Tunnel in the Sky is the most Naturalistic of Heinlein's juveniles, teaching some harsh lessons about death and survival. The novel is the coming-of-age story of Rod, a student who is about to take the final exam for "Outworlds Survival", a class he must pass to achieve his dream of becoming a planetary explorer. Rod is one of Heinlein's most likable characters: smart, compassionate, willing to listen, a natural leader, but still human enough to have his faults, and inexperienced enough to make plenty of mistakes. Watching these mistakes and the price he pays for them should be an exciting adventure for readers of all ages. Admittedly, the plot is not very original, although something about castaways in a hostile environment always captures the imagination. Rod's first night alone in the wilderness is especially well depicted. The book isn't really that big on action, or even on science; but Heinlein provides plenty of conflict, particularly once the students join

forces and sociological issues come to the fore. Heinlein has often been criticized for his view of women, but this book goes a long way towards refuting such charges. First, the students are both male and female, and the girls are granted absolutely no preference. Heinlein wants us to see that the laws of survival treat men and women as equals; it is only human society that invents the differences. Second, the female characters are frequently shown to be both more capable and more practical than their male classmates. Caroline is as skilled a hunter as any two boys together, and later proves herself an able administrator. Jacqueline manages to preserve the basic comforts of civilization while Rod has regressed to savagery. And Rod's own sister is a professional warrior, veteran of countless campaigns, and leader of her own platoon. The fact that these women appear as interested in getting married as in furthering their careers seems a byproduct of Heinlein's conservatism, rather than misogyny. And conservative Heinlein certainly is, at least at this point in his career. As the survival group becomes larger and more civilized, it becomes more comfortable, more divided, and less vigilant in its own defense. Once Grant takes control of the group, political expediency makes pleasing his constituents (ie., the newlyweds) more important than practical considerations required for their safety (ie., the wall). Heinlein clearly feels that eternal vigilance is the price of survival. The novel's conclusion is fairly weak, especially the coincidence relating to Rod's parents. Perhaps Heinlein is trying to show that he understands how young people can grow and mature without their parents noticing. His advice to them is to hang in there - it's worth it. This book is a good, fast read, and I enjoyed very much despite its flaws. I would recommend it very highly for younger fans of science fiction. For readers who prefer hard science, or who want complex characterization, or who have higher literary expectations, this book may be less enjoyable.

24 years ago my grandad gave me this book. It was my first Heinlein. I can't remember how many times I've read it but I'm on my third copy. It's a simple tale of survival. Like Starship Troopers, family and friends play an important role and the way the characters develop is inspiring.

I've read and re-read all of Mr Heinlein's published works, he is so easy to read. I hope this classic tale does not fall under some action movie director's axe like Troopers. The story is perfect as it is and does not need to be re-told.

Tunnel in the Sky shows both the best and the worst in human nature. The worst, because some people are murderers and thieves at heart and will act on their impulses if they can get away with it. The best, because it shows what people can accomplish if pressed to survive. This quick read is one of the all-time classics and simply can't be overlooked.

The book is a page-turner from the very beginning, starting with the exciting possibility of simply stepping through a door to another world, and then bringing the reader face to face with the consequences of that act: Survival in a harsh wilderness. The ingenuity and the personal dynamics of the characters drive the story forward, with the constant question of what will happen next to improve the quality of life for their small pocket of civilization--or what will threaten it.

Like most Heinlein, a few things appear out of place at times but they add to the charm of the story. The mainstream news media, for example, seem a little sensationalistic and goofy even by today's standards. But as a Heinlein fan I wouldn't have it any other way.

This is a nice book, though a bit tough for the unknowledgable person. This is supposed to be a general biology book, used by people without any prior knowledge of biology too, but I somehow don't know if they'll find it too easy. But other than that one drawback, i think that the rest of us will appreciate this book for what it's worth. It's nicely written, with a lot of illustrations and explainations. There are also many references to websites and stuff, so it's additionally useful. Depending on the book bought, there are some nice extras too. My version had a nice and very useful CD-ROM, with a lot of pictures and animations, and practice tests and etc. It also came with a free one year subsciption to an online biology website that was one of the best I've ever seen. Otherwise the subscription costs a lot. The text book by itself was good too, and I really had no need to read any outside material, I found it perfectly good. Everything considered, I really liked this book.

