Robert Fisk's "Pity The Nation" is the most comprehensive, unbiased book ever written about the Lebanon's tragic civil war. Whereas most authors about this subject have written these books relying on newpaper clippings and rumours, and based on a very biased perspective, Fisk gets down and dirty from the beginning to the end. He has spent almost the entire period from 1975 until the war's conclusion in Lebanon, traveling from Beirut to Sidon to the Bekaa valley to the ignored villages of the south which were under occupation to Damascus, living out the war with the various militia's and the civilians, who took the brunt of the fighting. His detailed description of the rise and quick fall of the Phalangists and their leader, Bashir Gamayel America's ignorance towards what would bring peace to Lebanon, the links between the Shias' inspirational resurrection and Khomenei's revolution, Israel's bruatality, Syria's involvment and the misery of the Palestinian refugees is unparalleled in its depth and coverage. Fisk, through facing the realities of the situation, has a real understanding of the situation. The way he goes about describing the dire situation of the Lebanese and the Palestinians as well as the uncertainties he and his collegues feel about their safety in Lebanon, and the eventual kidnapping of Terry Anderson, makes this book read somewhat like a novel. Even if you know nothing about the Middle East, pick up this book.

Quite simply put, the best book on "modern" Lebanese history and events you will ever read. Told from first person accounts of his experiences living and reporting from Beirut from 1975 onwards, this book contains many personal details, interesting anecdotes, and an encyclopedic narrative of Lebanese politics throughout the entire period of the Lebanese civil war. If you want to learn about Lebanon, you need only read this book and Kemal Salibi's "House of Many Mansions" to obtain a fairly good grasp.

Dear Mr. Fisk I'm a Lebanese citizen, my name is Sami, I live in Beirut near Ein El Mraissy where you used to live while you were in Lebanon.Yesterday, I just finished reading your amazing book (Pity The Nation), I read it in the Arabic version. I was born in 1975, and I was a child when the Lebanese war began, I only remember from it is the Israeli occupied of Beirut in 1982, and I remember that because the Israeli soldiers try to take my brother away (My brother died later in February 6, 1984, while he's coming back from his work, he was only 19). and I also remember the street battles between Amal and Hizb Allah in 1986 or 1987, and finally the war between the Syrians and Michael Aoun in 1989. Allow me to tell you how I liked you. I liked your style of writing, I liked your insistence to still in Lebanon with all the dangerous there, and with all the hard attempts to kidnapped you from some peopel you know them very well. Believe me, I wished to be more older than I'm now just to watch all the important events that you mentioned in the book. I didn't even imagine that all these things really happened in Lebanon, my father only say to me that there was a war in Lebanon, but with no details. Maybe because of what he saw of all the sad things in his life and the death of my brother. If you still contact Mr. Terry Anderson please send him my regards, and please tell him not to change his mind about the Lebanese people. And also if you still contact G. C. your Bolivian friend and Shahrazad Faramarzi from Iran too. Have you visited Lebanon recently?There are some changes here, but still the same things in South Lebanon as you know. Sami Traboulsi Technical Engineer Beirut, Lebanon December 3, 1999

although "tough times never last..." is still my all time favorite book, this may be just as good as that one. Dr. Schuller has always been there for me, and this book shows he makes us stand up! look around, and say "GOD LOVES ME, AND WITH HIS HELP, ANYTHING IS POSSABLE!", A MUST READ!!!!!

Dr Schuller has written a wonderful book about turning life's most negative experiences into something positive. This book has touched my heart and helped me in so many ways.

Dr. Robert Schuller guides us once again to learn to live in the positive. It is a caring and well written book with stories that each and everyone of us can feel. We do know life has moments of pain and with this book we can come to understand how to turn the hurts into halos and scars into stars!!!!

As far as I know, this is the only book specifically about the rare and mysterious pervasive developmental disorder known as Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (or Heller's Syndrome), in which children lose previously acquired skills and develop the symptoms of autism after several years of apparently normal development.

With an introduction by autism expert Fred Volkmar, the book presents the stories of eight families of children with CDD, including the editor's own son Thomas, and Jordan Schulze (the subject of his father Craig's book "When Snow Turns to Rain"), as they struggle to cope with and find an explanation for their children's devastating regression.

Hopefully, this book will increase awareness of the under-diagnosed condition and let other families know that they are not alone.

This book was fantastic. I stayed up all night to finish it, because I got so involved. I am giving this a 5-star review because I absolutely believe it deserves one. I think these families have been through a lot with their children that have CDD/autism. It was well-written, and interesting to read.

