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Book reviews for "Squire,_Susan" sorted by average review score:

The Slender Balance: Causes and Cures for Bulimia, Anorexia and the Weight-Gain/Weight-Loss Seesaw
Published in Paperback by Pinnacle Books (1984)
Author: Susan Squire
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This book saved my life.
It IS a tragedy that this book went out of print. I was suffering from bulimia before it was a commonly known disorder. It helped me to understand it and deal with it. I loaned it and lost it. I know so many young girls, now 20 years later, that could benefit from it.

A tragedy that Squire's book is out of print.
This nearly-lost book is a winner when it describes the weight-loss/weight-gain seesaw. As a therapist I frequently loan my single, tattered copy to clients who insist that restricting their intake to starvation levels is "the only way."

This is a "readable book." Squire doesn't try to cover every aspect about eating disorders. The only disappointment is its out-of-print status and the fact that it has not been updated since 1983


Body Electric
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Leisure Books (2002)
Author: Susan Squires
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Enjoyable but with a few issues¿.
Ok, I have to start by saying that I really enjoy Ms. Squire's writing. Dangeld, Sacrament and now Body Electric are all interesting books with unusual twists and refreshing new ideas. This book crosses many genres and should appeal readers of all of them: sci fi, tech thriller, and romance. To start, this book goes into great depth about the computer industry. I have to assume whatever Ms. Squires is writing about is viable and true because I do not have a deep understanding of computers, programming, and other related fields.

Let me move on here to the characters. I had a real problem in the beginning of the story. Vic was just so far out there that I had no sympathy with her at all. It took a long time to drag me back around to appreciate her and even then, in the end, I am still not sure that this was accomplished. Jody on the other hand was an incredible character. Every scene he was in, he stole the show. I kept reading to see his character develop and mature.

My biggest problems come about with the relationship that grows between these two characters. It kept crossing my mind that Vic looks at this relationship as a mother/child one. (At least at first). That they get romantically involved, brings up some issues I was a little uncomfortable with. I have to say, if nothing else, this book is thought provoking. I enjoyed reading it... Star Trek meets Free Jack.

a provoking book that pushes the boundaries
If this book was in techo-thriller category it would not cause as much fuss, as it is more in the Robin Cook-Michael Crichton vein than true romance. I have always held that the romance genre is a misnomer, that there is NO genre outside of publishing's mind, because romance is all genres - horror, historical, western, mysteries, suspense and comedy...name a catagory and there is a writer in the romance field doing it and doing it well. And Susan Squires is out to prove that point with a vengeance!!

Squires is a super writer, she challenges the reader, pushes buttons and makes you think. But at times, I get really really angry at her characters (LOL)!! This book is a stroke of near genius, but it is very hard to connect with Vic...the emotional tie you need to your main character is lacking. At times, not only is there no empathy, you really do not like Vic. It is that lack that causes this work to just miss mark. She is a graphic writers (some readers complain TOO graphic - if that is the case then don't read her). She pulls no punches, gives the reader no pleasant safety net. She writes with a confidence that is way beyond someone with just a third book and is a name that will be around.

I'm looking forward to this author's next release.
Victoria Barnhardt has achieved her lifelong dream of creating a truly intellegent computer program, one capable of sensation, feeling, and independent thought. She names it for Jodie Foster, but is in for a surprise when Jodie turns out not to be female, as she intended, but male. Not only that, but her program rapidly takes off, growing in capacity and capability at an incredible pace. Unfortunately, this begins to cause her problems at work, as Jodie is starting to draw unwelcome attention from her corrupt bosses.

Vic loses her job, but is not done with Jodie, nor he with her. He contacts her, asking for a body; he has even selected one. It happens to belong to John Reston, a thorn in Vic's former bosses' collective sides, and someone she has secretly desired. Through incredible means, they are able to download the majority of Jodie into the brain dead man's mind. Now on the run, the two must fight to preserve not only their newly awakened love, but their existence.

