5 comments about Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist's Quest To Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass LookBig, Or Why Pie is Not The Answer.

1. Both of Jen Lancaster's previous memoirs have been enjoyable and compulsive reading, but this one has a charm all its own. Perhaps its the ever appealing (if sometimes appalling) subject of growing up (and not out) that made this book endearing, or perhaps its the wit and winsome way the tale is told. Perhaps it is simply all the references to cheese! Lancaster's tale offers readers a glimpse of womanhood and its possiblities at 40, and unapologetically tells them to embrace it.



2. I could not wait until "Such a Pretty Fat" was released, so imagine my surprise when my local book store shelved it about three days before the actual release date! Jen gets funnier with each book, yet has a way of allowing her readers to relate to everything she experiences. I can't wait for the foruth book!



3. I love this woman! She is hilarious. I was nervous that she wouldn't be able to keep up the great writing, but this one is just as funny, just as real, and just as amazing as the others. I was laughing out loud on a plane, drawing much attention I'm sure. It was worth it. The only bummer is now I am back having to wait for the next book all over again. Jen, get off the myspace and get your next one written! Fletch won't be the only one breathing down your neck!!



4. Such a Pretty Fat is Jen Lancaster's third memoir. In it, Lancaster takes on weight loss--through eating right and exercising. At first, it seems like your typical weight loss memoir, except for the fact that its Jen Lancaster writing it, with her trademark good humor and see-the-forest-through-the-trees approach to her subject matter. Jen's not an expert, but she definitely knows how to entertain, which is why I keep coming back to her work time and time again.
   
   What I love about Lancaster's work is that she knows when to laugh at herself, and at others' foolishness, without going over the top. For example, there's brilliant scene in Such a Pretty Fat where she goes to Jenny Craig and then Weight Watchers, where the meeting participants discuss of the evils of food in the work place. Birthday cake is always, always mentioned, and Jen harps on that theme mercilessly.
   
   In all, I thought the authors' message was a positive one for people struggling with their weight (though I'm not one of them). The message that some weight loss programs endorse is that food is evil; but Lancaster challenges that theory outright, saying that food is not, in fact, the enemy; food is in fact good for you if you eat right. Jen's weight loss resulted as a result of wanting to feel and look good, not because of outside pressures, which I also thought was an important message.



5. It is so cool to read as Jen's life transforms from negative land to a positive I can do it girl! A must read for anyone who has been on a diet.

5 comments about The 48 Laws of Power.

1. I am an attorney in a large law firm in a large metropolitan area. I bought the book in 1999 and have returned to it often. I was very skeptical of its ideas at first. However, as my career has progressed, I have witnessed that ALL of the 'laws' contained in the book are practiced regularly by my superiors and peers. Does that mean that they are all reading and using the book? No. It just means that Greene has keenly distilled human nature as it relates to the practice of 'power.' I can't say that I've used the book in a proactive way. But I have used the book with great effect in a DEFENSIVE way. Familiarity with the laws have given me a 'third eye' with which to blunt and repel ill-actions in the workplace. That in itself is a GREAT reason to own and read and consult this book. And it is also a moral reason to do so. Power is power. It is practiced at all levels of society. It is human nature. Decry the methods, if you will--but ignore the reality of their existence at your peril. Get the book. Read it. Then use it as a shield in your climb up the ladder.
   
   Also recommended: Thick Face, Black Heart, by Chin Ning Chu



2. Just what is power? I believe that through the amoral approach demonstrated in the 48 Laws of Power, Greene has gotten much closer to this answer and at the same time, gotten around many of the issues that plague discussions of power. This does not mean that ethics is not important when handling power, but rather, that power is morally neutral and is a tool that one can utilize within their own ethical systems. Everybody from the subjectivist to the altruistic individual can make use of power as it is defined in this text.
   
   While some may become disgusted at the ammorality and the examples that often show a "low brow" use of power, this does not take away from the value of this book, and in fact probably adds to it by showing how power can be used to harm others; someone could probably even apply Law 7 (which in part refers to using the wisdom of others) in order to create examples that show positive uses of power.
   
   Overall, I would recommend this book for anybody, but especially those studying Leadership and/or Politics.



3. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to live an independent life. You will encounter the challenges Greene writes about, and this book offers useful strategies for overcoming them.
   
   I know Greene's thinking is sound because I've tested it. With no business or technical education, I managed to increase my income 400% in just a few years. With my own money and leverage, I bought a house in the most expensive city [housing-wise] in America.
   
