This book was hard to put down. Durant's writing style and sense of humor make it compelling, as if you're hearing a story from a good friend.

The slices of his life besides his captivity in Somalia also give insight into this man and show how they forged his will and gave him the ability to survive his 10 days in captivity and keep his mind intact.

I'd reccomend this book to anyone who has read Black Hawk Down; especially if you think Bowden came off as a Clinton apologist. Durant expresses the feelings of every red-blooded American Serviceman who has served durring the past 10 years!

I found one small error in the book and even it was probably just an oversimplification and not crucial to the plot, itself. Other than that, it's earned a place of honor on my bookshelf. One that is increasingly becoming more "Army" than "Marines". I left the Corps 10 years ago and I'm going into the Army in the next 10 days!

All we need now is for this story to be turned into a movie and done well. The small piece of it shown in Black Hawk Down does not do this man any justice.

Thank you, Michael Durant. God Bless you and your family! Semper Fi! Hoo-Ah! NSDQ!

An incredible story indeed. And so personal, especially at the end. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for Mike to write this book and risk opening wounds. Especially the letter from Stephanie Shughart. There is a lot of wisdom in his words and a lot of it I took to heart. This is a book I couldn't put down and couldn't wait to pick back up when I had the chance. It made a hugh impression on me. I'm so thankful for men (and women) like Mike Durant. Honor and pride in their work, their duty to their country and to each other. It's not all play for them. Protecting the country doesn't just happen when they get the call. Twenty-four hour preparedness is what it takes. Read this book and you'll understand and next time you meet someone in the US Military, you'll want to thank them.

I have never written a review for a book before, so bear with me. This is truly a book about some of the greatest heroes our country has seen. Not only Michael Durant, but every last one of those young men who were there. I was anxious to learn more about Durant's captivity than I had from Blackhawk Down, and I was not disappointed. I felt like I personally knew each of the people involved by the time I was through. If some parts of this book don't bring at least a small tear to your eyes, then you must not have a heart at all. Michael Durant and the others (especially the Delta guys) are the strongest, most courageous, and most patriotic men I have ever read about. If these traits are as strong in the rest of our military personnel, then our country should have no fears.

This was one of my favorites. Even though Jim has been adopted by the Wheeler's family, for him to find a true relative seems to bring him a contentment that he has always deserved. The story is pretty simple and straightforward; a newspaper notice searching for ownership of property brings forth a young woman who is Jim's long lost cousin, Juliana. She becomes involved with the Bob-Whites and is accepted into the Wheeler's home and affections. A seemingly unrelated occurance brings in a new character, Janie, who is recovering from injuries that have left her without her memory. Trixie's involvement in Janie's recovery, and her desire to help Janie discover her past revive more than expected and bring back a character almost forgotten by all but the most dedicated Trixie Belden fans. I first started reading Trixie Belden books in the early 1970's, and adored every book I read. Now that my daughter has started reading chapter books I am eager to introduce her to my favorite childhood series. I adored the youthful angst of Trixie, her fallabilities, but mostly her determination, whether it be in finding the solution to the current mystery, or her belief in her own future as a detective. I, too, would love to see the series reprinted although I realize they would be conspicuously out of date with current technology. However, I would not like to see any revamping to them done, as it would probably change the stories and characters beyond recognition. Hopefully, I as well as many of the others here will be able to find and once again read all these cherished classics.

I grew up reading Trixie Belden. I began reading these novels in sixth grade and I could not get enough of them. I used to stay up late at night and read them aloud to my younger sister in the upper bunk. What great memories we have because of these books! We own the first 10 books of the series in hardback and then have approximately 15 more in paperback. This summer I went to Casville, Michigan and found a used bookstore selling them and I picked up a couple more for my nieces. Like another reviewer, I'm just sorry I didn't have a girls to share them with. My nieces have begun to enjoy them and I eager to share my enthusiasm with them!

I first read Trixie Belden: The Secret of the Mansion when I was eight years old. I fell in love with the Trixie Belden series immediately. I'm almost 22 now, and I own through Book 20 with a few more from the more recent books. I would dearly love to find copies of the remaining books (up to 39). Not only do I still like to read these books, but I plan to pass my collection down to my own children.

