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Book reviews for "Perry,_John" sorted by average review score:

Advanced C Programming by Example
Published in Paperback by PWS Publishing Co. (14 January, 1998)
Author: John Perry
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Great book
If you're looking for a concise and throughout book in C programming. Don't look further!
I wouldn't recommend it for beginners though (as the title says it's for advanced programmers)! If you're beginner I'd recommend to start with C in 21 days from Sams publishing or similar book.

A fantastic and difficult book on C
I own hundreds of programming texts and this is by far one of my very favorites, and my absolute favorite book on C.

This book tackles the tougher issues of C programming in great detail, with concise and self-contained examples you can type in directly, compile and run (many books only provide code sections, not entire programs).

Each chapter includes quiz questions that are just difficult enough to challenge the reader, but not so difficult that you will skip over them. I found the quizes to be very useful.

This book is pleasantly slim (although dense). Does anyone really read those 800 page books? I don't. This book will take you a long time, as the content is dense, but you can actually read the whole book and get a sense of completion.

I also enjoyed the author's commentary on C and other programming languages.

I'm really amazed that more people do not own this book.

A must-have book!
I've got a few C-programming books, but this is the one that I love best of all. It is a gem of a book that resonates with simple, crystal-clear explanations on topics so seemingly difficult to understand in the classic book by Kernighan and Ritchie. I would recommend using these two books together.

What makes this book even more entertaining and readable is that Perry is not afraid to lay on his idiosyncrasies regarding the practice of programming. There is a little hiccup, though, when he recommends the use of gets() and sscanf() together for nearly all input of strings from the terminal: gets() is widely known to be inferior to fgets(), and sscanf() is not discussed in the book at all!

But all in all, a book that deserves full marks.


The Complete Guide to Home Schooling
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books (01 November, 2000)
Authors: John Perry, Kathy Perry, and John Mike
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For all your answers
This book really was "complete". It answered all those little nagging questions I had and couldn't seem to find the answers anywhere else. I loved the fact it went through the whole process of homeschooling from deciding to homeschool all the way through sending them off to college. They explained everything very clearly and even explained some things I hadn't even thought of yet. I highly recommend this book.

Put my wife's and my mind at ease with homeschooling
This book is truly straightforward. Tell's it like it is and very easy to read. My wife and I were at a loss of whether or not we could handle teaching our two teenage sons. They were so lost in the shuffle of public schooling, that we knew we had to do something. Our biggest fear was that all homeschoolers were teaching with a religious-based curriculum, that our sons wouldn't have the same opportunities available to them in the public sector and we didn't want that. We needed to help our sons with their academics so they could get into college. This book pulls no punches by showing us how its done. We've bought two copies, one for us, and one for a friend our ours, who also is considering homeschooling for their teenage daughter. We thank the authors for their truthful insights into the pros and cons of homeschooling. They helped us make an important decision to give homeschooling a dedicated effort.

Truly a "Complete Guide"
I've borrowed many homeschooling books from the library and this is the only one I've decided to purchase. The Complete Guide to Homeschooling will tell you all about the Who, What, When and Where regarding this controversial issue; the "Why" is up to you. The book's question/answer format is very easy to read even with a toddler in the house! Also, several pages are devoted to the opinions of previously homeschooled children/teens, now adults. This book also offers many support group/organizations and resources to contact. I really think I can do this! A must have!


Meaty, Beaty, Big & Bouncy: The Who (The Companion Series)
Published in Paperback by Schirmer Books (1900)
Author: John Perry
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Good stuff- by an author who's been there.
Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy

This is the real Who; the Rock'n Roll years when they wrote disposable hits that lasted all the way to the next one, a few weeks later. They just happened to be some of the greatest tunes ever written and MBBB is the account of how they came to be.

Author John Perry was one of the most elegant Rock'n Roll guitarists, and it shows. He knows his stuff; how the group set about producing its sounds, the history of the Who's management (surely one of the more colourful in the business) and he has viewed unique early material in the BBC's archives.

This is a great story, a cracking read and you earn a lot on the way.

Most comical Who book I've ever read. Excellent book.
Excellent book, and very funny. Most Who books are so serious. Not a all like The Who I know. The chapter on 'I'm a Boy', and the stuff about Zeppelin, I couldn't stop laughing.

Dave Marsh's 'Before I Get Old' is very thorough, but it's a bit dry. You can tell Meaty, Beaty, Big & Bouncy is written by a musician by the way the author conveys the feel of the music.

Tells you more about Townshend's best song than any other book I've come across.

Great pictures too.

Classic Who Bio
A thoroughly well researched, entertaining and witty look into the madcap world of the Who and their rather fine music...buy this book now, or your life shall feel empty.