***** A combination of two groundbreaking movies, TRON and STARMAN, this novel is itself taking on new frontiers. Ms. Squires, who improves with each book, has created a frightening possible, fascinating world that gives the reader much to think upon. Vic is a dynamic, realistic heroine, with troubles and who lives the cutting edge, stressed life of a modern career woman. Jodie combines innocence with masculinity in a most charming fashion. You have never read a romance like this one, but hopefully, there are more to come. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.


Danegeld
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Love Spell (2001)
Author: Susan Squires
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Too Bleak for Romance
First the good news...

In a genre rife with Medieval, Scottish Highland and Western settings, historical romance could use a shot in the arm. Stories depicting the ever-fascinating Viking and their Saxon opponents in pre-conquest England might be the answer. Susan Squires has written a tale, DANEGELD, and she did it within the framework of accurate history and without time travel, goofy humor or Fabio (God love him) on the cover.

The author's talent for writing in a lyrical, mystical style is evident in both the prologue and epilogue. Throughout the book, certain phrases evoke strong emotional images: "The past rose up to swallow her like the dark sea of despair ..." or "It was not her at all who stood there keening, but something far more elemental, simpler and sure."

Ms. Squires does not shrink from depicting the era as socially dark, crude and barbarian. We get a vivid picture of ninth century England amid the chaos of the Viking/Saxon and Christian/pagan conflicts as well as the infighting within each culture. Kudos for Ms. Squires' attempt at a no-holes barred approach. However ...

Now the bad news ...

For all of its reality, the mood of the book is altogether grim and joyless. When Danegeld begins, our tortured heroine, Britta, has already undergone so much mental, emotional and physical pain that she seems incapable of love or begin loved. Cut off from the world, this wretched soul needs nothing less than Karn, a marauding Viking with few redeeming qualities. In the reader's mind, his journey from merciless pillager to hero will probably take all 358 pages of the book.

The two are separated for long passages, but blessedly so. The time they are together is full of distrust and anger, with Britta hissing and snapping, and Karn miserable and suicidal. We are subjected to pages and pages of introspection of their hellish lives. Their future promises no hope for tenderness, love, friendship or sexual chemistry.

Disasters mount relentlessly, wounds ooze, and people suffer without a ray of sunshine to be seen. We are subjected to gratuitous violent sexual acts and many evil bad guys. Britta's sporadic magic events border on bad science fiction. And look out for sentences that made it past the editor: "One could not kill when one's head was between one's knees."

Overall, Ms. Squires' unflinching imagination strains the limits of our suspended disbelief.

Ms. Squires, please continue to write romance about Vikings and those in their sphere. The history is rich and virtually untapped. But give us a Viking (and his or her counterpart,) with whom we can sympathize. Give us a Viking we can love.

Danegeld
Britta lives a solitary existence, haunted by events that happened five years ago. She was raped and held for three days by her attackers. Britta just wants to be alone, but she has the magical gift of healing, and the call of the wounded is undeniable.

Karn, an invading Viking, is the only man left alive in his troop, but he's wounded and dying. Britta is called in to heal Karn--just enough to keep him alive for the forthcoming torture. Britta comes face to face with her past. The men who are holding the Viking captive are the same men who raped her years ago.

Britta steals away with the tortured and unconscious Karn, taking him to her island home where he starts to heal. They slowly begin to know and trust each other. Time is against them though, and soon they are fleeing the island. They end up going their separate ways, but fate has other plans for these two. They will meet up again, because love and destiny cannot be denied.

DANEGELD is an epic tale about the force that formed England.
Readers need to be aware that there are male and female rape scenes, remembered and alluded to. I thought that the story could have held up just as well with one rape, if any. Aside from the rape issue, DANEGELD is really well written. Ms. Squires has turned out a historically rich, well-paced novel.

A new voice in historical drama
With so many of the writers in the romance field today opting for the lighter touch, a person that loves sweeping, gritty historical drama is finding it harder to discover such, strong realism. Susan Squires weaves a strong period drama about the Vikings and Danes that were in East Angelia, and since that is one of my homebases, I was thrilled to see someone writing about this period of history.

