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Book reviews for "Pikelny,_Philip_S." sorted by average review score:

Database Backed Web Sites: The Thinking Person's Guide to Web Publishing
Published in Paperback by Ziff Davis Pr (1997)
Author: Philip Greenspun
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This book should be required reading.
At first glance, you would never guess what pleasures lurk inside Database Backed Web Sites. Being a fairly non-technical type, I would have never picked up this book by looking at the pleasantly geeky cover and title. But after reading this book all the way through, I realized that it didn't matter that I will probably never need a database backed web site.

Greenspun's book taught me that photographs on a web site *can* look better than they do in print--and that they don't have to take forever to download. He also taught me that simplicity works best when constructing a web site. Thanks god there's someone out there who doesn't believe viewers should have to slog through those insufferably cryptic "entry" and "exit" tunnels!

And when was the last time you read a computer book that actually made you snicker with glee? What a wonderful book.

The best book written on how to develop a web site

It's a good book; it may even be a great book.

It's an introductory book about a a single subject (hooking a database into a web server) that frequently wanders outside the alloted subject into related matters (what makes a web site good, how to administer a web site).

It is a practical manual (any programmer who reads this book will have a solid grasp of the subject and will be ready to go out and hook databases to web servers with elan) without having much in the way of code or boilerplate recipes and without being product specific.

It's written from experience-- there are lots of warnings, lots of examples drawn from real projects, lots of information about avoiding pitfalls. And yet, it's short, pithy, and an easy read.

It's by far the best book I've ever seen on developing a dynamic web site.

Excellent tech reference to database based web servers.
There is seemingly an endless supply of books about 'The Web', so it's hard to get excited about any one in particular. Philip Greenspun's "Database Backed Web Sites: the thinking person's guide to web publishing", on the other hand, is very good. As opposed to being a compendium of HTML tags and pre-made home pages "so you can be online tonight!", the book's aim is to make the reader aware that there's more to the web than cute Java scripts and silly animated GIFs. The main idea is that a static web site resembles a coffee table book with pretty pictures: you look at it once or twice, then it's just taking space. Greenspun explains how to create web sites with databases behind them to manage the content, provide interactive discussion forums where the users provide a lot of the content, and help analyze the server logs to see what your users are doing while visiting your web site. Instead of the step-by-step approach, teaching is done by case studies, which I consider a preferrable approach, since it makes the reader think and forces understanding before something can be produced. There's plenty of light humor throughout the book, without getting too silly or distracting from the main purpose. And the book doesn't come with a CD. This is actually a good thing, since the author makes what would be on the CD available on the Internet via FTP servers. This has the advantage that the material can be updated over time. The book includes a light discussion of Internet connectivity options, as well as a somewhat detailed description of the web server software and operating systems in use. While not complete (VMS, for example, is not mentioned), it's impossible to be current while publishing a book. Even a monthly magazine is out of date before it hits the stand. In sum, definitely recommended reading.


The Complete History of Jack the Ripper
Published in Paperback by Carroll & Graf (1995)
Author: Philip Sugden
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Will Patricia Cornwell please shut up!
In light of the recent 'resolution' regarding the identity of Jack the Ripper I offer only this - Patricia Cornwell should read this book! Cornwell bases her beliefs on a series of suppositions that are completely repudiated by the facts - facts found in Philip Sugden's book. I am not saying that Walter Sickert is NOT Jack the Ripper. I am saying that to create and perpetrate a theory based on spurious information and then purport it to be fact is irresponsible. Well, I guess that's why Cornwell writes fiction - Sugden writes fact.

I might also add that the facts contained in this book are much more frightening than any 'theory' can make them. The biographies on the victims seem rather long and arduous but, eventually, help you to realize that the victims were real people with real problems. And the brutal and fantastic way that the REAL Ripper operated is the stuff of nightmares. Thank you Mr. Sugden for presenting the facts.

Without a doubt the best book on the subject.
Jack the Ripper has been a fascination of mine for five or so years, and I've read lots of books about him and the murders, but "The Complete History" is surely the best. It's very accurate -- Sugden derives his information directly from the case files and press reports, instead of borrowing from previous books which can be misleading. In fact, he even goes out of the way to point out and correct errors from previous books.