The title I give to my critique of this book is not a joke. I'm really serious about the phenominial ability of this fine textbook to be able to explain the concepts of biology so clearly. This wonderful textbook from Neil A. Campbell is a great biology textbook that explains the concepts of basic biology clearly and throughly. I love the way it touches on various subjects such as DNA,transcription, translation etc... in preparation for the student when he gets to higher level biology classes.

If a student uses this textbook he\she will be very prepared for other classes such as biochemistry, ecology and even some organic chemistry because this book is SO good in expressing the fundementals of basic biology and relating those fundementals to other sciences and disciplines. Additionally this awesome textbook has clear, colorful and beautiful art and photographic illustrations with EXCELLENT explanations underneath them that can help the student understand biological processes and mechnisims. I'm in pharmacy school right now and I still use this book as a reference guide for some basic concepts in biology that I may have forgotten.

It is big, fat and chock-full of great information on the basic concepts of biology. Don't let the large size of this book intimidate you. It is big for a reason. It is big because Neil Campbell and his collegues care about the making sure the student is exposed to what he needs to know in order to advance into higher levels of biology, chemistry, medical and pharmacy school.

An EXCELLENT BOOK!!! This book explains the hardest concepts of fundemental biology so well that even a drunk in a bar can understand it throughly. A great book.

It's a 5th edition book. From the looks of it, I don't think these guys need to make a 6th edition book unless they need to update it with new biological discoveries.

I'm a biology student from Germany, main subject is genetics. Really, I can't understand all the discussion about the book, if you take it as it is - this book tells you about BIOLOGY!
It's NOT a detailed textbook, which - if including all the topics mentioned in Campbell - definitely would have 100.000 pages and more!! It's NOT a textbook about biochemistry, nor about genetics, nor about any other special subject!
It IS a wonderful illustrated (even in the german version), colourful, widespread and didactical brilliant written book about its topic: biology.
I bought the book and look upon it with a crying eye, because I'm not able to read it in an appropriate time, I'm quite busy with exams and the book is not useful for preparation for diploma or other university examinations.
But there's something I learned: as a student you learn so many things in detail out of more or less sterile books, so it might be possible that you lose the thread to the real beauty your subject consists of! What means detail without the whole? It feels good, it really feels good to reflect about the deep beauty and expanse of biology with this book; just take an hour or two a week, put your Stryer, Voet, Alberts, Griffiths and whatever textbook DOWN and open the Campbell. You will see, you breath again. And you'll get some power back - for studying the real detailed things. ...

A book based on Mrs Frisby and the rats of Nimh. Her son, Timothy has fallen terribly ill, with pneumonia. Mr Fitzgibbon, the farmer is due to plough the vegetable patch when the cold winter is over.Mrs Frisby goes to the great owl to seek help. He tells her to go to the powerful, intelligent Rats of Nimh, to tell them to move her house, into the lee of the stone. She finds the rats and discovers the great sophistacated community, of the rats of Nimh. They want solve her problem because of the connection between her late husband, Mr Jonathan Frisby. They tell her about how they became intelligent and how they stay young.They tell her about the great plan, of how they want to live without stealing.Read the book to discover what happens next!

Mrs Frisby the mother of four mice realised that it was time to move becuse it was time for Mr Fitzgibbon the farmer to harvest his field. Mrs Frisby had many worries beacause Timothy her son had pneumonia and if he went outdoors he had a chance of dieing. She goes to the wise old owl to get advice which can save her sons life. The only way was to go to the rats and ask for Nicodemus and tell him that the owl said that they must move her house to the lee of the big stone. Mrs Frisby had to put sleeping powder into Dragon the cats bowl. She was caught but after a few hours one of the rats named Justin came to her aid. She had to tell Nicodemus about the important conversation which she had heard. The rats moved her house succesfully and they went to live in a place very far away and when Mr Fitzgibbon harvested his field the plough was two feet away from Mrs Frisbys house.