She writes with a passion unafraid to take on the dark history of that era, with detail and history so strong you will feel you lived it.

So if you like your historical with more 'meat to the bone', pay attention to this new writer in the field. You will definitely be hearing more for her (her next book Dominion comes out next month - so heads up Vampire fans...I have heard this one is a stunner!!)

WISE WRITERS and READERS Book of the Month for July 2001


Danelaw
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Leisure Books (2003)
Author: Susan Squires
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Sorry Susan-very disappointing...
I loved the first Susan Squires book-Danegeld-it was gritty, original and riveting throughout. Unfortunately, despite my high expectations for this novel, I was disappointed. I found the main characters difficult to sympathize with and the plot structure a little awkward. I used to live in the village below the white horse where Ms Squires based her novel and it truly is a mystical magical place. I found the book difficult to read and I have a degree in history, classics and archaelogy so it wasn't that it was beyond me-I hope that she gets back on track with the next one because she truly has an original and unique voice

delightful Dark Ages mystical romance
Epona knows that the times are turning darker at least to followers of the Goddess as Christianity begins to sweep away the old religion that she still practices. She also realizes that her "gift" is beginning to fade and she must quickly mate with the right man to pass on her gift to her daughter just like her mother did to her. However, Pony as she is known, fears she will evanesce just like her mom so has delayed the inevitable for a decade, but the catastrophe her mother predicted seems imminent and time has run out for Pony.

When Pony meets Saxon King Alfred she thinks this noble liege must be the one, but then she encounters Viking Valgar the Beast and wonders if he is the chosen. As Pony struggles to make up her mind by choosing one and leaving the other behind, her selection will impact England. She knows that even with her full of loving for one of the men, her choice must be what is best for her people and not necessarily her heart.

Fans of Dark Ages mystical romances will appreciate Susan Squires' latest magical tale. The key to the exhilarating plot is the lead female character that seems so believable whether she talks with the animals or struggles with her fears, doubts, and uncertainties. As the author did with the delightful DANEGELD, Ms. Squires provides a strong historical romance that adds to her growing reputation for enchanting, unique stories.

Harriet Klausner

What a masterpiece of lore!
Susan Squires is a puzzler to try and shoebox. Her first novel was a grabber. Danegeld dealt with a period in Britain's history, generally ignored (last one I can recall was Johanna Lynsay in her Medieval Trilogy and that was a long time
ago!). It was grimly realistic, provoking - possibly too grim and too provoking for more timid readers. But there was a rare, fresh voice in the work that was so rich in history often sadly neglected in today's lighter romance market. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fast paced, whimsical romances, but feel there is room - and need - for both styles. Variety is what keeps the market fresh. The trend is to get the history of out historicals for this slows the pace of the romance. I love romance, but I also love history, the pageantry, the drama, so Danegeld was something I was glad to see published. In her second, Sacrament, Squires gave us a thinking woman's vampire tale. Not dwelling on the vampire aspect of it, she provoked (I often wonder if provoke is not Squires middle name) you into looking at good and evil - not of the vampire, but of the desires of individuals, those acted upon and those repressed, and the choices those desire can drive one to make. Many bemoaned this was not a traditional (aka stereotypical) vampire tale, to which Squires quite blithely thanked you and agreed. Her third work, Body Electric, pushed the boundaries and was a brilliantly conceive bit of Michael Crichton techno thriller. Sometimes you might not like what Squires is doing in her books, but she never fails to provoke you.

All three works were of strong merit, well researched, and with interesting characters, even too a walk on the wild side...but she just missed bull's-eye.

Squires comes full circle, returning to that dark period in British History - and WOW - her fourth novel, Danelaw hits the target...in fact she blows it away. This is not a sequel to Danegeld, so do not buy it with that impression.