And not only is the book very accurate, it is entertaining. A lot of Ripper books seem to be kind of dry, but not this one. I could see everything that was going on. Sugden made me feel for the victims, especially Annie Chapman and Liz Stride, and he did a good job portraying the terrible conditions and poverty of the East End.

Best of all in my opinion, the book does not advance Sugden's pet theory. He does talk about a few suspects, and remarks that one is more likely than the others, but he does say that there is no evidence against the man. It's a nice change from other Ripper books who go through comical contortions to pin the case on one particular individual.

It's a terrific book -- I've read it several times. If you must only read one book on Jack the Ripper, pick this one!

Outstanding effort !
By far, the most comprehensive, level-headed, and open-minded work I've read on the subject. Sudgen has done an unequalled job of sifting through the countless rumors, myths, and historical documents concerning Jack the Ripper to provide the amateur and expert, alike, with an unbiased view that sticks to the facts as closely as history will allow. The wealth, richness, and accuracy of information that Sudgen provides is truly astounding and I could not put the book down. And, unlike the recently published "Portrait of a Killer", Sudgen provides no simple solution, but an objective, unbiased look at the evidence and each of the prime suspects. Superb read.


No Mercy: The Host of America's Most Wanted Hunts the Worst Criminals of Our Time, in Shattering True Crime Cases
Published in Audio Cassette by Simon & Schuster (Audio) (1998)
Authors: Philip Lerman and John Walsh
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Feeling it for the first time
I've never experienced emotional reactions before when reading true crime novels. Their usually clinical approach to the case or cases, and focusing on the criminal and his crime(s), while downplaying the experience of the victims and their family, usually isn't able to produce much of an emotional response.

Then came 'No Mercy', John Walsh's book about some of the most notable cases that the Fox show 'America's Most Wanted' has helped along. Being a regular viewer of the show, as well as having read Walsh's first novel about his son's murder case, I decided to check out his second go-round. I read about the Polly Klaas kidnapping and murder, the John Emil List family murders, the horrible acts of child-killer Eddie James, the spree killings of Andrew Cunanan, and many more sub-human deeds of evil. As I read each case, I was exposed to the burdens of the crime victims. I felt, to a small degree, the very things that they did. Anger that the persons responsible had performed such heinous and senseless acts. The desperation and uncertainty when they were on the lam. The elation when they were finally captured. It was a real gut-wrenching ride, and at times I got misty over what I was perusing. But in the end, I was glad to have experienced it. Even though my own emotional responses could never come close to what the victims experienced, I had a better understanding of what it's like to be a victim. This was what John Walsh had set out to do when he co-authored 'No Mercy', and it worked beyond belief with me.

Another unique quality about 'No Mercy': it was the first true-crime novel that I've read from cover to cover more than once. The most amazing thing is that the impact of each case has not diminished with repeat viewings. I find each one to be as powerful as it was when I first read it.

Also told in the novel is a brief history of 'America's Most Wanted'. I read about Walsh's uncertainty toward his hosting the show. Then there was AMW's cancellation and resurrection in 1996, thanks to the letter-writing campaign of state & federal legislators, law enforcement officials, and citizens. As of the book's release, 'America's Most Wanted' has been credited with over 500 captures thanks to tips from viewers.

Finally, there's also the story of how two AMW cases coincidentally came together at a place called The Green Parrot Café. I wouldn't have believed it if I'd not read it myself. And you'll have to read it for yourself, 'cause I don't want to spoil it for you.

'Late

No Mercy:The Host of America's Most Wanted Hunts....
I felt that John Walsh was supberb when co-writing this book. I bought this book in order to get some/more information how the criminal mind works so that I can learn to recognize the evil creatures. I am learning from this book that you cannot recognize him/her. They often hide behind a mask.

I am a child advocate and can only admire Mr. Walsh for taking his rage and having the courage to use his unfortunate and traumatic experience to catch scum-bags. His book is easy to read (I can't put the book down once I pick it up). He makes me understand from the beginning to the end how much hard work goes in to finding these rotten-evil-dirt bags.

