I left reading Powell's "Treason" wondering if his story was really worthy of a book. An meaty article in some highbrow magazine, surely, but a book?

Powell describes his involvement with bringing a Soviet turncoat, GRU Colonel Baranov, in from the cold. Baranov, disgruntled with the crumbling Soviet system, agreed to spy for the CIA. However, before he was able to do much of anything for the CIA, he was outed as a traitor. The book describes Baranov's career, and then Powell's efforts to bring the government into investigating the circumstances surrounding Baranov's arrest, almost certainly the work of a spy in the United States who betrayed Baranov to Moscow.

The main problem with the book is that it ends inconclusively. We never learn who betrayed Baranov. Furthermore, Baranov himself makes for a rather uninteresting subject of study when it comes to espionage, because his career as a traitor inside the GRU and agent for the CIA was over immediately after it began.

Readers will learn something about how spies like Baranov are recruited and operate - both into the intelligence services and then into betraying their countries. They will also learn a good bit about journalistic ethics and espionage (the book's high point). Another strong point is getting what is essentially a street level account of how badly the CIA can bungle seemingly routine tasks.

Overall, the book is well-written, and Baranov's story is a good one. I just don't think it was worth of a full-fledged book, even a short one like "Treason."

THis is an interesting read that raises questions about the lines a journalist should--or should not cross--when dealing with intelligence agents. I'm not sure that issue is addressed sufficiently here, in fact. Though the ending is a bit of a letdown, the story itself does draw the reader in and is unique enough to be of interest both to readers interested in spy stories as well as journalism. AN easy short read, so I recommend it.

What an experience! Hard to believe it'a a true story. I'm amazed by the author's courage.

This is not just another book on Gettysburg. It is a long-overdue study of this important battle written from the point of view of what Lee and his generals knew before and during the 1863 battle. The authors care-fully craft Lee's background and his history and relationship with other leaders including Jefferson Davis and Jeb Stuart. They describe Lee's plans and the actual battle, including the failure of subordinates to effectively utilize their artillery on the disastrous last day. The authors did not base their presentation on how the battle turned out. Instead they explored the actions of the Confederates and analyzed the facts known to Lee, Stuart, and the others to determine the basis for decisions and courses taken. In doing so, Bowden and Ward reach conclusions drastically different than those of many other historians, showing that many of the popular myths about the battle are indeed false. By using Stuart's initial troop movements while Lee was moving north, they show that Stuart did indeed have orders to move north rather than take his wayward ride around the Union forces. They show that Lee's orders to Richard Ewell to take Cemetery Hill were not discretionary. They not only look at actions taken; they also examine options not taken. Lee's generalship in this battle is shown to be much better than often credited to him. The arguments of many of Lee's critics are addressed and refuted in detail. Even a reader with great knowledge of this battle will benefit from this book. It is a "Must Read" for every student of the War.

Bowden and Ward provide a well-researched and compelling look at one of the most researched and written-about battles in American history. I have read more than 20 books about Gettysburg and countless others on Lee's generalship. "Last Chance for Victory" was one of the most thought-provoking and compelling books on this topic I have ever read.

The author's analysis of Day Two of the battle is a refreshing look at the many controversies surrounding the battle and Lee's battle plan. Their analysis of President Davis's decisions prior to the Gettysburg Campaign and Stuart's famous and controversial "ride" also were refreshing and compelling.

In addition to forcing readers and historians to reassess traditional concepts about Lee and Gettysburg, this work is well researched.

Most important, it is well-written. The text flows easily and in many instances it reads like a novel.

I could not put it down.

This book is a must buy for any serious student of the Civil War or military history. It is also approachable for those new to the Civil War and Gettysburg.

Whether you agree with the authors' final conclusions or not, you should read this book. You will never think the same way about Gettysburg and Lee again!

