G.K. Chesterton said that "a...rational army would run away" and this book shows, better than any other that I have read, why it should and why, so often, it doesn't. In a field that includes Keegan's 'Face Of Battle' this is high praise.

Focusing on the experiences of the ordinary Western Allied soldier during the Second World War Ellis discusses the circumstances affecting the lives of the front line soldier from recruitment through training and combat to his eventual fate.

Ellis examines the detail of what was actually happening to the individual Tommy or GI, using many first hand accounts and an appropriate admixture of statistics, without ever becoming heavy going or gratuitously gory. Where there are blood and tears they are there because that is how it was. This approach enables a number of popular myths about the war to be examined in a clearer light. His comparison of the experiences of members of the rifle companies of an infantry battalion during the Second World War with his predecessor of 1914-18 is especially illuminating as is his analysis of what actually keeps soldiers fighting.

I found the book impossible to stop reading and was left with a feeling of great sadness, profound respect for individuals who kept going in circumstances that I personally would find overwhelming and a greater understanding of the mechanics of war that tend to sink below the magnification of many conventional military histories. If you have any interest in the subject matter at all, or possibly in the reaction of ordinary people to extraordinary circumstances, you should read 'The Sharp End'.

Charlotte Walker, a professor of English at the State University of New York at Oneonta, has assembled the first anthology of critical essays on the naturalist, literary critic, poet, and philosopher John Burroughs (1837-1921). This is an extraordinary collection. Walker includes a wide array of voices, many of them (including my own) from outside academia. All have important things to say about Burroughs, who once towered above the American literary landscape but whose reputation has been eroded by time. A renewal of interest in the work of the Catskill-born Burroughs is underway, and this book is both a product of that movement and a light to lead the way. As the author of a concise biography and appreciation of John Burroughs ("The World of John Burroughs," published by Sierra Club Books), I congratulate Walker on a job brilliantly done.

Being the First Daughter of US President Elliot James Cooper carries enough responsibilities for any person to cope with, but Eve Cooper also shares First Lady chores with her aunt since her mom is dead. Thus Eve journeys to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where her dad will provide a congratulatory speech to the graduates at the commencement ceremony. Part of her itinerary is to fly in an Academy glider, so Eve hides her fears and accomplishes the task.

However, not long afterward, a glider smashes into the nearby mountains, killing one person and seriously injuring an another. Feeling paranoid, Eve wonders whether someone meant to assassinate her, but blew the assignment. Soon her theory proves correct as someone tries to kill the First Daughter. However, Eve refuses to remain in SHARP FOCUS as a lame duck target by attempting to uncover the identity of the executioner although that leaves her doubly exposed.

The key to the second First Daughter mystery (see DOUBLE EXPOSURE) is the insight into a First Family provided by co-author Susan Ford, a former White House resident. The tale is an amateur sleuth cozy rather than a deep political thriller, but Eve is a delightful protagonist especially when she performs required tasks in which she must hide her apprehension or disdain from the ever-present media. Fans who enjoy a cozy with an intriguing lead protagonist will want to read the latest collaboration between Ms. Ford and Laura Hayden.

Harriet Klausner

I read this book hoping that it would give me a glimpse into the workings and way of life of Anglian fen country in Britain.

From the onset one is transported into the world of Fan and William Burbage and the close-knit community of Old Swithinford. A delightful mix of passions, scandals, friendship and village gossip envelops the people of East Anglia. A final surprise awaits both the community and the reader alike with the arrival of a newcomer. A sequel to a Nest of Magpies this book is a true gem...transporting one into a world now almost forgotten to us in the 21st centuary.

this book is excellent for special needs children. they can actually sit through an entire book, which can be quite an accomplishment. in addition, the ending of the book says OUCH! that's something all children know the meaning of!

this book is a part of the rookie reader series. all the books within this series are excellent for special needs children.

I realy liked the book as for the first time I have the chance to have a book with more illustrations and pictures and less words . The approach is very practical and there is also a chapter dealing with the equipment for surgery and great chapter for the post op and follow up. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Eyal Nachmias DVM BSC Pet Clinic ISRAEL

Mona G. Hodgson creates Desert Critter adventures which reach out to children and hold their interest. In this adventure Rosie the skunk is crushed when her friends run away from her because of her smell. Then later she saves the day". Like real children, these kids say hurtful things but then make-up with Rosie. While the critters plan a new club house, Mona tells us little bits of true science about these desert critters. After the end of the story parents and children can use her discussion questions, figure out the secret message and find God's message. This is a wonderful adventure for children ages 4-7.

My son just loves this book. He reads it over and over and over. Good for 1st time readers.Excellent drawings and enjoyable story. Children who live in snowy regions will have experienced some of the happenings in the story or wish they could if no snow is around.

Invaluable source book for anyone who wants to know the basic biographic and bibliographic information on 20th century architects from Aalto to Zevi. You can see what they looked like as there are portraits throughout!

This is the second Sugar and Spice anthology from Black Lace. This one has more and meaner power games, more and harsher S&M, and a bit farther out sexual situations, although it has it's amusing moments (a smallish couple subduing a Viking giant and taking him for their lover). If your tastes are for mild erotica, you might want to scan before you buy.