This book is about a young mouse widow named Mrs Frisby and how she tries to save her son and family from the farmer, Mr Fitzgibbon and his plough. While returning from the doctor Mr Ages she saves a young crow named Jeremy who offers his help in return. He flies her to a wise old owl who tells her to go to the secretly superintelligent rats who move her house to the safety of the lee of a stone.She saves them by telling them an overheard conversation about a person coming to kill them.

Just before becoming new parents, my wife and I decided to "read up" on child care and development, and searched for the texts that would have all the answers. Two-and-a-half years into parenting, I think I can report that no such treatise exists. Nonetheless, this book is the best I've seen.

The book is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and to me, this makes it a mandatory item in the library of new parents. So many books in this topic are written by individuals whose qualifications are a bit "shakey", but as an attorney I know that such is the by product of the First Amendment and "freedom of the press".

I've found the information contained in this book to be informative, helpful, and easy to understand. The introductory chapters deal with birth and preparation for the arrival of a new baby, and so it would be appropriate to purchase or receive before the child actually "gets here". Other reviewers have indicated that they have given the book as a gift at showers, and we have since adopted this practice.

The content follows development (i.e., first months, later years, etc.) and tells you what to look for in each stage, whether emotionally, psychologically, or physically, and notes various milestones. Tips and advice are also included, such as recommendations about strollers, beds, age-apropriate toys, baby's interaction with other children, car seats, treatment of illness, when to contact physician, sleeping and feeding tips, etc. There is also an appendix of illness and conditions, which is very usefull. This is usually the first place we look when needing an answer or when a problem arises.

This is a handy reference, and I strongly recommend for at least first-time parents.

How I wish this wonderful, complete reference book had been available when my three daughters were little ones. Now all three are grown adults, and two have children of their own. This is a terrific book, and one which will be highly recommended to those encountering the wonders, and sometimes fearful experiences, of parenthood.

What is so impressive about this particular book is the way it is organized and "complete" - a one stop shop for advice. The fact the advice comes from a sound and reliable source is definitely another huge plus. There are many books available in the marketplace on child care and development but often they contain information based on personal opinion and not necessarily sound and qualified expertise. This book excells in professional and qualified opinions. The extensive content covers a w-i-d-e range of topics: nutrition; basic child care; physical, emotional and social development; first aid and common illnesses; family structures; behaviour issues, etc. The presentation style is easy to read, factual, and outlines the information in such a way that it is practical but does not instill undue fear and anxiety into the parent(s). I believe every parent goes through that stage when we tend to automatically assume the worst possible illness is going to befell our child only to discover, after a visit to our family physician, our fears were totally unfounded. It is human nature to react that way because we love our children and want to keep them safe and healthy. Whether a child has a common cold or an ear infection, we tend to lose as much sleep as the child, simply out of concern and worry. This unnerving experience is magnified if this happens to be your first child. Knowing what I know now, both as a parent and in the field of psychology, if anyone asked me for a book on a child's first formative years, this would be one of the first I would recommend, and it certainly is worth the price.

A friend gave us this book shortly before our first child was born (we have a son and a younger daughter). It fast became our security blanket as new parents. It is a comprehensive resource that always seems to be able to answer any question we have or provide some guidance for any situation that we run into. More specifically, what we like is:

- how good it is at explaining the behaviors of our son and daughter at both their infant and toddler stages - just understanding the mystery of what may be upsetting or frustrating to them helps us deal with it
- multiple doctors contributed to the book, which increases our confidence that 1) they are qualified to provide this critical information, and 2) the information and suggestions presented are reasonably accepted as mainstream
- the milestones, which allow you to clearly guage your child's progress on a physical, mental, and social level throughout his/her early development

The book is laid out in two logical sections. The first set of chapters is arranged chronologically, making it easy to reference the information relevant to your child's age. The second set of chapters focuses on illnesses, diseases, and infections, often segmented by body part or organ (nose, eyes, heart, etc.). We've found it very easy to pinpoint the information we are looking for. My wife actually reads each chronological chapter as our son approaches that age bracket and then we refer to it as necessary. The book has been particularly helpful with sleep issues (that alone is worth the price of the book - believe me!).