There are numerous reasons why this book is superb, and why it has been named as part of the curriculum at the School of Advanced Military Studies at the United Stated Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

1) The description of Lee's art of war, and the explanation of what Lee believed had to be done in order to give the Confederates the best chance to win is rooted in the lessons of the Great Captains, and has never before been presented this clearly;

2) Lee's vision of victory and how he could accomplish same through his operational objectives for the campaign, along with the military, logistical and political forces at work that combined to influence his decision to transfer the defense of Richmond out of Virginia and into the North, and how these continued to bear upon his decisions once the battle was underway, are laid out clearly;

3) The Lee-Stuart controversary is dealt with in unprecedented clarity. Bowden and Ward's presentation of the facts and analysis provides, for the first time, a clear understanding of what all the principals involved knew and understood at that time, and how Stuart, once he reached Haymarket, made a decision that violated Lee's restraining orders and resulted in him compromising his command and the trust placed in him by Lee;

4) The entire issue of how and why Lee concentrated the Confederate army in the Cashtown-Gettysburg area is explained in
detail. The timeline provided by the authors concerning when and where Lee received information, his resulting orders and more, demonstrate the continued implimentation of his operational plan and goals;

5) Thank goodness, that for the first time ever, we have two authors that have deleved into thoroughly and explained properly Lee's role in the July 1 fighting. What's more, Bowden and Ward present, for the first time, the entirety of all the issues---and there are many of them---involved with Lee's pursuit orders to Richard Ewell following the battle that day. Further, the authors demonstrate, conclusively in my military opinion, why so many past and present writers. along with so-called students of the battle, are confused over this issue. These are just some of the reasons that the chapter dealing with July 1 is impressive;

6) As impressive as the book is up to the battle of July 2, it is my belief that the best part of LAST CHANCE FOR VICTORY are the two chapters that deal with Lee's initial plan of battle, and the actual fighting on July 2. In spite of all that has been previously written about Gettysburg, Bowden and Ward are the first authors I know of that PROPERLY explain Lee's initial plan of action, AND how and why it was modified to the en echelon mode of attack once the Federals realigned their positions on the South end of the field. Lee was present to scout the enemy positions, ascertain those changes, and issue a change of orders accordingly that took into consideration the new relative positions of the armies that was consistent with the best way to accomplish the mission for that day. Moreover, the description of the fighting on July 2, COUPLED WITH the explanation of how the en echelon plan of attack was being implemented and how and why it broke down and what that meant to the detriment of the Confederate cause, can only be described as just superb;

7) Lee's plans for July 3, how these had to be modified, and how the attack that did take place that afternoon did not materialize as had been planned, are covered in a succinct manner that helps the reader identify how the attack failed and the multiply people responsible for its failure (including Lee);

8) The summary of the book ("Reflections") provides additional insight (including more analysis than what has already been given) to the most important issues that contributed to Lee's defeat. It is a powerful conclusion to a hard-hitting book.

Are there any drawbacks to the book? Yes, given the reality of today's short-attention span public, and those with their minds already made up, there are. And after reading two recent so-called "reviews," I am more convinced than ever. THIS IS NOT A BOOK THAT CAN BE ABSORBED BY "BROWSING THROUGH" AT A BOOK STORE. THIS IS NOT A BOOK THAT CAN BE CLAIMED TO BE READ BUT THEN CRITICIZED IN A SPECIOUS WAY BECAUSE THE READER HAS NOT READ THE BOOK CAREFULLY ENOUGH IN ORDER TO GRASP THE TOTALITY OF THE
AUTHORS' ARGUMENTS. This does not mean that everyone who reads this book should AGREE with the authors. What this means is that there are legitimate criticisms and those which are not.

LAST CHANCE FOR VICTORY is a highly detailed book that provides in-depth analysis never before presented involving very complex historical and historigraphical issues. As such, it reveals the strengths and weaknesses of Robert E. Lee at his greatest trial by combat. The testiment to this book is in its accomplishments, which to date are:

Winner of the 2001 Douglas Southall Freeman History Award

Winner of the 2001 General N B Forrest Southern History Award

Winner of the 2001 Grady McWhiney Award of Merit

Winner of the 2002 Bonnie Blue Society Literary Award

and, arguably the most telling accomplishment, part of the curriculum at the US ARmy Command and General Staff College.

Buy the book; read and study it carefully; enjoy it.

JS

The thing that I liked best about "Notes From a Small Island" is the fact that by the time you have finished reading it Bill Bryson feels like an old friend. He is completely open with the reader and is not afraid to laugh at himself. Most of the humour comes from the fact that everything he says about the British is so true! I know that I often fall into the "mustn't grumble" category!