The Anatomy of Russian Defense Conversion
Published in Hardcover by VEGA Press (01 December, 2000)
Authors: David Holloway, Sonia Ben Ouagrham, James Goody, Michael Intrilgator, Ward Hanson, Jonathan Tucker, Vlad E. Genin, William J. Perry, David Bernstein, and Marcus Feldman
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Very informative book
I am a former Russian journalist and a documentary filmmaker who has also worked at NASA in the US.

"The Anatomy of Russian Defense Conversion" touches on many more subjects then just Russian Defense Industry. This is a very thorough, informative and important work that analyses the history of US and Russian Defense Industries, weapons exports and conversion, and possibilities of transformation from a militarized to a civilian economy in the new millenium.

The book also reflects on the current state of defense industries in the US and Russia, and "brain drain", or loss of intellectual capital in Russia and other countries after the Cold War.

I found reflections in Arkady Yarovsky's chapter "From the Culture of War to the Culture of Peace" very contemporary, especially in the light of recent events in the Middle East:

"Our time is unfortunately still characterized as "the culture of war." The culture of war is evident first and foremost in the hostilities between people and states, between nations and faiths, and in the inability to solve conflicts by peaceful means... Humanity has made it into the third millenium because the lust for power has been restrained by fear of nuclear war, but this restraint is not to be counted on permanently... The danger hidden in the separateness of people of different countries, unfortunately, remains a legacy for the next century... If humanity renounces the legacy of the culture of war, it can start down the road of cooperation, peaceful creation, and enlightenment. This is the only road leading to the culture of peace."

A Subject of Mutual Interest
One can imagine that I, as a small child living in San Antonio, Texas, next to three Air Force bases and an Army base, living through the Cuban missile crisis, thought about the threat of the Russian military. I also met my parents' wonderful emigre' friends, and to this day have had warm relations with Russian people.

This book tells of the enormous cost to the Russian people of building and maintaining their war industry for so many years, a militarized economy where people got second best. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, defense industry just about shut down, but civilian industry has not grown great enough to support the population. There are horrendous unemployment, and terrible health and social problems. There is some danger that the path of least resistance for Russia, if we neglect the situation, could be to re-start weapons production, for export at first.

In my opinion, the United States also, to a lesser degree, has neglected the manufacture of quality consumer goods, importing them instead, and has let its physical economy deteriorate, despite much activity in the financial sector. We, too, have been insufficiently careful of the environment. This book provides some idea of what these trends could lead to, if carried to extremes.

Perhaps the involvement of United States companies in Russia, could lead to more of a recognition here, of the importance of the physical economy. Hopefully, both countries could also work to put industry on a healthy environmental footing as well.

There is awareness of the problem of Russian defense conversion, at high levels of our government. I hope this book helps educate people and sustain that interest.


Myths & Realities of American Slavery: The True History of Slavery in America
Published in Hardcover by Burd Street Press (2002)
Author: John C. Perry
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Great New Book!
This is a very interesting book, one that I really enjoyed. It is a very well researched history of slavery in America. It is very easy to read, I finished it in just a couple of sittings. The book does start off a little slow, but the last two-thirds of the book is great. It gives an incredible amount of information about slavery, with lots of footnotes. I learned much, many facts that I didn't know and it exposed a number of myths about slavery. I liked the use of quotes from many former slaves that talked about their lives as slaves. The book has an excellent chapter on the Civil War. It has the best explanation of the causes of the Civil War that I have ever seen, and no it wasn't just slavery. The author clearly explains how the war started, very well done. It also has 30 or so fact boxes that bring out some rarely known facts about slavery. This is a very good book and is a must on the shelf of any Civil War buff or student of American History or African-American studies. A must read!

This book deserves a 10 ( Ten Stars)
I read quite a number of books on the Civil War, and American History. This book, is perhaps one of the best books I've read in months. It was very hard to put down, without finishing it. The author discusses the emotional topic of Slavery, it's orgins, the myths in media, legend and tales, as well as facts. John Perry uses very detailed and documented sources, including the 1860 census, even breaking it down to age, region, city and state. Too often people tend to discuss slavery, with nothing but emotional feelings, often incorrect.

A copy of this book, should belong in every city, and school libary. (I personally bought a second copy, after reading mine, to donate to our local library.)

I can only give this book 5 stars, as that is all that is allowed, but it deserves more. Mr. Perry has written an excellent book. I honestly can not see how anyone could read this book, and not enjoy it. Every serious student of American History, the Civil War, or even the issue of 'racial problems' in America, should read this. ( As well as the person that just wants an engrossing book to read, curled up in a chair)

I LOVED THIS BOOK.


