to the original story on 78rpm records put out by RCA and have attempted for years to find the original story. Although I did notice some subtle differences in the words . . .the original referred to Rudolph's, er, "forehead" (Santa was too polite to call it a big red nose) . . most of the text stayed true to what I had memorized. Definitely a book not only for children, but for us baby boomers who remember the original. A must-have to hand on from generation to generation.

Yes, the other reindeer make fun of Rudolph's red nose. (I would hardly call this bigotry.) That is the point of the story: Rudolph overcomes adversity and the other reindeer learn to accept differences. Even the elves learn to accept a dentist and the misfit toys are given to boys and girls who love them. Maybe the USA reader should have watched (or read) until the end of the story instead of making snap judgements like all of the other reindeer.

Richard tells it like it is. I had the priviiege to work with/around Richard for many years. He was/is a great "COP". There are many things that he left out, probility because it would scare many readers if they knew just how biased the department REALLY IS. Great reading, eye opening and insightful. God bless you Richard for sharing your life with us.

This book is updated to the latest development in financial market, institutions and structure.

It concisely presented the money and capital markets with a touch of history and functionality.

I particularly like the balanced view of the authors in their presentations. It successfully illustrates the functional as well as risk consideration of the markets and institutions.

This book should serve well for student studying in domestic financial market and also as a bridging link to international financial system.

I brought this book home from the library for my son (9). After he read it, I picked it up and started reading a few of the chapters. It is well written, which I can't always say about books for children. It's also a great story about American exploration.

Whether you want to renew the child you grew from, your relationship with children, or your teaching of them, reading this book will give you the emotional and philosophical grounds into which you may begin planting bulbs or seeds whenever you like. As in David Spangler's book Parent as Mystic, Mystic as Parent, Living By Wonder: The Imaginative Life of Childhood provides support for the invigorating idea that children are our teachers. Richard Lewis in this book goes further in presenting children and their imaginative creations--mostly poetry here--as practically enlightened beings. He often compares the poetry he has helped them to find in themselves with the poetry of great classical poets--and often it is difficult to tell the difference.

The children whose poetry he includes are between the ages of 5 to 10 (he doesn't always indicate the age, which is sometimes annoying). One child wrote the following: The wind was soft and silky. / A cloud alone / calmly drifts away. / A bird by itself flies away. / A cloud appears / and helps me home.

Lewis includes numerous such poems in this book, all of which, in their insight and fresh beauty, invite us to listen--and teach us to do so. We put down this book having become better listeners, hearing beauty in perhaps the least expected things around us--just as we did in our childhood days, days Lewis poetically refers to as "our grasshopper and salamander days" when ". . .we trampled leaves with our feet just to hear what kind of sounds leaves made. . .slept, only to wake, with the strange sense of how could we be awake when we had only just been sleeping."

That's what reading this book is like. If we let its poetry in--as well as Lewis's poetic analysis of it--we just might awaken as if we'd stumbled upon enlightenment like any Buddhist monk who meditated his whole life, with the sound of a garden rake falling, or a leaf crunching beneath our foot. As Basho, quoted by Lewis, writes:

A chestnut falls: / The insects cease their crying / Among the grasses.

Lewis--and really--all the children he has written about and quoted--can exercise our flabby ear muscles, which connect to our hearts, for everything is connected, as many of the poems in this book show us. "The moonlight is shining. A poem. If you can read the poem in the moonlight, it will shine on the universe. Then everything all around us will be a poem. . . ." Reading this book is like taking a giant step on the road toward enlightenment. All around us are unexpected magnificent little giants of teachers, our children.

I found it useful for reviewing concepts of matrix structural analysis.

I came across an editorial recently referring to a "Babbit-type" person and decided it was time to read this book. It was a good read. At times I laughed aloud. There were passages I was tempted to memorize for quoting. I did care what happened to Babbit.

But I'd like to alert young readers that despite Lewis' efforts to make Babbit sympathetic, he is a charicature. In my mid-forties, I've known many businessmen, seen many unexamined lives and mid-life crises. Even 80 years after Babbit was written (when conformity is less in vogue in the US) I've known many conformists.

I haven't known anyone like Babbit. It is out of character for a people person like Babbit to be *so* fond of Paul and yet blind to Paul's needs. It is out of character for him to be so protective of Paul and yet so estranged from his own children.