Danelaw stands on it on and it is Squires' best work. Rich in period lore of the British Isles and the Dane invaders during the period of Alfred, Squires delivers a powerful tale of Epona "Pony" the last of her kind, the woman who speaks to horses and lives below the great chalk horse on the Downs. She little knows she is a priestess to the Cult of Epona, the Scots Horse Goddess of War, but the fame of Epona was spread far and wide. Called 'Mare' (MAH-ray) by the Irish of Dalriada, she was the bringer of dreams good and bad. The English word nightmare is derived from her Irish name. The Goddess was even adopted by the conquering Romans whose cavalry called upon her to aid them before a charge. She was the only Celtic deity enshrined and worshipped in Rome, where they saw her as the Triple Goddess Eponae. To the Saxon Alfred, the man who would unite Britain after the Roman withdrawal, reclaim Danelaw (nearly a 1/3 of England) from the Danes, Epona was called Horsa, but whatever the name, he saw the power and potential of using Pony to achieve his destiny.

Her mother had taught Pony that she must bear a girl child to continue the line from the dawn of time, the keeper of the faith of Epona. Only, she warns Pony not to care for a man else he destroy her through her heart. Pony is a smart lass, though often naive, and sees her role a simple one...to fulfil her destiny to produce the next girl child to live under the chalk horse on the Downs, to continue the line. Though naive, she realised when Alfred appears on her doorstep that he means to use her, but in her shrewdness, she uses him. This is a fine man, a man to give her the girl child to continue the line, a man she will not care for so she will not die of a broken heart. Alfred beds her, getting his "seal" of approval from the Goddess Epona, with the intent of using that to rally the Saxons to push the Danes from Britain. When he leaves, Pony is secure her heart is safe.

Only, the Viking plunders come to Pony's door and Pony's finds there is more to fulfilling a prophecy than conceiving a child, for she is now the pawn of Valgar, the Dane leader. She expects horrid barbarians who would take her prison and try to steal her herd of magickal horses. Instead, she finds a man of wisdom, of fire, of strength. He is fair to the Saxons he conquerors, he is a man who would give his life to save a single man at the risk of losing a battle.

And he knows the way of the Horse.

Squires gives us a rousing Saga of one woman set on filling her destiny, caught between the clash of Saxon and Viking cultures in England and two equally determined men, each bent on making a kingdom in England. Her characters are vivid, well drawn, the research very impressive. I have dealt with history for decades, even wrote a triple essay on Epona being the mother-face of the triple goddess, linking her with Elphame and the Cailleach. Squires impressed me with her dealing with the period and the lore of Epona.

I simply could not put this book down. Squires, you did a magnificent job!!

Take a well-earned bow.

WISE Writers and Readers Book of the Month Selection 2003


Sacrament
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Love Spell (2002)
Author: Susan Squires
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Squires second novel is a must read!!
Susan Squire's second book proves she is here to stay!! Danegeld was a gritty medieval; this time her talent it turned toward a vampire tale. It is moody, dark, gothic, and captivates the reader in a story that is far from the normal vampire tale.

Her lead characters are extremely well drawn, though I really really want to just smack Corrine really HARD!!! Squires maintains the brooding darkness, the duality we find in ourselves, vampire or not, and the question of how far are we willing to go for love.

He is Julian Davinoff, the dark lord always in black, and he has come to claim Sarah's beloved and ancient home. She suspects he is so determined to gain possession of the family home that he has bribed to have the deed stolen so she cannot prove her claim.
From the first, despite the legal entanglement, Sarah is pulled toward this man, scare of him as much as she is fascinated by him.

Unfortunately for Sarah and Davinoff, Sarah's "friend' becomes suddenly obsessed with him as well, a friend already bordering on madness, a friend rumoured to have tastes for dark and evil for perversions, with the obsession pushing her into complete insanity. She will destroyed them both if not stopped.