We became such fans of this book that we gave it to some friends of ours two months ago, as their first child was arriving. They have thanked us more than once, calling the book a lifesaver. What else do you need to know? This doesn't have to be the only book you buy or use. But it should definitely be one of them.

In this psychological thriller, Cormier takes us on a journey with two young adults seeking "Tenderness" in their own ways. For Lori Cranston, it is the search for unconditional love, security, & respect--concepts she only dreams of as her dysfunctional mother drags her from town to town and from abusive boyfriend to abusive boyfriend. For Eric Poole, the eighteen year old who serial killer who has murdered his mother and step-father under the guise that he has been abused, as well as killing 3 teenage girls for pleasure, " tenderness" becomes the obsession of control that he has over a human life just before he kills. When these two characters come together, Cormier weaves a tale of suspense with an ironic ending neither expected or even hoped for. Although neither character is very likable in the beginning, by the end of the novel, both Lori and Eric are somewhat sympathetic as Cormier subtlely reveals more and more exposition of the character's backgrounds. What is so disturbing about this book is the knowledge that in the real world, there are probably real people who are just as chilling as these two characters. In Tenderness, it's the realism that is so repugnant.

Cormier's books are representations of realism; and that usually makes him a target of censors, and or controversy. Once again, he weaves a story of struggle, and it ends up an unsuccessful struggle. I enjoy Cormier's books because they have twists and don't have happy endings...the world is filled with dragons, and we better be prepared for them. Some of these dragons give us undesirable endings.

The quotation in the summary is from Mary Shelley, and the ending reads...he only mistakes it for happiness..." Keep that in mind as you read or think about the book.

You will either hate or find you self feeling sorry for Eric, and that is what Cormier wants, he wants you to identify with the character and have strong feelings...if not the book fails. It is ironic that we find sympathy for a serial killer, but that is not the only irony in the novel.

Keep in mind that "Lori" is short for "Lorelei", a German maiden who lured sailors to shipwreck on the rocks of the Rhine River. How fitting!

Enjoy this book, and read Cormier's The Chocolate War...the novel that is a study in conformity and cruelty.

Cormier's books are representations of realism; and that usually makes him a target of censors, and or controversy. Once again, he weaves a story of struggle, and it ends up an unsuccessful struggle. I enjoy Cormier's books because they have twists and don't have happy endings...the world is filled with dragons, and we better be prepared for them. Some of these dragons give us undesirable endings.

The quotation in the summary is from Mary Shelley, and the ending reads...he only mistakes it for happiness..." Keep that in mind as you read or think about the book.

You will either hate or find you self feeling sorry for Eric, and that is what Cormier wants, he wants you to identify with the character and have strong feelings...if not the book fails. It is ironic that we find sympathy for a serial killer, but that is not the only irony in the novel.

Keep in mind that "Lori" is short for "Lorelei", a German maiden who lured sailors to shipwreck on the rocks of the Rhine River. How fitting!

Enjoy this book, and read Cormier's The Chocolate War...the novel that is a study in conformity and cruelty.

Inherit the Wind, a book written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is based on the famous Scopes Trial. In this novel, Henry Drummond is the lawyer fighting for what is right. Inherit the Wind takes place in the summer of 1925, in a small town. The majority of the book is inside the courtroom. The major conflict is between Henry Drummond and Matthew Brady who believes in God and wants the law enforced. The theme of Inherit the Wind is that just because you don't believe in something, doesn't make it wrong for someone else to. Lawrence and Lee use foreshadowing in this book. The people in the court take their jackets off because it is so hot to foreshadow that the trial is going to get heated. I found this book to be very easy to read and understand. It has a valuable lesson and I would suggest this book. "He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the wind."

I don't normally care about the books I have to read for school. In fact, in the past there have been books that I've purposely tried to forget, but when I had to read this book for a 10th grade religion class, I was surprised to find I liked it.

Inherit the Wind is a short and sweet book which not only makes a good point, but makes it quickly and clearly. This is something I can respect...after sorting out Jane Austen's mess of romantic words and snotty characters in Pride and Prejudice, it was a relief to say the least.