Enjoy the book and let it remind you to think for yourself and to be real, but don't let it convince you that businessmen are doomed to conformity and to sacrifice of all their ideals. To be good at business is to weild power and though we don't see it ni "Babbit", that power can be used for good. Babbit is almost as much a charicature as are Ayn Rand's businessmen heroes.

Incidentally, as good as this was, I thought Lewis' "Arrowsmith" was better.

Sinclair Lewis wrote a series of satires that exposed the hypocrisy of early 20th century America. “Babbitt” is a snapshot of the life of George F. Babbitt, a somewhat prosperous middle class businessman who lives in Zenith, Ohio. Zenith has a population of 300,000+, and has an active business community. This community has its own rituals and ironclad rules. These rules consist of being one of the gang, being a member of all the right clubs and organizations, and never deviating from the ideals of business and money. These rules cause enormous difficulties for Babbitt when he goes through a midlife crisis at the end of the book and begins spouting liberal ideas and associating with the “wrong” crowd.

This is my first encounter with Sinclair Lewis. I really don’t know why I chose to read “Babbitt” first, as I also have copies of “Main Street” and “Arrowsmith”. I think it was the unusual cover of the Penguin edition, which is a picture of a painting called “Booster” by Grant Wood. To me, that picture IS Babbitt, and I’ll always be able to see Babbitt in my head whenever I’m reminded of this book.There really isn’t a lot of symbolism here (and the symbolism that is here is pretty easy to decipher) and the prose is much closer to our present day writing and speech. This is brilliant satire, and you’ll laugh out loud at many of the situations Babbitt gets himself into. An especially hilarious incident occurs when one of the local millionaire businessmen finally accepts an invitation to dine with Babbitt. The evening goes badly because Babbitt is in a lower social class. Lewis then shows Babbitt going to a dinner at an old friends house who is in a lower class then him. It’s hilarious to see the similarities between the two events, and it brings home how class is strictly enforced in Zenith, and by extension, America.

Babbitt is a person that I found myself both hating and liking, often within the space of one page. He’s ignorant, in that he is a major conformist who often repeats slogans and phrases merely because others in his circle say the same things. He’s a namedropper who refers to people he doesn’t even know as though they were his best friends. He’s also high volume. Babbitt is one of those people we all know who is always boisterous and noisy so they can hide their own insecurities or ignorance. Just when you think you can’t stand Babbitt for another second, Lewis tosses in a situation that makes you feel for the man. Babbitt is the boss at a real estate company, and he worries about his employees liking him. When a confrontation arises with one of his salesmen, Babbitt frets and doesn’t want to fire the guy, although the rules of business eventually force him to do exactly that. He wants all of his employees to like him. He also feels bad about cheating on his wife while she is away and worries about what his children will think of him when he comes in drunk after a night of carousing. Ultimately, although Babbitt can be a major heel, the reader is almost forced to sympathize with him. This is true especially at the end of the book, when Babbitt renounces his liberal ways and rejoins his old colleagues. His return to the pack is not quite complete, however. Babbitt is changed by his transgression, and has learned a few lessons that he imparts to his son on the last page of the book, thus ending the tale on an upbeat note.

I would like to have seen a better section of explanatory notes in this Penguin edition. While some of the more obscure references are defined, many are not. Also, some of the language in the book is very 1920’s slang, and for a 21st century ear, it can be difficult to pick up on some of them. This book is both funny and sad, but well worth reading. Sinclair Lewis eventually won Pulitzer and Nobel prizes for his literary endeavors. It’s not hard to see why. Recommended.

Sinclair Lewis is generally relegated to second-rate status by the academics - despite the fact that he was America's first Nobel Prize winner for Literature. As Robertson Davies, among others, asserted, Lewis is vastly under-rated and under-read among American novelists. He deserves far more attention - because of his literary gifts as well as his ability to mirror and illuminate the American character. Sinclair Lewis understood very well the forces at work in America in the early to mid part of the 20th century - not all of it positive. Perhaps Lewis' unpopularity in America is in part due to his caricatures of Americans in an unflattering light. No one should consider Lewis in the pantheon of literary immortals - but surely he fits somewhere in the curriculum. Lewis is highly readable, his satire is highly amusing, his prose is intelligent and his observations on the pitfalls and hypocrisy of pursuit of happiness in America are brilliant. His portrayal of Babbitt as the Lost Soul, knowing that he is lost but without the willingness or moral courage to find meaning in his existence, is a moving commentary on middle class America "getting ahead" that continues to be contemporary to subsequent generations.