Squires paints extremely complex characters, hardly stereotypical, in a moving story that will haunt you long after you put it down.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Book of the Month May 2002

Unusual and engrossing
I'm not usually a big fan of the vampire romance genre so I almost didn't pick up this book because of its lurid bodice-ripper cover and the vampire story. Glad I didn't judge this book by its cover! This is definitely not your typical romance novel. The dark tone may turn off those who like their romances sweet or fluffy. Sacrament is subdued, yet intense and a pleasure to read--Ms. Squires resists using the overblown prose so often utilized in this genre in an attempt to convey passion and depth of character. Sarah and Julien's characters unfold as the story progresses and their developing respect and love for each other is subtle and believable--although Julien's feelings are for most of the story, far from obvious. I have to agree however, that Corina's character and actions were so over-the-top that it was a bit jarring and detracted from an otherwise excellent story. A keeper! I'll definitely be looking for more of Ms. Squires' stories.

I Loved The Characters
When I first started Sacrament, I was impatient for the romance and vampire side of the story to begin. As I kept reading, I found myself getting caught up in the characters' lives and caring about them. Sarah is a very interesting heroine and the hero, Julian Davenoff,is the thing fantasies are made of. Tall, dark, brooding, and handsome, he oozes sex appeal. Sarah's friend, Corrine, had me wanting to strangle her. I couldn't figure out why Sarah stayed friends with her because she was self centered and cared nothing for anybody's feelings but her own. She proved to be quite ruthless in obtaining what she wanted.

In the beginning, it is Corrine who wants Julian, and she does everything she can to snare him. Meanwhile, Julian has produced a deed to Sarah's family home and she believes he will steal it out from under her. Her own deed has conveniently disappeared and she suspects Julian of having it stolen. As a result, their relationship starts out on shaky ground.

If you want a book with pages of graphic sex scenes and vampires attacking humans on every other page, you've got the wrong book. Instead, this book concentrates on Sarah and her relationship with Corrine and issues she has with her past. We also see how Sarah's relationship with Julian undergoes a change due to Corrine's actions. Last, but not least, we get to know Julian and come to care for him. I recommend this book very highly.


For Better, for Worse: A Candid Chronicle of Five Couples Adjusting to Parenthood
Published in Paperback by Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub (Trd Pap) (1994)
Author: Susan Squire
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Study of the effect on 5 families of pregnancy,birth &beyond
The book covers the highs and lows which come with a new member of the family. My only negative comment would be that it is perhaps too realistic. It's not that the book is depressing or negative, it is simply truthful, unlike most books relating to pregnancy & parenting which I found to have a definite rosy tint. For anyone wishing to seriously consider the full impact that a baby can have on the family unit, this book gives a great deal of insight. You may not identify with any particular couple, but you will definitely recognise many of the situations which they confront and, more often than not, see your own reactions in an entirely new light. Having said this, it is a fascinating book which delves deeply into the lives of 5 very different American families, covering a wide range of socio-economic situations and showing the full journey - from attempting to conceive, right through to the first birthday.

Helps you to see what others have gone through.
Only one of the couples in this book handled things better than my husband and I did, so that made me feel more normal. It is so difficult to juggle the love you have for this new person, all of your new responsibilities, and the relationship with your spouse. I needed to learn the day-in and day-out experiences of others and this author shares that with the reader. It is not uplifting, necessarily, but realistic. I am happy to say that we also made it through the first year and have come out stronger than I thought we would.


The Only One
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Dorchester Pub Co (01 May, 2003)
Authors: Christine Feehan, Susan Squires, and Susan Grant
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The Only One/Christine Feehan;Susan Grant; Susan Squires
In Christine Feehan's Dark Descent I was very disappointed. Being a big fan of her Dark Series I was REALLY looking forward to this. I found the story line too hurried and much more suited to traditional romance of I love you, you love me so let's get married, have children and live happily ever after. The characters were too accepting of EVERYTHING supernatural and this made the story very unbelieveable. A true disappointment in a well loved author. She is much more suited to a longer story line than a cramped short story.
Susan Grant's Star Queen was definitely a move in the right direction. I have never read her before but the story was much more believable even though it was more futuristic. I could read more of her work and find enjoyment.
Susan Squires' Sacrilege was another book on the move upward. I enjoyed this reading and found it to be very informative and filled with believeable sci-fi action and suspense. The story line was well thought out and although this is a short story, It moved you along at the right pace. There were no short endings or wondering what happens next. She also left room for a sequel and I hope she accomplishes this in a longer story line.