It takes place in small town called Hillsboro in Tennessee and revolves around a freethinking teacher named Bertram Cates who deliberately broke the law by teaching about evolution in his classroom. His trial becomes known nation-wide for both political and religious reasons. His lawyer is smart, practical but heartless Henry Drummond and the prosecutor is the likable Mathew Harrison Brady, both huge political figures. The trial erupts into a rude awakening for the ignorant residents of Hillsboro and changes the way they all think about the world.

It is one of only three or four required reading books I've managed to enjoy and this is why I recommend it completely.

This is a work of literature that deserves merit. The characters were realistic and funny. Bertram Cates is a teacher who taught Darwin's Theory instead of the creation story from the Bible. This is against the law in his small town of Hillsboro. A famous lawyer comes to defend him, but an eloquent speaker and presidential candidate is on the prosecution. It's a heated arguement between strictly religous people and those who believe in evolution. Anybody who likes to read drama and historical fiction(as it's based on the Scopes Monkey Trial) should read this book. It really makes you think.

A great space adventure tale by the master, Robert Heinlein. A small boy captured by space pirates is purchased by an old, legless beggar on a backwater planet. But as he grows, he is given more and more complex tasks by his loving "father" (who refuses to accept that he "owns" the boy). Bit by bit the boy becomes aware of the Great Game (to borrow Kipling's term) he's been playing without even knowing it. Soon, with the help of his "father's" friends, he is on his own until he is recalled to Earth to meet his long-lost family. This is great science fiction, a great tale. I read it as an early teenager and a number of times since. Highly recommended for any sci-fi, Heinlein, or good, space-adventure fans.

This book rates as one of my favorite Heinlein books to be read and re-read. In it, a child made a slave is bought by an old beggar in the slave market. However, neither the child who has so far survived a harsh childhood nor the old beggar are what they seem to be to the other dwellers in the poverty area adjoining the space port. After Pop is executed, Thorby must get to a certain stranger with a message from Pop, plus a headful of messages he doesn't know he's carrying. This dumps him into a Free Trader culture totally different from what he knows and in another language on a starship. Eventually Thorby is sent off to go with the equivalent of space cops. Who Thorby really is and the "warm" reception from relatives he never dreamed of lead up to the climax of the book. Like other Heinlein books, the Grand Master sneaks in his view of humans, moral behavior, and doing the right thing for the right reason. Makes me wish that dear Mr. Heinlein were still alive and well enough for visitors. One learns something on a gut level in all of his books.

Thorby's beginings are shrouded in mystery, lost somewhere on the long road seared into him by many masters, and many lashes. He knows only that he is about to be brought to yet another problem in a long road of problems, as he is on the slavers selling block once again. An old beggar takes notice of him, and since no one else wants to bid on the beaten and bedraggled youth, the price is [reasonable] enough that even a beggar can purchace him.
This is a change in his fourtune which will take him on a long road of knowledge and a raise in status. His new master adopts him as a son, and does his best to care for him. Thorby learns the trade of a beggar, and runs errands for 'pop' who isn't quite like other beggars.....teaching Thorby to speak and read in several languages, advanced mathmetics, basic history, and what morals can be passed on while living as a poor beggar.

Until pop's death, at which time he delivers a message to a ship in port which Baslim the Cripple has instructed him to do in case of his death. He is adopted by this ship's family, and becomes on of them...a tribe of people, proud of thier heritage and elitist freedom. But, once again he must loose all which has become dear to him and move on to another fate, to find his true heritage.

Many lessons are contained within Citizen of the Galaxy. Learning to become one with the culture you are in, what 'family' can mean, learning to fight for what is right, and finally, learning that fighting for what is right may not nessicarily be on the front lines in the battle against slavery, but can be far away, buried in legal mazes of businesses who's leaders may not be aware of what evils are burried in the depths of thier empire.

Now, in our current age of a battle against terrorism, this lesson is espically apparent. The evils which lurk across the globe can have connections to us at home, through finantial ties, and levels upon hiden levels of business fronts and drug cartels. All levels, from executive office to the streets to forign lands must have those who are vigilant against a threat.