Just a note, Trixie Belden: The Secret of the Mansion was written by Julie Campbell, not Kathryn Kenny. Julie Campbell is the author of the first six Trixie Belden books. Kathryn Kenny picked up the Trixie Belden series with Book 7, Trixie Belden and the Mysterious Code.

The remarkable thing about this book is that it combines both broad scope (alpine mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, and "expedition issues" are all covered) and enough depth that the reader gets accurate, useful technical details on how to do virtually everything. No matter your present skill level, interests, and plans -- from peak bagging to cragging to big walls to alpine expeditions -- the full gamut of climbing is covered in detail. Special, high quality chapters on subjects such as land navigation, geology, and snow and ice mechanics that are generally omitted from most climbing manuals are covered superbly well here. This is truly the "Climber's Bible" -- the one book that every mountain traveller really must read and refer to again and again.

This is the book to have once you're ready to depart from the established trail.

I've been reading "Freedom" since its early editions; in addition to being an excellent and entertaining course in general mountaineering, it's also a fabulous ready-reference. I've lost track of how many times I've looked up a particular knot, rappel technique, belay menthod, etc.etc.etc. Excellent sections on rock, ice, snow, and just about everything else. I can't imagine any mountaineering library being without it.

You might want to pick up two copies; one is bound to be covered with dirt and water from use in the field!

As summer season is approaching in the northern hemisphere; many mountaineers are getting ready to climb again.
Whether you are just starting out with hillwalking or you sharpen your icetools weekly, this is the one book that rightly is known as 'the bible of mountaineering'.

You will never know too much about the versatility of mountaineering and I recommend this book for every climber, hiker or armchair mountaineer.
Over 500 pages filled with clear drawings of techniques and knowledge.

Everything from building a snowcave to using a 'Texan prusik' and rockclimbing technique is covered.
Mountaineering is not just one of these disciplines, it's always a mixture of everything and therefore it is good to have knowledge on all aspects before you head out into the wild, whether it's Denali or that big boulder in the park.

This is the only book around truly covering 'Mountaineering'; it's a classic and if all great mountaineers own a copy and still read it, why shouldn't you?

I'm impressed! I thought by looking at the size of the book it would take me quite a while to read it. It did not. With each sentence, each paragraph, each page that I read I was pulled deeper and deeper into the story and characters. I found myself hating and feeling somewhat sorry for Thomas Bishop and speaking of-- the ending totally blew me away. I read the same page of the ending three times all the while saying to myself "OH MY GOD". After getting so caught up in the cat and mouse chase and into the personality of each of the characters, if the ending doesn't shock you to pieces--nothing will. I am most deffinately looking for more Shane Stevens books. To all the people who reviewed this book and gave it such a high rating - THANK YOU. You are the ones who made me decide to read it and I hope many more Murder Mystery readers will pick it up, also. You will not regret it at all!!

This is the second Stevens novel I read (the first being The Anvil Chorus) and both of them go in absolutely different paths. "Anvil" is written in a suspense-thriller type way much in the tradition of the contemporary greats of that genre, whereas "Insanity" goes on a completely different path. It has hooked me. I haven't finished it yet but as far as I have read it, I can already put it down and recommend it, just like Stephen King said, to "readers who have strong stomachs". Thomas Bishop, the killer in this book, is like a fictionalized version of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Wisconsin Cannibal. Yet we must be reminded of the following...this book was published in the 70's...Dahmer only became notorious much later. If anything, I think Stevens based himself on "Headhunter" Ed Kemper to create Thomas Bishop. Kemper's crimes were horrific brutal and senseless, and he had murdered his parents (although Bishop only murdered his mother)Perhaps I am wrong in my assumptions as to who Thomas Bishop was based on. But one thing I am not wrong about is the fact that this is to be considered a masterpiece in gruesome and graphic horror, and a must read.

Shane Stevens sure has a way of telling a story. This book weaves in and out of different sub-plots effortlessly. The way that some of them are linked to a serial killer is amusing within itself. Stevens offers a broad array of view points on a serial killer and the true evil that lurks in people just for their own personal gain. The book may seem to slow down at some points but just stick with it. When the different plots and characters start interacting you won't be able to put this one down. Truly a great psycho-thriller. Also recommended is "Blackburn: A novel" by Bradley Denton.