Thank you John Walsh for your endurance in helping us find our children and putting many of these animals where they belong (out of society). My emotions, tears, and heart goes out to these people who have suffered.

Buy this book you will not regret it!!!!!!!!

One of the best books you will ever read........
John Walsh is truly a hero for our time. I read his book about the abduction of his son Adam and besides crying from start to finish, I could not put it down. In "No Mercy" he comes out fighting and for all of our sakes he continues to do so. This book will haunt you especially the first story. I was so shaken by it that I could not get it out of my mind for days. One cannot believe the kind of sick people that are walking around but lucky for us, John Walsh is right there behind them putting them where they belong -Jail!


Skyscrapers
Published in Paperback by Black Dog & Leventhal Pub (01 May, 2001)
Authors: Judith Dupre and Philip Johnson
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A book for everyone
I have the 1996 hardcover edition of this book and do not know what revisions have been made to this latest addition, however I imagine the text and content will be very similar.
I have found this book to be an excellent source of information on skyscapers in general and the buildings featured in particular.
It has a very easy to read format, witch follows the developement of the skyscraper, with two pages at a time dedicated to one building. This makes it ideal for flicking through and just reading here and there at what ever catches your eye. There are also small gerneral interest and overviews pages troughout the book that help to explain the developement of these buildings.
Not a lot of technical details also make this an easy read and ideal for younger readers.
This is one of the best books I have seen on the subject and I have no reservations recomending this book to anyone even remotely interested in these large buildings.

Stunning Look at the Modern "Pyramid"
When I first saw this book, I knew that it had to be on my Christmas "wish list." Upon receiving it, my excitement knew no bounds for this is an exquisitely produced homage to the skyscrapers of the past, present, and future. All the famous are here, from the cover featuring the oft-photographed Chrysler Building in New York to The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to The IBM Tower of San Francisco. Included are many less known mammoth structures from foreign lands, such as Malaysia's Petronas Towers, touted presently as the tallest of all, and the uniquely designed Bank of China in Hong Kong.

When one says, "The sky is the limit," the pages of this book showcase the adage perfectly.

A treasure trove of big photos and little treats!
By Jeffrey K. Herzer -- The jacket notes accurately describe the author's work as exploring "the interaction of text and image on the printed page". This book is wonderfully presented, a collage of big pictures and little treasures -- like under construction photos, sketches and diagrams, or other "trivia bits". You will find some new and precious treat every time you crack the cover. "Skyscrapers" is primarily a history of fifty important and world-famous skyscrapers, beginning with the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower & finishing with the Petronas Towers (Malaysia), the Jin Mao Building (Shanghai), and the planned Kuningan Persada Tower (Jakarta, Indonesia). A book about tall buildings should have tall pages...and this book is 18 inches tall and 7-1/2 inches wide. The format is entirely black & white, but most enjoyable. Ms. Dupre's text is short and direct and a perfect complement; it illuminates without getting bogged down in technicalities. Whether you're a skyscraper fanatic, an architect or engineer, or just plain fascinated with tall buildings, it matters not...this is a book everyone can enjoy.


Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax"
Published in Digital by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ()
Author: Philip C. Plait
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Not Just Bad Astronomy, But Bad Thinking
This is such a fun book. You can pick any chapter at random and learn a ton about good science. There are numerous topics: Why the Sky is Blue, Velikovsky, UFOs, Planetary Alignment, you name it. If it is popular astronomy, it is covered here.

The text doesn't require prior knowledge or a scientific background. Plait educates as well as debunks. Even if you normally resist science, you will find this book entertaining and educational.

Highly recommended!

Bad Astronomy made fun
As an amateur astronomer, I took great pleasure reading Philip Plait's "Bad Astronomy". The book handles the debunking of common myths with hysterical humor. I could not put the book down. Each chapter was entertaining.

Finally we have a text that not only puts the Coriolis Effect where it belongs but explains basic astronomy principles in lay terms. It is better than reading an astronomy textbook. Where else could you read about why skies are blue and why the earth has seasons than in this humorous tome.

Plait gets a little more serious as he talks about the more delicate subjects of the Apollo "hoax", Velikovsky, UFOs, and Astrology. This was appropriate since many people believe in these unscientific hypotheses. He approaches these subjects in a nonoffensive, objective and scientific manner.