One Of the Guys indicates that Robert Clark Young is a writer with immense potential. This story of a lifelong loser whom fate offers the opportunity to assume another's identity is ambitious and provocative. Young addresses sexual deviancy in sometimes graphic detail but avoids both exploitation of shock value and shallow moral posturing. Don't be fooled by the absurdism and satire. This is a serious book about a troubling consequence of the American presence in the Far East.

One Of the Guys is reminiscent of a cross between Hemingway and Kafka but Young's prose is singular and strikingly fresh. His language is spare but incisive, never wasting words, and he moves the plot forward with a disciplined pacing and progression that is all too rare in today's fiction. Young is an excellent writer but he never gets so carried away with his style that he compromises the story. For a first novel, this is a very impressive achievement.

Some of the previous reviews summarize the plot, so I won't go into detail, but let me just remark that I may have never read a book that so deftly explores how men, when uprooted from the familiar, can find their morals and ethics may be more a reaction to their environment than deeply rooted manifestations of individual will. Institutional mores and base instincts can challenge and indeed overcome morally based inhibitions. Conversely, some men when confronted with challenges previously alien to their existence will discover moral strength they never knew they possessed.

I highly recommend One Of The Guys and look forward to Young's next book. He has the potential to become an important 21st Century voice.

I decided to give "One of the Guys" a shot and was I ever pleased that I did. Robert Clark Young should have a promising literary future based on this first novel, which is a gritty, straightforward, compelling piece of work. I am not one usually to read an entire novel that essential takes place entirely on a naval ship, and some of the characters were a bit repellant to me. However, the story of Miles and his quest for any semblance of a true self was honest and believable throughout. The only thing that kept me from bestowing a 5-star rating on the book was my own personal disappointment with the "too tidy" ending. Other than that, the reading of this engaging novel was nothing less than a true joy.

As a woman, my initial concern that One of the Guys might be too testosterone-driven for me to relate to have turned out to be completely exaggerated. I have been reading this book and am every bit as engaged in the final chapters as I was on page one. Marvelous. Truly marvelous. I am enjoying this reading experience on SO many levels, with none of the complaints I usually have about the bulk of fiction out there today. Young writes beautifully, but not pompously. The characters he has created are fleshed out and every bit as complex and challenging as people you might meet face-to-face. Moreover, he gives his characters an actual PLOT to function within, and provides them with intriguing moral and social challenges to grapple with. Too much of fiction leaves me with this hungry, unfulfilled feeling, wondering whether the time invested in reading the thing was really worth it. This book leaves me wanting for nothing. If Robert Clark Young's unpublished novels are anything approaching this caliber, it is a crime that it took this long for one of them to be published.

Robert Cormier has writte a great novel about a boy with mystical powersand how he deals with them throughtout his life. fade is a story about oens wil to survive and how to make up for mistakes made during their life. The novel, yet conscienciousness, with which the author describes the events throughout the novel shows how great of a writer Cormier really is. This suspencefull novel leaves you with the desire o read more and more. Controversial sbjects such as murder, revenge and incest all wrapped around the possibility of becoming invisible makes the novels so enthralling. The boy must learn to control "the fade", as it is called, and make up for his faults. As he grows older he learns to control his powers he must then teach his successor how and when to use this incredible power. The probablity of becoming invisible,alone, draws your attention.

Robert Cormier is a compelling author. he never takes the easy road- each story forces the reader to face the inner self. In Fade we confront the idea of what we would do if we could become invisible. Adding the editor with her doubts, balances out the preposterousness of the idea... yet Cormier in telling the story of Paul tells the story of the dark side in each of us. I read this in two days because I wanted to know if Paul could save his successor from the terror her felt when he first learned he could vanish. I would offer this book to any teen I felt was trying to make choices and is wondering about what direction his/or her life will take. Cormier is unflinchingly realistic and knows the cruelty in the world- and his books reflect that but also bring hope.