Tales from the Crypt
Published in Audio Cassette by Penguin Audiobooks (03 July, 2002)
Authors: Tim Curry, Gina Gershon, Luke Perry, Oliver Platt, John Ritter, and Scifi Com's Seeing Ear Theatre
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I like it, I Love it, I Mean it.
I like this book because it's scary and fun. I haven't been listening to the television shows, but this does not hinder my enjoyment of this book. I like all the stories such as Tight Grip, and Island Of Death. The story of Tight Grip is somewhat an emotional story, but the rest of the stories are very cool. I like all of them. They are cool to listen to. I highly recommend this to future fans of this series.

Hello Boils and Ghouls!!!
This is a collection of Seeing Ear Theater's "Tales from the Crypt" episodes. For those who don't know, SET is a series of internet audio files that are like the stories on the radio from years past. There are several different types of stories in the SET stable, but my favorites have always been the TFTC stories, since I grew up with the TV show (as a freaked-out preadolescent watching the shows in syndication), and it was great to see (or hear, I guess) something new. For those who, like me, were big fans of these episodes (which were put on "hiatus" a couple years ago) when they were only available online and spent hours and hours listening to them multiple times, you'll definetely enjoy this opportunity to hear them without waiting for them to load (and without having constant buffering interruptions). For those who were fans, be aware that you are only getting 7 out of the 8 produced episodes ("This Trick'll Kill Ya" is the missing segment, but since I always thought this was the weakest of the 8, if one has to be missing, I'm fine with the fact that it's this one). For those who don't know anything about this, each episode is a horror/humor story in the vein of the TV show (or the comics). Like the TV show, celebrities star in most of the episodes (standout performances include Oliver Platt, John Ritter, Keith David, and Tim Curry). Also like the TV show, the Cryptkeeper (voiced, as always, by the great John Kassir)bookends each episode. Each episode runs between 35 and 45 minutes. You can tell that everyone involved treated this as a labor of love. These tales are worthy successors to the great TV show and Original EC Comics. .... Thanks to everyone involved from a long time "Tales" fan. Oh yeah, and to whoever is in charge of the TV episodes, a season-by-season DVD release would be fantastic.


Tanks for the Memories: Floatation Tank Talks
Published in Paperback by Gateways Books & Tapes (1996)
Authors: Faustin Bray, Lee Perry, E. J. Gold, and John Cunningham Lilly
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An incredible amount of effort went into this book
If I had just skimmed through this book I would swear that this book was made specifically for use in completely reorienting the wiring in your average eight year olds biocircutry. Not only that it has been written in a style which should technically be understandable by your average eight year old... with an understanding in psychology, philosophy, and mysticism. Of course I am only kidding but goodness me this book really changed my understanding for the uses of an isolation tank apart from the other writings of Lilly's. Seriously I can't imagine a book more straight to the point blunt and clear. Remember " In the province of the mind what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true within limites to be found experientially."

imaginative
enlightening words about remarkable experiences that most can only imagine. Treated with respect and near reverence by an editor that takes the time to know her subject and her material.

Very impressive!


Character Is the Issue: How People With Integrity Can Revolutionize America
Published in Hardcover by Broadman & Holman Publishers (1997)
Authors: Mike Huckabee and John Perry
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The True Voice of Arkansas
Arkansas' current Governor Mike Huckabee is certainly not politically correct. He is a man of integrity, convictions, patriotism, Christianity, and honesty-quite a departure from his two most recent predecessors.

The bulk of this disquisition concerns the attempted hijacking of his first inauguration. The convicted Governor Jim Guy Tucker changed his mind about resigning less than ten minutes before Lieutenant Governor Huckabee was to be sworn in. The State Constitutional Crisis was quickly thwarted by the united outrage of Arkansas' heavily Democratic controlled legislature.

In relating this tale of public servants putting their honor above their party, Huckabee does not descant on the obvious irony. In this scenario it was the Democratic Party and Arkansas politicians who saw their duty and boldly threatened an expeditious impeachment proceeding to restrain a law breaking chief executive. Not too many years later the National Democratic Party abnegated its duty when an Arkansas-bred Chief Executive contemptuously subjected the country to a Constitutional Crises.

The governor devotes less time to several other segments of his public life and includes a few biographical sketches. Whatever the subject, he displays a trenchant mind and a true dedication to serving mankind. It is not difficult to see why he was previously very successful as a minister. In addition to the clergy and politics, he may also have a calling as an author. Like his second book "Kids Who Kill," I read this one all the way through in less than 24 hours.

Governor Huckabee is truly a 'great' American !
Of the countless political books and memoirs I have read in over 25 years in political affairs Governor Mike Huckabee's book, "CHARACTER IS THE ISSUE" is the most refreshing,outstanding and wonderful political memoir I have read.

Governor Huckabee's book should be read be all who seek and want leaders with integrity,honor and principle.