Being a movie fan, I particularly enjoyed the chapter entitled: "Bad Astronomy Goes Hollywood." Here Plait unveils all of the Bad Astronomy we see every day in science fiction movies. In his list of Top 10 offenses, the Star Wars series is guilty of no less than 8 of them. That does not make Star Wars any less enjoyable, but it is fun to know the difference between science and Hollywood.

I give this book 5 stars. I think it would be entertaining for anyone with any interest in astronomy regardless of how much or how little they know about the subject matter.

A welcome addition to any science lover's library
Misconceptions creep into the science of astronomy perhaps more than any other science. Surveys have found that even college graduates carry persistent misconceptions or even wildly incorrect ideas about the phases of the moon or the cause of the seasons.

For the past several years, astronomer Phil Plait has been battling these misconceptions, as well as the flood of just plain bad astronomy (hence the name). Plait's web site has built a loyal following, and I have been a frequent visitor there almost since its inception. For people like me, the book "Bad Astronomy" is a logical extension of the web site. For newcomers, it will be a welcome addition to your libraries.

In addition to chapters on lunar phases and the cause of the seasons, Plait adds a detailed (and fairly technical) account of tides, the coriolis effect (as applied to toilet bowl water rotation), why the sky is blue, the moon size illusion, and many, many others.

Digging a little deeper into the "current issues" genre, Plait also tackles Velikovsky, UFOs, creationism and astrology. His writing is very clear and should be accessible to anybody interested in science and the battle against pseudoscientific nonsense.

Regular visitors to the web site will be familiar with Plait's crusade against those who persist in believing that the Apollo moon landings were faked. Plait's site led the charge against this nonsense, and he includes a treatment of the topic in his book as well.

Bad Astronomy is lightly illustrated with a mix of schematic drawings (to illustrate for example, tides or the moon size illusion) and black and white photographs. Some of the chapters could certainly have benefitted from more lavish illustrations, and perhaps even some color plates (the chapter on the Apollo "hoax," for example, needed some additional photos to help dispel the most common objections). However, the format of the book (paperback) and the expense (between $11 and $14) dictated the conservative approach, I'm sure.

The chapters are well balanced in size. With a topic per chapter, and 24 chapters totalling 257 pages, you won't find an indepth treatment of any of these topics, but enough to surely whet your appetite. He also provides recommendations for additional reading, both book and WWW, in an appendix.

In the larger context of "defense of science" writings, Plait joins other such notables as Carl Sagan, Martin Gardner, Robert Park, Stephen Jay Gould, and Michael Shermer. Plait's contribution is a welcome one, and he is poised to take his place as a defender against bad science.


Front Porch Tales
Published in Hardcover by Harper SanFrancisco (1999)
Author: Phil Gulley
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Poignant stories
If you ever want to read pith, poignant stories about everyday people then pick up "Front Porch Tales" by Philip Gulley. I am drawn to the author because he is from my home state of Indiana and he is a Quaker. My family has deep Quaker roots. But most of all his stories are short, simple, real and often funny. Some of the story headings are "My friend Jim and why I don't like him", "Why my wife bought handcuffs" and "Handyman Blues." I won't give the secrets away, but I highly recommend that you pick this book up and find the wisdom beneath the witticism.
Quoting the author, "If it's lasting beauty we seek, we're simply going to have to spend as much time tending our souls as we do our yards."

Sometimes you just need some peace...
Philip Gulley's books give me a sense of peace, calm, and quiet seasoned with a generous helping of humor that always lets me end my day on a happier note. I've read most of his works and especially enjoy the characters who make me think, "I KNOW that person!" "Front Porch Tales" has joined my other favorite book, Clyde Egerton's "Walking Across Egypt" as my gift of choice to dear friends and loved ones.

excellent sense of humor
Philip Gulley does an excellent job of bringing us the stories of his life. He has a wonderful sense of humor and brings his relationship with God into perspective each time. He has a very interesting writing style that makes you want to know the man and read on. His other book is great too "Hometown Tales". I hope he puts pen to paper more often...