I have decided against giving this book 5 stars, however, because Bill does tend to whine on rather about his obsession with cities and how modern architecture is ruining them. This book had me falling about in fits of laughter, especially the scene with the waterproofs, but it would have been ten times better if Bill had just cut out some of the rubbish.

In conclusion, however, this book is a brilliant and enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a laugh.

Bill Bryson, an American from Iowa, lived with his family for almost 20 years in Great Britain. Before returning home to the USA, he traveled through England for a few weeks, visiting many a place between Dover and Scotland.

The result is an entertaining love declaration to his chosen homeland, though not missing a few sarcastic side blows. Despite or maybe because of the island's curiosities and occasional wacky behavior of its inhabitants, Bryson confides in the end that he loves everything about Great Britain -- plain and simple.

This unique travel book is recommendable for everyone who plans a vacation in England or who just wants to be entertained well. Bryson's fluent writing style invites to following in this author's footsteps to get to know the special charm of Great Britain.

I read this book while I was living in England, and again when I returned home to Australia. Bryson manages to find the truth in the stereotypes that are found in that funny, fabulous island of witty, erudite whingers! Now, I also enjoyed The Lost Continent as much....Bryson's travels around small-town America. I have noticed (as evidenced in the reviews) that Americans on the whole LOVE this book, being as it is about people strange to them, but are not as enamoured of his observations closer to home. I wonder if that is because Bryson does take the broad, stereotypical brush out, and those close up can see that the detail is lacking. Maybe in this book he takes a more affectionate view of his subject matter - it is after all a 'farewell tour'. I am looking forward to his book on Australia, to see how I react from a local perspective!

NB - This one had me laughing out loud, and boring people around me by insisting on reading bits out loud. Don;t you hate people who do that?

Richard Petty is a backwards thinking racist who refers to African Americans as "colored folk". For this reason and for the additional reason that I would never buy anything recommended by NASCAR hack commentator Michael Daly, this book should be avoided at all costs.

If you ever wondered what kind of car Richard drove in which Season, this is the ultimate Book for you. Or if you are into building the Kings Cars in Scale Models, this is the only Book where you can get all the information you need, the rest (Model, Decals, etc.) is up to you

Very interesting and entertaining

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the reviews so far. I my opinion this is the worst book from QUE-Books I have ever read (most of the QUE-books are really good). The author never explains the essential details about HTML, he always strays into simple, unneccessary details or into complicated, unneccessary details, but never gets to the point what is really useful. And if there's the rare occasion something is really explained, it will be repeated at least five times... I don't want to say the author doesn't know what he is writting about, he simply just don't know how to write...

I just have to say this is the greatest book ever written. Why? Because it's MY web site that is featured in Chapter 3, Fig 3.12! It's under the heading of "The Wrong Stuff: What Not to Put on the Web"

I never got any royalty money out of the deal either, whats up with that? Can I sue for defamation of web site? Hmmm... probably not, but since it's the first site I ever made back when I was a freshman in Highschool, and now it's immortalized in print - I forgive him.

Greatest book ever written!