It's a shame that the author has never published a sequel to this outstanding book. I read this book 11 years ago when it was first published and am still anxiously waiting to see if a sequel will appear. In my opinion, not a book to be missed by any sci-fi/fantasy lover

I must agree with everyone that this IS a wonderful, wonderful book, but sadly there will be no sequel, as there was a sadfully huge argument between author and publisher.. In leiu of this, Mr. Boyett refused to authorize the publishing of the books sequel. If/when he can find another publisher, or if it is released in another format, I know it too will be a bang-up read.

At the risk of sounding repetitive, I to read this great book 8 years ago and have re-read it many times since. It affected me. Where is the sequel? Was unable to find info on this alluded to in other reviews. Shame on entire publishing industry for letting this happen!

JETTY MAN is a unique, fictional narrative where-in a young boy comes of age in the Southern fishing village of Mayport, Florida. He grows up among constant struggles of life and death, violence, and cruelty which surround the hard lives of those who live in a fishing village. It includes ghost stories, superstition, rites of passage, sexual awakenings, and revenge. It is a truly exciting story which is written in an easily read, down to earth language. It is a totally original plot which captivates the reader. Once started, the book cannot be put down until it is finished. As an avid reader, I am totally convenced that this book is destined to become a best seller and it has movie written all over it!

Loved the book. Could not stop until I was finished and could start on Mullet Run. I'm halfway thru Mullet Run and I have Oak Baby waiting to be read next. Living across the river from Mayport and being very familiar with the names, places and tales made it so real and NOW. I'd read as I sat on my front porch with the ferry blowing it's horn and view Mayport and feel as if I was there. Would love to sit and talk with Reynolds for hours. Thanks for the good reading Mr. Reynolds.

"JETTY MAN" When's the Movie? When's the next book? Once a reader reads "JETTY MAN", he will be asking for more! More of Jason, more of Mayport, more of the Tree, and, yes, more of the captivating journeys into mystery and suspense. Only gifted writers invite the reader to become part of the story. Once the reader starts reading "JETTY MAN" he becomes part of Mayport, Florida, a small fishing village, with all its superstition, sex, and violence. Dr. Reynolds has a style that puts him a cut above other authors with his ability to capture the natural dialogue of Northeast Florida. Where do our next great authors come from? MAYPOR

It seems to me, as others have said, that the discovery of LSD ranks up there with the top scientific discoveries of the century. The mere fact alone that there exists a substance, 50 micrograms of which, would be sufficient to perhaps reorient your entire life and understanding of the universe, whether or not one ever actually tries it, is well worth remembering on those occasions when we get a little too self-preoccupied. This book documents the history of the reactions of various individuals as they encountered this substance through an amazingly varied set of contexts, and through an intricately woven web of connections. I have a mild annoyance with the book in that the author is relentless in his effort to remain 'above it all' and regards everything with an amused and detached air. It is a puzzling attitude in a way. But the stories he tells are all well-crafted and make compelling reading. His lack of reflection on the ultimate meaning of LSD for our view of what it is to be 'normal' may be quite intentional, but it seems to give the book an unnecessarily superficial orientation which I found a bit strange.

I was born in 1960, so I was a little to young to appreciate the "Summer Of Love", Haight-Ashbury and the entire late 60's counter-culture movement. My fascination with that era began with Jimi Hendrix and other musicians associate with it. Most of the social aspects I was aware of were written by the "slanted" view of the media, teachers, politicians and parents; not the most objective of viewpoints
When I heard about this book I picked it up ... ASAP and was not disappointed. I will not go into lengthy discussions of this book like other reviewers (or even spell all the words correctly). While reading, Jay Stevens was placing me "there", "right there" where is was all happening from Aldous Huxley, to Timothy Leary and Ken Kesey.
The story unfolds "expertly" and the characters involved are so well described, it feels like I've met them personally.
While much of the information is public knowledge, there are many fascinating, generally unknown tidbits: from the CIA's LSD involvement to insights on Leary & Kesey.
Anyone who holds any interest in this subject will not be disappointed with this book. From someone who grew up on The Brady Bunch, The Monkees & Happy Days....this book is a definite eye opener into a cultural wave I wish I had been riding.... so "Turn On, Tune In & Get This Book".