I thought that Fade was a great story. I have read two other books by Robert Cormier, The Bumblebee Flies Anyway and Heroes, both are excellently written, just like Fade. I felt like I was Paul, that I could fade and that I had to deal with the problems that came with it. I really enjoyed hearing Susan, Paul's editor, and Susan's grandfather talk about their views on the story, and I even felt like they were real people. I was sad about how Paul's nephew dealt with the fade, but I knew deep in my heart that some people would use the fade that way. This story dealt with some issues that are hard to face and understand from the outside, but this book took me inside those issues, therefore I now understand them better. I wouldn't recommend this book to immature people, but to mature people who are ready to face real life issues.

Readers might be daunted by the title of Pelton's work on the World's Most Dangerous Places--who, after all, wants to travel to places like North Korea, Iraq, or the Balkans for the fun of it? Yet even the casual traveler or fan of travel writing will find Pelton's book an excellent, entertaining read (would-be adventurers, too, will find a wealth of information).

Told in such a matter-of-fact and often tongue-in-cheek tone, at times you will find yourself wondering how serious Pelton is, yet his experiences alone traveling the world as a journalist and a dozen other professions leaves no doubt as to the deadly seriousness of his subject matter. Even if you have no desire to jaunt off to Afghanistan until there's a AAA office and clearly-defined, Disney-esque tour paths built, you will find the backgrounds and information presented an enjoyable read.

Pelton covers a series of places rated least dangerous (like the US of A) to the most perilous (think Israel / Palestine), discussing the backgrounds of each, the current government structure, ongoing conflicts, etc.--in short, everything a prospective adventuring tourist may want to know. Sidebars often offer a bit of humor, such as the tale of an "insurance salesman" whose sales pitch consisted of hand grenades and the threat to blow up his clients. Finally, sections on everything from the professions that will take you to the dangerous places (from combat journalist to mercenary) to the necessities of dealing with armed forces, bandits, etc.

After reading the 4th edition of Dangerous Places cover to cover, I couldn't wait for the 5th. Robert Young Pelton is definately the adventurer of our time. His in your face, no BS stlye of writing/reporting is done so with some of the most biting humor I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Even if you're not a travel buff, this book is still so entertaining you'll find it impossible to put down. Pelton also delivers statistics on all manners of subjects such as transportation, most likely way to be killed, and most dangerous countries of course. The book is full of information you'd never find anywhere else, things that could only be known if you actually sat down and had a talk with the Taliban or FARC(Armed Revolutionary Forces of Columbia). Also, there's a thing or twoin this book that I'm sure Uncle Sam would rather you not know about. This amazing book is also filled with thousands of contacts to organizations, governments, political groups, companies, aid groups, etc. via address and email. This book is by far the most complete, concise, and humorous read you'll ever find about the places in the world where you would most likely not spend your two week vacation. 2-3 months after I started reading the 5th edition I was very disheartened that this 1000+ page monolith was over and all I can say is that I eagerly await the 6th edition. Read The World's Most Dangerous Places by Robert Young Pelton now!

I have read this book (in this version and it's earlier editions) several times, and I still cannot get enough. This is due to several reasons.

First, because I have found Pelton's accounts of various places I personally have been to be accurate, I trust the author. And trustworthiness is an important characteristic of a writer in Pelton's position - ie. advisor to individuals contemplating travel into some of the world's most dangerous places.

Second, I keep going back to DP because I enjoy Pelton's style. He is a no-nonsense, "tell it like it is" guy...but he never loses his sense of humor - an essential quality to have when traveling in places that are dangerous, uncomfortable, or inconvient.

Third, I find this book invaluable, not only because of the travel advice dispensed, but also because, for me, reading each new edition of DP is like getting an update in worldwide current events - but NOT from the network TV drones who report only what America wants to hear! No...Pelton tells us the TRUTH - from the inside. Not some watered down, American-propagandized version. For example, I admired Pelton a few years ago after I spent a year in Russia and central Asia: his coverage of Russia and Chechnya was excellent - and accurate. And nothing like what was reported on American TV.

It is for this last reason that I would recommend DP to anyone - not just to those considering travel to the world's war zones and crime centers. It it not just about travel - it is an annual education in world events!