Rumor of War
Published in Audio Cassette by Books on Tape ()
Author: Philip Caputo
Amazon base price: $72.00
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A brilliant writer documents his Vietnam experience
It is hard to imagine that such a gifted writer is also capable of being an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. In "A Rumor of War," author Philip Caputo offers us an intimate portrait of the Vietnam conflict. Caputo uses a powerful lens and provides an up close examination of what the war is like for a Marine infantry "grunt."

This book is about the Vietnam danger, the boredom, the casualties, the weather and the mood of the American soldier. Throughout the book one can feel the soldiers enormous desire to "go home" and abandon the macho madness of the Vietnam tragedy. Caputo's protagonist, the element that moved the plot is the Marine's desire to survive. The author brilliantly uses the constant threat of "death" to act as a powerful antagonist that lurks from page to page.

Best of all, this book documents the brutality of war using the language of the Marine "grunt." Hence, it provides a front row seat to the thoughts and emotions of those who were condemned to risk their lives each day while in Vietnam. This is a great book that deserves attention..especially from the leaders of the nation who audaciously talk of war while never having the courage to set foot on a battlefield.

Put It On Your Bookshelf!
"A Rumor of War" is a darkly disturbing book. It is set in what was the early, "optimistic" Vietnam in the spring of '65 when we thought we were fighting for "freedom" and before the reality of the place hit home. Vietnam hits Lieutenant Caputo very quickly, as it must have for all Marine Corps platoon leaders. It's all right there-booby traps, mines, trip wires, leeches, foot blisters, jungle rot, constant shelling, dysentery, pigs eating corpses and cold C Rations. As a Vietnam vet, I was surprised the author never mentions RATS!, but we both know they were there too. (THEY were everywhere). Lt. Caputo's transfer to a staff job is worse than the field, so he transfers back to the bush as a platoon leader.It's more of the same-patrolling and repatrolling the same trails, the same hills, the same villes. All watched over by unsupportive and bureaucratic commanders. "RW" offers yet another look at the Vietnam War, one more pessimistic than most because so many of us felt that the years of '65 and '66 were more positive than this. I might suggest reading Joseph Owen's "Colder Than Hell" to compare the Marine experience in Korea with Lt. Caputo's. Reading the late Bernard Fall's "Street Without Joy" will make us aware, again, that perhaps there was never a time to be optimistic about Vietnam. I must admit that I constantly found myself curious as to how I would have handled many situations in "RW". How would I have measured up? What would I have done? How would the men have judged me? While the story of "RW" tends to stray at times, I found no fault since the author is relating a painful part of his past. One small point: "RW" would benefit from better maps-these are so often lacking in military books. The bottom line:"A Rumor of War" belongs on the bookshelf of any serious military book reader or anyone searching for yet another angle to the frustrating Vietnam War that affected so many of us.

Should be mandatory reading in every high school!!
Caputo describes the Vietnam War, or the "the splendid little war" as he ironically calls it, as his journey from being an enthusiastic idealist poisoned by the romanticized view of war as a chivalrous and noble enterprise to the dehumanized and desensitized wreck that he becomes during his tour in Vietnam. The book is an amazing testimony about the true nature of war with all its atrocities and horrors. Caputo brilliantly captures the endless despair of being strained in the jungle with no clear reason for being there, the hopeless madness of chasing the guerillas and the agony of loosing friends. But the most important aspect of this book is that it shows how a normal mentally healthy person can be turned in the course of a few months into a thoughtless killing machine, fast on the trigger, without any remorse for his victims. Caputo exploits very strong and vivid images such as "pigs eating napalm-charred human corpses" to force the reader into his story and make the reader feel what Caputo has felt. Every single high school student, every single gung-ho young kid in boot camp must read this book -it is about real war, real corruption, real deaths, and real emotional scars left for life.

Very realistic book that cannot leave you indifferent, definitely up there with Remarque's "All quiet on the Western front." If you want to know what fighting the Vietnam War was really like, I can't imagine how any book can possibly be better than Rumor of War.


When Worlds Collide
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (2001)
Authors: Philip Wylie, Edwin Balmr, John Varley, and Edwin Balmer
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Apocalyptic science fiction from the 1930s
Two rogue planets, one the satellite of the other, are heading directly toward the earth. The scientists who make this horrifying discovery have a plan to save a small remnant of humanity.