This book was very interesting, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to yell out to these families that it would be okay, we would get through this. Obviously, I could not do that. However, I am giving this book 5 stars, and I am saying this to all of them: Keep calm, one day someone will find a cure. That's how this world works. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about children with mental handicaps. It is one of the best I have read.

Fresh out of engineering school, Zack Zaremba quickly loses any idealistic notion of pursuing his profession as a creative activity at International Instruments. He fights gallantly against a thousand obstacles and betrayals perpetrated by bosses, bureaucrats and the system in general, as well as his own weaknesses. But through crushing disappointments and small triumphs, he learns about himself and how to live his life. Along the way you'll meet a gallery of memorable characters populating this demimonde, and laugh out loud as Grossbach deftly plays each one's foibles against the next.

Grossbach is a gifted and knowledgeable storyteller who weaves a tale rich in sensitively drawn characters, ironic twists and turns, and authentic detail. A satirical, disturbing and yet compelling glimpse into the basement below technology's ivory tower.

When I picked up this book I was a little leery of how funny the portrayal of life at a big government contractor could be. After many chuckles, and a few out-loud guffaws, I have been converted. Although I work in a technical industry, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day nonsense so pervasive today. What a refreshing reminder of how idiotic many policies and procedures can appear to someone new and fresh out of school. As I was reading the book, I felt I knew the characters at International Instruments, having worked with real people very much like those portrayed by Mr. Grossbach. I could also relate to many of the bureaucratic practices described so humorously in A Shortage of Engineers. Mr. Grossbach's sometimes dry, sometimes not-so-dry sense of humor was captivating and held me to the last page. This is one of those (rare) books that made me feel sad when the book ended. I will miss my glimpses into Zack's life and regret having no more opportunities to celebrate the ironies of the workplace with him. I am thankful to have some of my Holiday shopping decided, because several of my relatives will be getting a copy of A Shortage of Engineers in their stockings. But please, don't spoil their surprise!

It didn't take long for me to read this novel. I was surprised because the idea of reading a story about engineers didn't really strike me as "interesting." However, when I found out that Robert Altman was doing his next film based on this novel ("Voltage", which at the moment is on hiatus), I decided to check it out. Boy am I glad I did! It's hilarious! I mean, I laughed my butt off on practically every page of the book! Robert Grossbach is VERY good with dialogue, sarcasm, dry humor, and so on. Very much embraces the way the engineer thinks (I know many guys like the ones described here). Actually, if one were to compare the humor to that of the film, "Office Space," I'd say it's very close, if not, even more laughable.

I love the way this novel exposes the total absurdity caused by workplace bureaucracy, politics, etc. All of the characters are so fascinating and real. Similar to Catch-22 in the sense that none of the policies make any sense, none of workers really care to follow the management's rules, so much complacency and such a rude awakening for a young man entering the workforce three weeks after graduating from college. It's enough to embitter someone for a lifetime.

Some examples that set off "out-loud laughter" are Zack's Urinary Styles and Strategies, Shopper Jim's rules of the workplace, aside from all the other incredible idiosyncrasies that all the characters possess. I especially snicker at the way the author describes dressing style of one of the female characters, Lilah. Florescent-colored dresses? My God! For a story set in the late 80s, it's perfect! Still these facets are just a tip of the iceberg.

A few issues that made me wonder was 1) Is it true that most guys are as horny and so quick to fantasize and physically react to beautiful women as the main character in this book, Zack Zaremba? I had to consult my husband on this one and he said "Not really," although I now wonder if HE was telling the truth...and 2) Other than the constant horniness, Zack seemed to be rather mature for a 22-23 year-old male. But hey, maybe I just didn't know any mature 22-year-old males in my lifetime!

The preceding issues aside, this novel is still very entertaining and disillusioning all at the same time, but never depressing. Very much like the character of Shopper Jim, it's written in a manner that's not meant to be taken too seriously, you could cry at the total absurdity of the engineer's world, or you could just laugh...and laugh...and laugh!

The book would be a welcome addition to any cookbook library, but we don't think you will be content looking at this book on a shelf. Our guess is the purchaser will find the book being used over and over. There is a wonderful variety of recipes from which to choose, whether preparing a meal for family or friends from the neighboring ranches or, shoot, if you happen to live in a city then this type of cooking is sure to please. Over the years we have been fortunate to enjoy many pounds of prime rib cooked the Perini way with the flavor of the beef drawn out with his Texas Herb Rub found on page 85, cooked over mesquite coals and served with some of the delicous recipes that can be found in the side dishes section, followed by Tom's bread pudding with whiskey sauce found on page 173, leaves me hoping others will be so fortunate. In additon to recipes, the book is filled with ranch photographs taken by a well-known rancher/photographer and the food photography is stunning. Also the information about historic ranches, ranch cooking and the old photographs will be fascinating to anyone with an interest in real Texas food told by a man who is now sharing great food ideas with you.