President John F. Kennedy wrote that great historic book "PROFILES IN COURAGE" --- Governor Huckabee of Arkansas is truly a 'profile in courage and integrity' !

God bless Governor Huckabee of Arkansas.

-------------------------------------------------- Visit my website: POLITICS INTERNATIONAL --------------------------------------------------

We put the wrong Arkansan in the White House!
A sobering expose' of sordid Arkansas politics as seen from the eyes of a Baptist preacher turned Governor of Arkansas. Mike Huckabee is a known quantity, a splendid man of character. Gov. Huckabee sought to serve his fellow man from a larger pulpit; politics. On the journey to the Statehouse he exposes all of the "characters" masquerading as public servants and himself proves that "Character Is the Issue"!


ErgAerobics: Why does working @ my computer hurt so much?
Published in Paperback by ErgAerobics, Inc. (01 April, 1998)
Authors: Perry Bonomo, Daniel Seidler, and John Piser
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A DEFINITE RECOMMENDATION.
Good instruction, a great price, and a growing-in-importance subject area all add up to a definite recommendation.

Best book I've found on repetitive stress injuries.
"Why does working @ my computer hurt so much" is the best book I've found on preventing repetitive stress injuries. It filled with practical information for anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer (secretaries, programmers, writers, college students).

The authors, both physical therapists, provide guidelines for arranging your workstation and how to sit there once it's arranged. The best part is an extensive list of exercises for your back,neck,jaw,thumbs,wrists,elbows, and shoulders designed specifically to prevent repetitive stress injuries. In addition, each exercise is illustrated so you never have to wonder if your doing the exercises correctly.

Once again, a great book!

If you spend days working at a computer - read ErgAerobics.
ErgAerobics is a comprehensive guide to help computer users avoid "Computer Induced Repetitive Stress Injuries." In an easily understandable, entertaining, and concise manner ErgAerobics provides basic human anatomy information that anyone can understand as well as facts about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, TMJ Disorder, Tennis Elbow, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and DeQuervain's Disease. ErgAerobics offers tips on how to prevent and treat computer induced repetitive stress injuries, how to properly arrange a workstation, behavior modification techniques to help the reader interact with a computer in a safer, more cooperative manner. ErgAerobics is enhanced with simple, inconspicuous, effective exercises to help with the prevention and treatment of computer induced repetitive stress injuries including why, when, and how to exercise. If you spend days working at a computer - read ErgAerobics.


Set Up Running: The Life of a Pennsylvania Railroad Engineman 1904-1949
Published in Hardcover by Pennsylvania State Univ Pr (Trd) (2001)
Authors: John W. Orr and James D. Porterfield
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Incredible insights on a working man's life on the railroad
This book brings to life the hard, gritty and dangerous life of working on the railroad. While there's a ton of romaniticized railroad books, this one give the reader insights of what the working stiff had to endure. It does it, however, with an obvious love of railroading, and of the man the book is about.

Railroad Father
"Set Up Running" is not a book of dry statistics of Pennsy RR trackage, assets, debits, or passenger-miles served. Neither is it a sensational narrative of harrowing accidents, up-set locomotives, or exploded boilers (although O.P. does have a few close scrapes, and the line of rail jacks exploding one after another as his massive 2-10-0 freight locomotive thunders down a track under repair sets the reader on the edge of his chair). No, this book is better than those sorts of books because it brings a man--actually two men--to life. We come to know O. P. Orr very well indeed through the eyes of his son, the author, John W. Orr, and we end up knowing John as well.

This book shows American history as it should be written--giant machines moving the citizens and the commerce of the land, a huge railroad corporation with all the bureaucratic "snafus" of any multi-layered business as those snafus are seen by and sometimes affect the career of an engineman, the impact of the Great Depression on one family as typical of America as any could be. Historical facts are all here, but they are facts as seen by two very real, very human people, a father and a son. Were all history books written so well, we would all understand history far better and read it far more willingly.

My own grandfather was an engineman, through his road was the Frisco rather than the Pennsy, and my own father was a great lover of trains, though his career paths took him in a different direction. I came along late in my father's life, and, by the time I had the ability and the leisure to write about him, he was gone and his history with him. "Set Up Running" is the type of book I wish someone could have written about my own father, and I know of no higher praise than that. This is a book for railroaders, historians, Americans, and every father's child. At the end, I hated to have to say good-bye to O.P.--and to his son John--but I left knowing much more about the first half of 20th Century America, and I really enjoyed the telling.

Set up Running
This is what too many railroad histories lack -- the human element. This is the story of a man and how he ran locomotives across Pennsylvania. It is also the story of his son, who loved trains and loved to listen to his father's stories. If you are frustrated by railroad histories that are nothing but an endless series of stock transactions, then this is your book.


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