Let's get a couple of things straight: No, I am not the author. No, I'm not related to the author. So despite the name, I think I'm pretty unbiased, although some might think otherwise after reading the following glowing review of Jay Stevens' book, "Storming Heaven."

This was a great book.

Mr. Stevens tracks LSD from its inception through San Francisco's "the Summer of Love" in late 60s. He artfully describes the discovery of the drug and its effect on the psychologists who first used it on their patients and on themselves. He introduces Alduous Huxley, Tim Leary, and Ken Kesey-the pied pipers of LSD-and explains their fascination for psychedelics. He discusses the drug's decline, its unpopularity with government officials, its abuse by "untrained" American kids, and the progressive marginalization of the drug's "prophets." And all the while, Stevens skillfully gives voice to the drug's proponents' vision of a "metal frontier" to be crossed using LSD, pushing human beings along the evolutionary path.

It is clear from Mr. Stevens' book that LSD played a major role in the fundamental changes wrought in the 1960s. LSD tore down personal constructs and unveiled egos. LSD gave everyday Americans a chance to experience mystical visions. LSD gave many new insight into the nature of being. It was a psychological drug, and explains why most of the social change that occurred in the 1960s was psychological in nature.

But while Mr. Stevens in his Epilogue seems to laud the continuation of psychological exploration by a handful of "inner" explorers who use a series of newly developed designer psychedelics, I think he misrepresents the importance of these drugs.

First, the assumption that LSD will lead man (and woman) along the evolutionary path assumes that this path is straight and pointed in a forward direction. That is, that evolution is a natural process from simple to complex, from amoebas to man and beyond. Instead, science now concludes that evolution is more of a willy-nilly process. Species constantly bloom a number of seemingly useless mutations, and changes in environment conditions dictate which mutation reigns supreme. After all, it seems that the next species to inherit the planet is likely to be the cockroach, for the cockroach has the rigor and hardiness to withstand the destruction of the planet by humans. And cockroaches are hardly superior in intelligence or complexity.

Second, is the assumption that LSD can "lead" us anywhere. While LSD gives visions, reveals fundamental truths about personality, it doesn't change anything. It's up to the individual in the end to enact change, to mutate. We only have to look at the example of Tim Leary to realize this. While Mr. Leary was turned on to the drug and believed its in therapeutic value, in the text he remained a womanizing, upperly-mobile egoist; he just traded in his tweed for buckskin, and academia for psychedelia.

Basically LSD is a shortcut. It's a quick-fix buzz. In that way, it's the ideal substance for America. "Vision in a can." "Become a mystic in 12 easy hours." I would've liked to Mr. Stevens explore this facet of LSD a little more. But he seems to be totally enchanted with the cosmic possibilities...

In any case, the writing is superb. It's the perfect book to read to begin exploring the important texts of the 20th century bohemian movement. Read this alongside "Brave New World," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "On the Road," "Electric Cool-Aid Acid Test," and "Howl," among other texts.

My daughter loves this book, and so does every kid who visits our house! I read it over and over, with it's rhyming text and wonderful illustrations, I still enjoy it even after all the readings.

The book is your Mama a Llama is a good book for extremely young children because the book helps children see what different kinds of animals are in the world. The book also explains where the animals live and some common things the do. In the book there is a young llama that goes up to different animals and asked them if there mamas a llama, and the book even rhymes. I would recommend this book for parents to read to their children to teach the different animals or for beginning readers. Those who read this book should really enjoy it.

I was first introduced to this book as part of a college course on literature for children, and instantly fell in love. Rythmic verses of this rhyming text with fill-in-the-blank style pauses at the end of each stanza help early readers learn to read, young children squeal with glee, and everybody within ear shot get the urge to get up and dance! In fact, a reading of this book has been produced on tape, with a wonderful latino-mambo background beat; it's also available in oversized format for reading in a group.

I am a Java developer that owns about 30 or so Java books, and this is the one I go to most. The only cautionary note is that it does not cover JDK 1.1 and beyond. However, if I lost it today, I would buy another one tomorrow. This book is awesome.