   Maybe your ambitions are different. Whatever you want, you won't get it without planning. All along the way, you must deal with people. You must get around or through them. This book is a great help. It is a masterpiece. I can't recommend it too strongly. I've read it through twice, listened to it on CDs and dipped deeply into Greene's bibliography. Read this book, you will never regret it.



4. This book is being used by all the wrong people.this is like a bible for some gangs in prison.They are using it to get over on staff, and there own family.most people dont know what hit them untill its to late.The 48 Laws of Power



5. When I were in high scool I used too alwayse get picked on buy other kids and I new that one day I would be powerfull. People made fun of me working at McDonalds at first but then something happended. I found this AWESOME book! now i have the last laff. One kid even bumped into me the other day and asked me for some money and I said your not powerful and spit in his face. i got beat up but felt better later on that week. my mom didnt buy me a GI Joe aircraft carrier when I was yong so I slashed all her tires and disconnekted the ocygen bottle just to show her who has the power now! I even make my cowworkers look really bad at work by doing small things to make them mess up and makes me look better. Thanks to the athor of this book. Finally a book that i can understand AND it makes sense to me also! I feel like i am the powerfullest man in the world and I no that I am everyday when i put on my brown uniform and look into the mirrer and tell myself that i am better than god and that he kooldnt ever sweep the floors at mcdonals like better than I can sweep the floors!

4 comments about Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry.

1. Fifty years ago, the greatest rivalry in golf began. By forty years ago, it was all over, with the domination of Jack Nicklaus over Arnold Palmer. So for those who didn't live through it (and for those who did), Mr. O'Connor chronicles the the rise of Big Golf with these two men. Mr. Palmer with his come from behind wins and self-taught style came of age with the TV set and was golf's first superstar. Mr. Nicklaus was not the risk-taker on the golf course that Mr. Palmer was --which is why Arnie had his "Army" and Jack had all the major championships. Their rivalry continued in the business arena after their golfing days. Mr. O'Connor interviewed everyone who knew them and used every cliche to describe them. Other than that, the book is fun to read and a joy to every golfer.



2. Mr. O'Connor has done a fine job with his work on the Palmer-Nicklaus rivalry. No matter which side of the fence you may be on (Arnie's Army or Jack's Pack), there are enduring lessons to be learned here as well as a lot of inside information about two of the all time greats of the game so many of us love. If you have any memories of either of these guys in, or even close to, their primes, you can purchase this book with confidence knowing you have a wonderful read ahead of you.



3. Always an Arnie fan, reluctantly a Jack fan, Ian O'Connor has allowed me to go back to a wonderful time in my life. I cut school to watch these two men duel at Baltusrol. I remember seven kids jumping into the pond of the fourth green to recover a misplayed Palmer shot during the 67 US Open. Palmer's charisma has never been replicated, while Jack eventually earned the respect he deserved. Arnie and Jack reveals captivating insights into these two golfing warriors' lives and accomplishments. I had to send copies to my all my golfing buddies, even before Christmas



4. I grew up a member of Jack's Pack, having been born a little too late to be a soldier in Arnie's Army. It's funny how sports moments can stay with you. As I watched the Masters this year, in my mind's eye, I could see the Golden Bear prowling those greens. Ghosts of Augusta.
   
   This book tells the tale of two of Golf's titans, both their individual stories, and the story of their complicated relationship, from the first time they met, to the present day. Arnold Palmer, muscular arms bulging out of his short-sleeved shirts, cigarette hanging from his lips, going for every pin, with that wild looking swing of his. Jack Nicklaus: once Fat Jack, before he transformed himself. Picture perfect on the course, but not with the galleries, never getting the love that they showered on Palmer, the King. To say it was love/hate would be an understatement. They competed to the death in everything, but cared about each other much more than they would let on. Ironically, each wanted to be the other. Arnie wanted all those Majors, and the title of Greatest Golfer ever. Jack wanted the popularity and love that Arnie always had. But as Arnie said, "You can only be so many things in life."
   
   The book is wonderfully written. You almost feel like you were there, as the author describes so many memorable Arnie/Jack duels. There is also a fascinating look at their wives. Winnie Palmer & Barbara Nicklaus were fast friends from the moment they met, even as their husbands were trying to beat each other's brains out. When I finished this book, I remember thinking, "I really enjoyed that." I think you will,too.

2 comments about Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America.