Not The Only One - Just 3's A Crowd !
I am a great fan of Mrs. Feehan Dark Series books. I have just finished Dark Symphony and I enjoyed it very much. I ordered this book "The Only One" book from Amazon.de and I had to wait so long for this book (I don't know why it took so long to get here). I was really excited when I finally got it last week.

But after reading 3/4 through the book, I was ready to chuck it away. Sure, the story of Dark Descent by Christine Feehan was good (though not long enough! what happened to the evil vampire?), and The Star Queen by Susan Grant was also OK - not so exciting and looked like rushed writing, it seemed.

But the vampire story by Susan Squires was really a yawn. There were many terminology/events in there that it took me a while to read and grasps the story. I realized it's even more far-fetched and unbelievable than the Carparthians series by Mrs. Feehan. After reading about evil vampires in Mrs. Feehan's books, I can't switched immediately to read about good vampires after that. Hence, it would be advisable in the future not to mix them in one book! It's really a turn-off. That's why I am giving this book a 3-stars.

My recommendation is that if you have not bought this book, I would advise you to just either read Mrs. Feehan's story in the bookstore or borrow the book from a friend. Don't waste your money.

first one i read! :)
well... i gotta say this was the first book i've read from Christine Feehan, Susan Grant and Susan Squires and iloved all of the stories. At first you might get a little lost in Susan Squires's book but they are all wonderful.
-Christine Feehan continues in her great series with Dark Descent and you get to meet more awseom new characters! i cant wait to read more of her books.
-Susan Grant is an all together different writter which has nothing to really do with Vampires or Dominat males or anyhting else like that but it does have to do with a 'new world' and i cant wait to read more of her books. This story shows that women can stand up for themselves but they have to know when its okay to let go. i cant wait to see what her next book will be about.
-Susan Squires has to do with vampires and how they should deny love. Magda had an obsession with draining all the blood from her victims and is sent to a church thing for vampires to help them deal with their desire. Then with the help of pietr who is in love with her. They team up to defeat the eldest and...buy it to see what 'suprises' they run in to sorry dont want to ruin it! :P
~~~~~i recommend this book to everyone who likes to read about vampires, carpathian males, or just want a good read....


Fundamental Neuroscience, Second Edition
Published in Hardcover by Academic Press (2002)
Authors: Larry R. Squire, Floyd E. Bloom, Susan K. McConnell, James L. Roberts, Nicholas C. Spitzer, and Michael J. Zigmond
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Too detailed
This text is not appropiate for any for introductory class to neuroscience at any level (whether grad or undergrad). The depth and detail leaves the reader confused at best. Perhaps it is suitable for an advanced gradute seeking to remedy any detail oriented holes. For all others, it is a precursor to a headache.
The smart money would go with the Kandel who clearly defines
his purpose at the outset of his classic book.
(I notice that the reviewer ,who bestowed the text 4 stars, and the author both call San Diego their home.)

A beautiful review of neuroscience.
To me as bibliophiliac and a cognitive psychologist interested in neurobiology, this is the textbook of choice and an object of desire. It is very up-to-date and well-written. Although some people have detected some lack of coherence in this work, I find it refreshing that the sections recognizably come from different research teams with somewhat different points of emphasis, but without anyone pushing his own scientific interests on the expense of those of the readers. This also guarantees that it is not only an accumulation of facts but has also interesting theoretical discussions by leading researchers. It is optimal for readers having at least some laypeople knowledge about biology, medicine, or neuroscience, and just want to know more (possibly everything), or who require a thorough and citable review of a certain topic. Readers completely new to the field may find it difficult to pick out the information suited for a beginner level - a less voluminous book would be more helpful for them. I would rather not recommend it for undergraduates courses. I would also prefer a somewhat stronger emphasis on cognitive neuroscience - after all, a few hundred pages more would do no harm...!

Truly Fundamental!