This book was great

Another book club choice and one that I normally would not have chosen. The list of travel memoirs I have read is small but I was pleasantly surprised by Bill Bryson's novel about his walk through the Appalachian Trail. As it turns out, the walk itself becomes secondary to the self introspection and relationship Bryson has with his travel partner Katz. What surprised me the most about this story is how funny it was. I laughed out loud on several occasions. Bryson writes with a carefree style and captures the crux of situations in such a humorus way. He describes his huffing and puffing out shape, bad attitude buddy Katz in hysterical fashion. Yet, far from being a joke, the reader comes to cherish Katz and the growth he has from his journey. The interactions with other walkers on the trail and their excursions into nearby towns are just as funny. Bryson himself reveals his insights into his motivations, musings and failings in a realistic approachable manner. Not only does he do justice to the beautiful scenery of our country, but he provides the reader with environmental information to ponder without being overly critical. Although not a literary masterpiece, I certianly enjoyed Bill Bryson's adventure and will not hesitate to read another tale of his.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a marvelous description of the Appalachian Trail and it's history. The outrageously funny nature of it and the bond of friendship between two men makes the journey of reading the book worth taking. I personally love the book and I think that anyone would too. Bryson incorporates his entire journey along the Appalachian Trail with facts of the trail's history and the present day situation with the National Parks Service. His book gives you an appreciation for the 300 people who hike the entire 2,200 miles through the wind, snow, rain, and heat. In the book, Bill Bryson reunites with his childhood friend, Stephen Katz, for A Walk in the Woods. The Appalachian Trail offers an astonishing landscape of undisturbed forests and deep-blue lakes. Bryson also tells the story of Katz and himself with all the problems they face along the way. Both of the men are extremely unfit and encounter many problems in the beginning because of each other's different personalities. Not only do they encounter hilarious characters along the way, but even strange towns. Bryson not only tells us about his travels along the fragile Appalachian Trail, but he informs us of its fascinating history and makes a plea for the conservation of the most widely known trail in North America. Everything along the trail has to do with Biology and Ecology and the entire book is insightful about the wildlife and the landscape. Throughout the whole story, there are only about two main characters: Katz and Bryson. Both characters are hilariously funny and each is completely the opposite from the other. A Walk in the Woods takes place sometime in 1990's and from spring to late summer. In conclusion, A Walk in the Woods is an extremely well written book and is definitely a must read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and comedy. You'll even learn something about the history, wildlife, and landscape. It is by far the best travel book on the market today.

This book tickled me with its zany humor and bingo imagery. I laughed out loud on several occasions. I have been a wilderness hiker for many years and know how weird you can get in the wild. I was amused by Bryson's characterizations of hikers and especially his self-preservational fears of wild animals. It is very unusual, as we find out in this volume, to encounter threatening wildlife in the lower 48. And Bryson's sensitive research on the diminution of our native species is compelling from an environmental standpoint.

The chopped up nature of the hiking is distracting at times and seems contrived to allow a greater portion of the trail some commentary. However, the stories of Harper's Ferry and certain Pennsylvania small towns are compelling. And his attraction to the trail is understandable even though he cannot hike the entire distance.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed his portrayal of the trip and his relationship with the wacky Katz. While I can't buy the characterization of a 'rediscovering of America' I did appreciate his observations on the lack of beauty in commercial development and the fact that you have to drive to a specified site to find beauty in a country that is inherently spectacular. In the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the crowded town of North Conway is a stone's throw from the magnificent Presidential Range. And yet there are only a relative handful of hikers on the trails. He fails to convey if he would like to see more people in the wilderness. I have occasionally been reproved for saying that I felt people should have to work hard and on foot to see the incredible beauty of the back country. This book is s gem with vivid images that will tickle the armchair traveler and hiker alkie.

This book bridges the theory and practice of leadership by focussing on the remarkable story of Coach Bill Snyder and the tranformation of the Wildcat Football Program, Kansas State University, and the community of Manhattan, Kansas. Drs. Scott and Shoop are to be commended for selecting a leader whose purpose is to give significance to others rather than seek it for himself. The authors are to be further applauded for taking perspectives and quotes from a group representative of those people Bill Snyder has impacted: players and their families, university employees and students, and citizens of Manhattan and the state of Kansas. The lessons are very practical; Bill Snyder's philosophy of continuous improvement can be freely adopted by anyone.

This book is an easy to understand, step-by-step book on applied leadership principles of one of the greatest college football coaches of all times! Coach Snyder's approach to leadership is readily adaptable by anyone in a leadership position. Dr Shoop and Dr Scott carefully applied Coach Snyder's principles/traits and then supported these with real-world comments by people both external and internal to his sphere of influence. The supporting documentation/comments from these "real-world" experiences enhances the applicability of this book for any leaders "must" have portfolio. This book is a must for anyone in a leadership position, aspiring to be in one, a student of leadership, or a coach. Finally there is an easy to read, comprehend, and apply book on leadership.

I would recommend Leadership Lessons from Bill Snyder to anyone interested in leadership and developing their own leadership skills. As a recent college graduate, I found Coach Snyder's leadership philosophies insightful and inspiring. Though the book documents the evolution and success of Kansas State University's football team, led by Coach Bill Snyder, it is much more than a biography or a history of KSU football. Leadership Lessons from Bill Snyder provides concrete examples of Snyder's leadership strategies in an easy-to-read, almost conversational format. A person in any walk of life could easily draw parallels between endeavors with their own organization and Bill Snyder's proven leadership as he turned a bankrupt organization into a top-ranked national powerhouse.