Since we frequent Perini's Steakhouse, we know Tom's award-winning cuisine first-hand! His cookbook is a "no-holds barred" approach... giving ALL of his famous recipes from his unbeatable steak rub to green chile hominy to his signature bread pudding with whiskey sauce!

In addition to fabulous recipes, the book also showcases wonderful photography depecting life in West Texas. Sidelines feature insights into several famous Texas ranches.

Your cookbook collection shouldn't be without this book! It is one you will be sure to use often!

Texas Cowboy Cooking by Tom Perini arrived yesterday. It is a cookbook that makes you want to jump up and make the recipes as you are turning the pages of the book. We have already tried the Cowboy Bloody Mary, Lisa's Favorite Caesar Salad, the seasoned olive oil for the Sourdough Bread Chips to use as croutons for the salad and are in the process of making the Sourdough Starter for the Sourdough Bread. It's the best Caesar Dressing that we've tried and the croutons are very good.

The historical information is good and has added color to this cookbook. It is not Texas boastful--simply well done. We plan on giving it as Christmas gifts to family members who have visited us here in Abilene, Texas.

Please, I implore the publishers of these books to label them more clearly. "The Last Honest Woman" is book one of a 4-part series about the show-business O'Hurleys; unfortunately, not knowing that, I already read the other 3 parts. That said, it was fun to go back and revisit where this story began, and to see how and why Abby, the "middle" triplet, did not follow in the family business of entertaining others for a living.

Dylan Crosby, the writer who comes to chronicle the life of Abby's late husband, is almost too good to be true -- he likes her kids, cooks, pitches in around the house ... and of course falls in love with Abby. This is a very light read but a sweet tale.

I am an avid fan of Nora Roberts. This book is another entertainer in her inimitable style. The book chronicles the story of Abigail O'Hurley, the second of the irrepressible O'Hurley triplets. Abigail leads a secluded life after the death of her famous race-car-driver husband. Author Dylan Crossby comes to research the famous husband, and stays behind, caught in the love of Abby and her two engaging sons. Nora Roberts has captured the sensitivity of a woman torn by her loyalty to her dead husband's memory and her love for another man. The secrets she finally reveals are worth the wait ! Read it, you'll love this entertainer.

I've read this book many times over, and I've also collected the other three books in the series (Dance to the Piper, Skin Deep, and Without a Trace). Without a doubt I believe that Nora Roberts is one of the most talented romance writers out there. She consistently comes out with interesting, emotional books that are humorous and touching. Although her trilogies (or in this case, a quadralogy?) are sorta formulaic (calm sister, recently divorced; the beautiful, ambitious sister; and the happy medium) they are still great reads, and The Last Honest Woman (part of the O'Hurley's series) is wonderful also. The book is classic Roberts, with witty dialogue, a realistic heroine and a hunky, sensitive hero (if only in real life...). The kids are adorable and add to the charm of the story. Well written and a good intro to the rest of the series.

For any African-American writer, published or unpublished, self-published or mainstream published, this book is priceless. It is a powerhouse of information that any writer can benefit from. From tips on writing and submitting book proposals, query letters, and manuscripts to advice on locating and obtaining an agent to interviews with some of the top people in the business, you can walk away with a ton of knowledge that will help you push your writing career forward.

The AA Writers Handbook can save you dozens of hours of research because everything you need to know is comprised in this one gem of a book. While there are a ton of writing handbooks, it is a breath of fresh air to see one completely dedicated to the plight of AA authors. This book should definitely be included on the reference shelf of any writer serious about their craft.

Aspiring African-American writers will find this book an invaluable resource in breaking into the world of publishing. Written with a no nonsense approach, Robert Fleming gives the reader fundamental information concerning the publishing business that every writer should know. He insists that you do your research and homework about the publishing field and your market before an article or perspective novel is sent out. You must know the rules of the game before you can play.

Yes, the book is for serious writers who want to get published. Follow his guidelines and you will make it happen. Included in the text are profiles regarding African-American writers in the past who made a comfortable living in their field. You receive from them their thoughts regarding the industry and just being a writer. Fleming also tells you what fields and genres Blacks have written in which they have been promoted by the mainstream publishing houses. All fictional genres and poetry are open wide for Black talent.