The story is engaging enough that I was content to suspend my disbelief at the implausibility of the disaster and especially of the opportunity for survival. Much of the entertainment value of the book is in its being old: news of the impending disaster is spread by newspaper; atomic power is being hastily developed; the sexual attraction between two main characters is expressed only in passionate kisses.

There's plenty of apocalyptic fiction I'd recommend over this (e.g., "Earth Abides," "The Stand," "Alas, Babylon"), but "When Worlds Collide" is entertaining enough for a rainy Saturday. It has a sequel, "After Worlds Collide," which I haven't read.

Classic Sci-Fi
It's remarkable how well this book holds up after 70 years. It's not exactly =hard= science-fiction, and it emphasizes a lot of social issues, which is probably one of the reasons it has aged so well. Most importantly, it tells the story expertly, with a good amount of suspense and intrigue (and a lot less misanthropy than can be found in the excellent film adaptation).

The sequel ("After Worlds Collide") on the other hand, is =far= more dated, thoroughly permeated with '30s notions of nationalism. By today's standards it's more than just politically incorrect, it's borderline racist. But that aside--and it doesn't serve to try to read old novels with modern prejudices--it doesn't have the same sense of urgency (the impending doom of all mankind) found in the first book.

The Grandaddy of the Disaster Genre!
I first read this book more than thirty years ago. I have read it many times since and it will always remain on my list of all-time favorites. This is a book in the tradition of Verne and Wells in that it brings many basic scientific principles to life and makes them understandable to the reader.

Against the backdrop of universal disaster, Wylie and Balmer manage to tell a story that has real human dimensions. Love, hate, ingenuity, and compassion all play out here in characters that will truly engage the reader. Furthermore, the scope of adventure the book gives will compel the reader to keep turning the pages, eager to see what happens next. In this way the book is a true success. However, for the discerning reader, the story also raises some perplexing and even disturbing questions, giving it a depth that mere adventure can't.

My career as a geographer and mathematician can trace its genesis to one book, and that book is WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE. So I personally owe its authors a great deal, and so does all science-fiction because this book epitomizes the genre's greatest strengths.


Point of Impact
Published in Audio Cassette by Random House Audio Publishing Group (04 May, 1999)
Authors: Stephen Hunter and Philip Bosco
Amazon base price: $9.99
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The Best In a While
"Point of Impact" is the best book that I've read in quite a while. I purchased Stephen Hunter's book on a whim, and hope that it would be entertaining. It was more than just entertaining, it was good. The book is about an ex-Marine sniper, named Bob Lee Swagger, who spent three tours in Viet Nam. For the last twenty years, he's been holed up in the Ouachitians mountains living with his dog Mike and his rifles. The soft-spoken marksman is approached to help out a government branch in tracking down an assassin. Nick Memphis, a down on his luck FBI agent, is investigating a gruesome murder of an informant that was trying to reach him. As the informant dies, he writes the words, ROM DO on the floor with his own blood. The two stories quickly become entwined in a turbulent plot full of double cross, ballistic charts, and 1,400 yard shots.

Hunter does a great job of telling just enough of the story to let you think you know where he is going. Then he turns the story on you leaving you surprised. He does this throughout the book. Only once was I able to guess where he was going. All the times that I thought I had him, Hunter was laughing at me from in front of his typewriter. He does it from the very beginning as we open up on Swagger in a deer blind waiting for Ole Tim, the largest buck in the forest. Swagger's character grows on you, even though he appears tough and rough around the edges.

Hunter is a master of the false-direction. He sets everything up so perfectly that once he changes the tables on you, you can see how he set you up. It all makes sense. It's the literary version of magic. Some authors are good at it, for others you can see the wires. Hunter is very good at it. If you like action/adventure, good writing, and an author that's good a deception, check this one out. I'll definitely read more of Hunter.

A rare treat for action thriller fans
I first picked up Point of Impact second hand from my girlfriend, who had never read it. I was a fan of Tom Clancy for the technical aspects of his books, but his prose, his sometimes paper thin characters, and under-edited morality tales often left me flat.