I was rather lucky to take my chances and go-for-a-buy for this title instead of the much more cited "Kandel-Fourth Edition"... The book is really awesome, well-written and edited, with many good first-time-seen illustrations. It spans the whole field of contemporary Neuroscience (from biochemical to cognitive and clinical) with extreme efficacy and reference. The authors did a great job integrating the contents of each section with clarifying examples and extensive references, making it ideal even for new-comers. As a medical student with research interests in this vast field, I was very pleased with my decision to buy this textbook.


Inside Arthur Andersen: Shifting Values, Unexpected Consequences
Published in Hardcover by Financial Times Prentice Hall (02 June, 2003)
Authors: Susan E. Squires, Cynthia Smith, Lorna McDougall, and William R. Yeack
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Huge Disappointment
I was very disappointed with this book. I had thought we would get some insight into the failure and reasons for the failure of Andersen. This would have included why was David Duncan left in charge of the Enron audit after the restatement occurred, how could the shredding incident have occurred [did not Andersen know how to address potential litigation], where was the head of Andersen's risk practice, what did the practice do, how was the Houston office run if in fact Andersen's offices had considerable latitude to run engagements. None of this was covered.

What we get is chapter upon chapter of history with references to the Chicago Tribune, the Wall Street Journal and the First 60 Years of Arthur Andersen. Oh yeah, we also get comments from some manager in Asia about how he was surprised about the downfall of his firm.

No interviews with key members of the Enron engagement team or the Houston office. No insight on why the firm failed. The book tries to lead us to think that the creation of Andersen Consulting [Accenture] led to the firm's demise. Hardly, did not the other Big 5 all have consulting practices, and none of these firms has failed. What made Andersen different then the other Big 5? David Duncan did not bring in Enron as a client. Who did? Who were the members of the engagement team? How did Duncan, a relatively junior partner, get to be the lead partner on the engagement? Who was really running the show? [The book makes it sound like Duncan reported to a practice director, which was hardly the case. In fact, this practice director was not even part of the Houston office.]

Still considerable room for someone to step in and do some investigative journalism, and some real work to find out what caused the demise of Andersen stemming from the Houston Enron incident.

Major Disappointment
The majority of this book was a mere recast of the history of Andersen and a chronology of events. Comments by a few Andersen folks, most of whom go unnamed. [Who really cares what some manager in Asia thinks about the downfall of Andersen?]. Was keeping up with Accenture [Andersen Consulting] really the cause. AC was gone 3 years earlier. Footnote after footnote of references to the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune and Andersen's History Book.

As a past partner in the Houston office of Andersen [not involved in Enron], I can say that the book clearly misses the mark. To really know what was happening one should explore the culture of the Andersen Houston office, the key players and those who have not been highlighted in the press, the review process, the reason that management did not step in when there was an obvious problem [Enron restatement]. How could the shredding occur? Why did Andersen send down some flunky attorney to Houston[who was only with the firm 2 years and was not even a partner], rather then send the partner in charge of legal. Where were the procedures to replace/remove a partner when litigation was threatened? How could Dave Duncun be left in control? Isn't there a conflict here when Dave continues to run the engagement when litigation is threatened [and possibly against him] and he remains in charge? Where was the head of risk, and what was he doing? Was Dave Duncan really in charge of the audit, or was that just what the assignments showed? How did Dave Duncan, only a partner for about 5 years, get in charge of the Enron audit? certainly he did not sell the work.

There is so much missing, and the conclusions are, for the most part, unsupportable leaps.

Inside Arthur Andersen
Loved it! By taking the view of culture the authors hit at the marrow of the Arthur Andersen debacle. Arthur Andersen created a phenomenal franchise in a sector that demands integrity as a precept. The cultural erosion of that precept inside our public accounting sector is a particularly chilling realization for an average 401k investor.


A Brief History of Marriage
Published in Hardcover by Random House (1902)
Author: Susan Squire
Amazon base price: $27.00
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