This book is highly informative, entertaining and realistic in presenting to the reader the obstacles that they must overcome in order to become published. Its mood is very optimistic and there isn't any doubt that you can get in print if you do your homework, work hard, have a hard skin and keep on perservering. The only fault that I find with the book is its failure to deal with non-fiction opportunities and the absence of Black writers in the horror and action fiction genres. Other than those absent fields I would say this book is great. It is a must to have as a resource in your library.

The African American Writer's Handbook is an excellent writer's source, even for me and I am not an aspiring writer. I cannot believe how much information there is in this small book for writer's and reader's as well. Mr. Fleming shares his vast knowledge with the reader. His excellent Writer's Resource section alone is worth more than the cost of the book. Mr. Fleming has removed weeks maybe months of research legwork and has put everything one needs to know to get started in the world of writing in less than 400 pages.This book is a very necessary tool for all would be authors. It also gave me a diffferent view of and a brand new respect for my favorite authors for their hard work and dedication to their craft.Why would anyone not interested in writing buy this book? Because it gives you insight into the whole genre of writing. Because you get a chance to read interviews with editors and author profiles. You also get URL's to websites, a list of AA booksellers with addressses, telephone and fax numbers and much more.I so recommend this book.Vannie

I had had this book for about 2 years before even thinking of picking it up and when I did I read it in under half a day. It kept a constant grip on my imagination (mind you I am very interested in all sorts of aircraft) A GREAT READ!

this was one of his best books. when Chas Mcgill and his friends find a German Machine gun along with 200 rounds of live bullets. they wanted their chance of revenge on the Germans,after all it was the second world war. They build a tripod for it and they capture a german pilot but grow very fond of him and let him go back to germany. he doesn't want to. if I say any more I'll spoil it for you. All i need to say is that it is my favourite book

I read this book a long time ago, as part of my schooling. Even at that age, I did not want to put this book down. This is a good one to pass on to young'uns, and alot of adults too. A must for the bookshelf me thinks.

This is the first Robert Inman book I have read. I heard Mr. Inman on NPR doing a book review with Rebecca Bain, mediator of a program called Fine Print.
I enjoyed his program, so I wanted to get a copy of his book.
How delightful is this book! This is not only a "good southern book", but it is meaningful to all who read it. It reminds us once again, it is our relationships to others (wifes, sons, relatives), that truly brings us happiness.
Each of us has a little "Will Baggett in us". Have we not all built our image carefully, so that others see us one way and our family really knows the true person?
Will Baggett is a survivor. After 9/11, we all need positive affirmations that no matter what happens we are the master of our own fate making mistakes, but also making corrections (along with a good dose of God's mercy).

Read IT..I plan on getting other books by this author, right away.

Will Baggett, the main character, is Raleigh, NC's favorite TV weatherman. But Captain Saturday is not about weather, and it's not about TV (even though you will find insights about TV news that could only be given by someone who's been on the inside). The book is about "being real", knowing one's self, and investing oneself in what is important.

By any popular notion of what it means to be a success, Will Baggett is a great success. And Will is a good person: hardworking, loyal, honest, courteous, polite, devoted to community service. But in reality, he has lost his way and doesn't even know it. Someone once said, "Integrity is making the inside match the outside." That is Will's problem.

Captain Saturday is intense at times, funny and full of surprises. It cost me several hours of sleep since I couldn't put it down. You'll relate to Will's plight and find yourself wanting to join his quest for integrity. Absolutely loved it, except that (as a Southerner would say after a good sermon) "Bob Inman dun quit preachin' an' went to meddlin'". The book hits home.

In the hands of many modern novelists (of the John cheever ilk) this novel of a middle-aged man losing his job, wife and self-respect would be a dreary depiction of life in the "soulness" of their America. But not here.

Will Baggett, formerly lead weatherman at Raleigh's channel 7 is a man who seeks out validation and human connection in malls rather than at home, Baggett is fired when a conglomerate buys out the family-run station and decides to cut costs by hiring a younger, cheaper weather personality. Within short order Will injures himself, his wife gives him the boot, he learns that his soon is failing med school and he goes to jail for possession of marijuana.

Rather than dwelling on the failure of the protagonist, Inman goes back in time to sketch Will's goofily eccentric family and in the process lets the reader figure out the man Will has become. Upon his release from jail, Will begins to remake himself and finally finds out the person he could have been.

Peopled with wonderfully quirky Southern characters and imbued with a generous loving spirit, CAPTAIN SATURDAY is an affirmation of love, family, honor and generosity. A delghtful subplot is the romance between his cousin Wingfoot and a former basketball player now country singer. Read this book for an uplifting, yet honest, portrayal of a good man.