I totally agree with the reviewer who says that Kidnapped has become his/her favorite book of all time and that (s)he still re-reads it several times a year. Not that I re-read it, but I agree when (s)he says that (s)he envies anyone who is about to read 'Kidnapped' for the first time. I am about the same age, and I well remember my first reading - how I smiled when Uncle Ebeneezer served his gruel (porridge) - how I held my breath when David nearly stepped into space on the broken stairs - how I cringed with the injustice of Ebeneezer tried to cheat David out of his inheritance by selling him into slavery in the American colonies.

Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' is reckoned to be his best book but, for sheer descriptive weight, superb characterization and sharp, sharp dialog, 'Kidnapped' is the one for me. In brief, 16-year-old orphan, David Balfour visits his uncle in order to claim the inheritance, left by his father. The uncle, having failed to kill him, arranges for David to be kidnapped by a ship of thugs and villains and taken to the Carolinas to be sold into slavery. While navigating the Scottish coast, the ship collides with another boat and the crew capture the lone survivor, a swashbuckling Highlander called Alan Breck Stewart. David and Alan become friends and escape their captors. On land again, Stewart is accused of murdering a rival clan member and he and David must now cross the Scottish mountains to reach safe haven and for David to reclaim his inheritance.

The descriptions of the Scottish countryside are truly marvelous and the sense of pace and adventure keeps the reader hooked right to the end. I notice that one reviewer likened this section to 'a tiresome episode of The Odd Couple'. Perhaps it's worth bearing in mind that The Odd Couple was written a few years AFTER Kidnapped ! (In any case, I doubt that a written version of the television series would stir anyone's emotions like Kidnapped can). To most readers the historic aspects, along with the fact that the couple are being hunted by British redcoats is enough to maintain interest, suspense and pace.

Read and enjoy !

Let me tell you now that 'Kidnapped' is my personal favourite, and I've already read it four times! You'll never get a moment to pause to take a yawn. R.L. Stevenson with his superb writing capabilities writes of a young man named David Balfour. When his father dies, he is told to go to his uncle's house. After several failed attempts to kill David the wicked uncle sells him off to a skipper of a ship. In the course of his stay on the ship David meets the Jacobite, Alan. I can't describe the novel in words you gotta read it to know what you are really in for! This is the greatest adventure novel I've ever read. If you have read Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' then you won't be disappionted with this one.

I was surprised to see some reviewers didn't like this wonderful book. If you have trouble with the Scottish accent, read it out loud, use your imagination, and if you still can't figure it out, skip a bit. (Do you insist on understanding every single word spoken in a movie?)

This is the story of a young man overcoming adversity to gain maturity and his birthright. It moves right along, in Stevenson's beautiful prose. Read, for example, this sentence from Chapter 12: "In those days, so close on the back of the great rebellion, it was needful a man should know what he was doing when he went upon the heather." Read it out loud; it rolls along, carrying the reader back to Scotland, even a reader like me, who doesn't know all that much about Scottish history. Kidnapped is by no means inferior, and in many ways superior to the more famous Treasure Island.

Only two points I would like to bring up: I bought the Penguin Popular Classics issue, and have sort of mixed feelings. Maybe some day I'll get the version illustrated by Wyeth. I'm not sure whether this book needs illustrations, though. Stevenson's vivid writing is full of pictures.

In Chapter 4, David makes a point of saying that he found a book given by his father to his uncle on Ebenezer's fifth birthday. So? Is this supposed to show how much Ebenezer aged due to his wickedness? If anybody could explain this to me, please do.

When one first approaches this book, one can't help but be drawn in by Ginsberg's knowing smile. His life experiences, loves, and tragedies can all be summed up within this book. However, the many monumental poems in this book("Things I Will Not Do", etc.) are spaced apart with lymerics, catchy tunes, and mostly toilet humor. When both reading about Ginsberg, and reviewing his earlier work, a person feels a sense of awe and wonder. A person begins to look upon the world with new eyes. However, I felt a little let down after reading this one. I just felt most of the poems to be far too juvenile, and this really detracts from the over all concept, and sentimentality of the book. I'd really consider this a "half-n'-half" book. Half was good, and half was not. If anyone is looking into this book for a first look into Ginsberg, I strongly advise you read his earlier stuff first.