As a professional programmer for a software company, I use many many books. For Java, this one I use the most. I learned Java from this book and keep going back to it even for the most advanced stuff. I strongly suggest this easy-to-read and get-up-and-go book for *anyone* interested in learning and using Java.

This book is excellent for both get started and advanced, it has everything you need about jdk 1.02, it has many tricks for programming with java.

When i write both applets and applications i use three books:

1001 Java Programmer's Tips

java quick reference

Special edition using java (second edition, the third is the poor java book)

I would like to encourage you to get Steven Hassan's new book: Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves I am VERY impressed and congratulate Steve for putting together such a great work. His first book, Combatting Cult Mind Control, was the leader in its field until this one was published.

Folks, if you have been in, have someone you know in, or just wanting to know about: cults, spiritual abuse, false memory, abusive relationships etc Then this is a book that needs to be on your MUST get and MUST read list!

It explains simply and explicityly the problems we face and how each and every one of us, from professionals to the mum and dad whose adult/child has joined a cult, can take practical steps to help everyone involved, not just the cult member. This book will teach you how to evaluate your own situation, how to effectively communicate, and even how to understand and utilize the cults own beliefs and practices etc to your own advantage. One section I appreciated was on reality testing and his checklists on pages 268 and 288. Very few people understand this.

I have had the privilige of working with Steve and am more than impressed by his ability to communicate with people. I was able to have Steve in Australia in 1993 to conduct a seminar based on his first book and ongoing research. I look forward to being able to do this again.

Jan Groenveld...Brisbane, Australia

While there is no substitute for professional counseling, Releasing The Bonds goes a long way toward helping those affected by destructive mind control. That includes not only people recruited into manipulative relationships or groups, but their relatives and friends as well.

In what may well turn out to be the definitive handbook on cult intervention, Hassan presents his ''Strategic Interaction Approach (SIA)'' - a non-coercive, highly effective counseling system refined over the twelve years since he wrote the best-seller, Combatting Cult Mind Control. This tried-and-true approach has none of the drawbacks of involuntary deprogramming or voluntary exit-counseling.

Many other books on cult issues are long on describing problems, and short on practical advice. Releasing The Bonds is different, in that that it is a step-by-step manual filled with sensible, useful information. The book also includes a resource section, listing various cults experts and organizations (ranging from the secular American Family Foundation (AFF) to the Christian countercult ministry, Watchman Fellowship. Hassan also identifies cult defenders. In addition, the book includes an excellent bibliography, and a useful index.

Releasing The Bonds is a must-read book not only for those with a friend or relative caught up in a destructive cult or relationship, but also for anyone interested in cult-related issues. In clear, precise language, Steve deals with concerns ranging from religious beliefs to religious freedom.

The chapter describing destructive mind control alone is worth the price of the book.

Incredibly, cultists and cult defenders often claim that those who criticize cults are ''anti-religious'' or ''oppose religious freedom.'' Of course , such accusations are baseless. Instead, Hassan's sensitivity toward, and understanding of, religious freedom and other people's beliefs shows throughout the book.

I'm quite sure that this is not the last book from Steve's hand. While he writes that he considers ''Think globally, act locally'' to be an inspiring motto, it is also clear that he thinks big as well. In his conclusion to Releasing The Bonds, titled, ''We All Must Help!'' Hassan encourages people to get involved. For example, he suggests citizens set up local activist groups, urges governments to establish consumer protection agencies and to investigate cult lobbies, and challenges mental health professionals to commit to more research regarding all aspects of cult mind control. He shows what religious institutions, legal professionals and the media can do to help educate and protect the public.

Best of all, throughout the book, he shows what *you* can do.

Anton Hein Publisher, Apologetics Index

As a former cult member who walked away from that group some years ago, I've found Steve Hassan to be a great resource to help me through all kinds of emotional struggles, both his online resources and his first book. Now, with the release of 'Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves', Steve provides even more resources not just to aid people affected by cults, but to help people truly empower themselves to think clearly and critically, and help them make the best decisions for their lives. Steve is a great resource, someone we need in the face of all sorts of false gurus, get-rich-quick multilevel marketing schemes, etc. His writing is crisp and easy to understand, and really creates a bond with the reader. I highly recommend reading 'Releasing the Bonds'; it's a great book to help you discover how to empower yourself.