Stephen Hunter showed me that you could write an exciting thriller, filled with action, that has good characterization, and doesn't resort to threatening the destruction of the world (or at least the US) in order to build tension.

Hunter's prose is uncluttered and direct, but his details are lavish. I understand from some shooter friends of mine that some of the technical details in the book are a bit of a stretch (like welding a firing pin...), but they were for the most part impressed with the technical accuracy of the book.

I liked this book so much, that I have become a hard core Hunter fan. If you like action thrillers, you probably will too.

This book WAS slated to become the movie "Shooter" in 2001, with Tommy Lee Jones as Bob Lee. However, talks on the project broke down and I do not know the status of it at this time. I will be there opening weekend when it does.

Wow!
This book was my intro to the world of Stephen Hunter, and made me an instant fan. I purchased "Point of Impact" and read it in 2 days while on vacation. Couldn't wait to get the other three novels in the Bob Lee Swagger "universe". Hunter's characters read like real people. His heroes suffer from alcoholism, adultry, and other real life problems that only the "bad guys" in writers like Tom Clancy's works have to deal with. They all have a sense of "duty" that doesn't necessarily run through their whole lives. They usually are dedicated to their their jobs, but have problems fulfilling their duties at home, though they love their families dearly. This is very realistic in my experience. I recommend this novel and its companions to anyone who likes a good read.


Atlas of Human Anatomy
Published in Hardcover by Novartis Medical Education (1990)
Authors: Frank H. Netter, Philip Flagler, and Sharon Colacino
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A MUST FOR FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS!!!
I am the mother of a first year medical student. My daughter was at a loss in her first month at school - struggling with her Gross Anatomy Course. Our family doctor (he is actually a Neuro-Surgeon) suggested that I purchase Netter's "Atlas of Human Anatomy" swearing that he could never have gone through Anatomy it. I live in Malaysia and my daughter is studying in the Philippines. In both countries, we could not find this book! I found it right here at Amazon! The book was shipped by DHL and it has since been my daughter's bedside companion. She is still struggling with her Anatomy Course...but definitely this book of Netter has helped her SO MUCH. I have read through it myself and realized how difficult it is really to be a doctor. Atlas of Human Anatomy is a genius's work of art. Netter clearly defines the anatomical parts of the human body. Other reference/text books that are of great help to Anatomy students are: Grant's Atlas of Human Anatomy (which also has a Dissector) and Rohen & Yokochi's "Color Atlas of Anatomy" which is a photographic atlas of cadavers - a very good guide for practicals. Both books (Grant's and Rohen's) are found right here at AMAZON

SUPERB NEW THIRD EDITION (2003)
I have used the second edition of this beautiful atlas for several years. Now I have acquired a copy of the new, revised, and improved third edition published in 2003. It has not disappointed me. I highly recommend it.

The third edition is longer by at least 60 pages, and the pages devoted to each body region are now color-coded for quick access.

Each section devoted to a body region now begins with a surface anatomy plate. In addition, a significant number of normal radiographic images are included.

In the foreword, Consulting Editor John T. Hansen states the following:

"We balanced the addition of new surface and radiographic plates largely by eliminating several plates that contributed little to the quality of the [Second Edition]. Several plates from The Netter (formerly CIBA) Collection of Medical Illustrations were added and several plates were altered slightly to correct anatomical errors consistent with our current knowledge.... Finally, the References and the Index have been updated.

"The anatomical terminology is consistent throughout the Atlas and conforms to the International Anatomical Terminology (Terminologia Anatomica) approved in 1998 by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists. Common eponyms are retained parenthetically, and the leader lines and labels have been checked, and where necessary, corrected to ensure their accuracy."

Netter is God
You will hear Netter is God and although that statement is blasphemous in my book, it is fairly close to the truth. I have netter (the second edition) as most every med student on the planet has, really.

I plan to get the third edition for my reference library because my 2nd edition got gooked and dripped on in the lab as I'm sure yours will.

Netter is excellent in book form. However, whatever you do don't get the cd. It is poor in terms of clarity...

Nobody comes close to Francis!!!
Just beautiful art, you'll appreciate him once you start dissecting.


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