Ginsberg happens to be the father of the beat generation, a generation that many dismiss. Ginsberg comes to understand death in the pages of political tongue lashing's and calling them out like a showdown at the "OK". Buy this book and understand a dying man's dream of innocent fame.
.....

I recommend this title to anyone who enjoys good poetry. There is something extremely "real" about Ginsberg, always has been, and he shows that realness in these last few poems before he died. "Things I Will Not Do," which was the last poem he wrote before dying, brings a tear to my eye almost every time I think about it. We could all hope to approach our ends with the kind of dignity that Ginsberg seems to have.

After receiving a few mean-spirited e-mails about my review of this book, I feel I must clarify a few issues.

Again, I've gone through nearly 30 books about 9/11. After you get past the austere black cover, this paperback falls with a thud.

Simply put, this book tries too HARD to be profound. You see images you've seen before, such as the sequence of shots of one of the jets slamming into the south tower of the WTC. Nothing new.

Two things bug me: Layout and content.

In the layout, you get the feeling the editors are trying to SLEGEHAMMER the reader with the obvious. I hate this. For example, in some essays, certain words and phrases are laid out into single lines, as if they are poetry. Then there is the awful decision to use fonts of varying sizes to EMPHASIZE certain passages. This is a pretentious device that, I'm sorry, calls TOO MUCH ATTENTION to itself. It is completely unnecessary and smacks of a patronizing tone intended to magnify the depth and gravity of what occurred on 9/11. We all know about that dark day. We DON'T need it pushed into our faces under the umbrella of "literary art."

Meanwhile, about the Chomsky essay: It's short but it's awful. It's laid out, again, in a way that feels like "padding." His message reads like an "I told you so" lesson. Here's what he does: He points to America's "sins" of the past and then turns them around in a way that makes you want to believe that it's NOW THE UNITED STATES' TURN TO SUFFER. This is horrible. His opinions are the stuff of fiery pamphlets handed out on street corners. (BECAUSE WHO WOULD PAY FOR THIS?)

OK, what's good about this book? Well, some of the transcripts of phone calls and a handful essays from victims and witnesses are well done. Why? Because they ARE NOT pretentious. But when others try to be "inspirational," they end up stating the obvious. I can't help but feel most writers were given an outlet to "vent" their own emotions, which have more relevance to the writer than to the reader.

If you want more for less, pick up the December 2001 issue of American Heritage Magazine. There you get five-star opinions about 9/11 from individuals of world repute. It has a "permanence" this book lacks and it doesn't feel rushed together.

In sum, it's fine to read what people like Joan Rivers, Deepak Chopra, Richard Dreyfuss and others "feel" about 9/11. But is it worth PAYING for? You can't judge quality by "good intentions." This is a rush-to-market volume featuring opinions from most who have (or who will have) little if any impact on our lives. Why not opinions from Giuliani, Bush, Blair, Sharon and Arafat, even those recorded by the news media in the AFTERMATH of 9/11? Why not more views from individuals who can effect CHANGE? This book could have been GREAT.

Trust me, this is NOT the definitive book of "think pieces" about 9/11/01.

If you disagree, fine. It's your money. But my advice is to borrow before you buy. There are other books worth buying. This one isn't.

Features a collection of moving photos and thoughtful essays, which capture much of what the world saw and felt September 11, 2001. Notable contributors include Deepak Chopra, author; Gary Fabiano, photojournalist who was trapped under the rubble; Robert Kennedy, Jr., politician; Liam Neeson, actor; Shashi Tharoor, Senior UN Official and author; and more. . All proceeds from this book will go to support the International Red Cross Federation.

This book is not easy to find. I finally ordered it from Amazon.com and I was amazed by it. I read all the critiques to this book. I usually like or do not like a book. I love this book, it is very factual, accurate and explores the feeling of about 30 people that had somenting to say about 9-11. It does not matter to me who they are and what they do, what matters is that the essays touch on fears that I had and still have. I do not pretend this book to change the world but to give me feeling and images to hang on to. On each essay I can find someting I can relate to and this makes the book special, it makes it personal. Highly recommended.