1. I'm 49 years old, not quite old enough to have a first hand memory of the events and forces covered in this book but I still feel like I've been living in Nixonland all my life. I've read hundreds of books about the 1960's (and the early 1970's, often confused with the 60's) and this is the best. If you fell asleep in 1965 and just woke up and wanted to understand politics and culture today, I'd tell you to read Nixonland before I introduced you to "blogs" or even the 1990's. It takes time to make sense of such a defining era. It's a heck of a page turner too, no one ever said that the period between 1965 & 1973 was boring! Perlstein does a great job of weaving 1960's popular culture into the story but not in a trivializing way.
   
   Even if you are, say, 25, you live in Nixonland too. Like me you grew up with music from Nixonland, TV shows from Nixonland, a culture from Nixonland and, of course, politics shaped and defined by Nixonland. I agree with the author that we are still fighting pretty much the same battles that were first thrust upon the national stage in the form of Richard Nixon and others like RFK, Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater and George McGovern who make up the characters in this grand story, all the wierder because its all true. I honestly think, however, that the 2008 election might just mark the beginning of a new era. Some of these battles are getting old. I think we are heading out of Nixonland but we are not there yet. If you want to know where we are and how we, as a country, got here, Nixonland is the place to start.



2. Mr. Perlstein has written a book of the origins of the presidential cultural wars that blaze on today. He covers the presidential and congressional elections of 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, and 1972 as the conservative right was on the rise and liberalism started its long decline. In the center of all this was Richard Nixon, watching LBJ's landslide win of 1964 over Barry Goldwater, and calculating his own reverse landslide win of eight years later. LBJ's civil rights legislation turned the Solid South into a Republican bastion before his death and gave a racist anchor to Richard Nixon's electoral wins. The chaos of these 8 years transformed the body politic and made way for the conservativism of today.

5 comments about Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World.

1. Dr. Paul Farmer, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, believes he has one primary goal in life: to help stop the epidemic of infectious diseases in countries with extreme poverty. Mountains Beyond Mountains is written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Kidder, who gathered his information by traveling with Farmer and interviewing significant people in Farmer's life. Dr. Farmer's main priority is to treat and cure the destitute Haitians who have contracted tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. In order to achieve this goal, he establishes a health care center called Zanmi Lasante in the town Cange. Zanmi Lasante runs mostly on private donations made to Partners in Health, a charity Farmer started in Boston. One man that Partners in Health couldn't do without is big time Boston developer, Tom White. Farmer told Kidder that Tom White "had given millions over the years" (Kidder 21). Throughout the book, there is never a moment where Farmer doesn't work to the best of his ability, but he is still never content with the number of people he treats. Farmer states, "I can't sleep. There's always somebody not getting treatment. I can't stand that" (Kidder 24). This quote summarizes Farmer's philosophy and the true dedication for what he does.
   Throughout Mountains Beyond Mountains, Partners in Health expands to Peru under the leadership of Farmer's good friend and fellow doctor, Jim Kim. Kim is instrumental in lowering the prices of modern treatment for lethal infectious diseases. Towards the end of Kidder's story, Farmer is still spending a lot of his time with patients in Haiti, but decides to expand his treatment to Russia. He travels to a Russian prison plagued with AIDS, tuberculosis, and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR).
   While reading this story, one must remember that Farmer is dedicating his entire life to this purpose and gaining virtually nothing but the satisfaction of saving lives. His secretary in Partners in Health says it best: "Honey, you are the hardest working broke man I know" (Kidder 23). Tracy Kidder does an excellent job of putting together Mountains Beyond Mountains in a way that is both enjoyable and easy to read. After reading this masterpiece, Farmer's quest for justice and health care equality among all will motivate, shock, anger, and inspire the reader.



2. Pulitzer Prize winning author Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains presents a stunning portrait of Dr. Paul Farmer, a man who brings healthcare to the poverty-stricken masses. This engrossing and eminently readable account follows Farmer on his heroic journey, as he ventures from Haiti to Peru to Russia while bucking traditional methods in favor of his "one patient at a time" approach.
   Kidder weaves a fascinating commentary, replete with tightly connected stories of poverty, inspiration, progress, and the true meaning of heroism. Farmer, who forsakes a very comfortable lifestyle as an affluent Boston doctor in order to follow his conscience, dedicates his life's work to providing "a preferential option for the poor" (Kidder 81). Farmer's wit, candor, and, most of all, humanity shine in the vignettes distributed throughout the narrative. After absorbing this disquieting tome, one cannot help but wonder how pragmatism and the market economy have discarded one of Farmer's most incontrovertible truths: "We're all human beings" (Kidder 80).
   Kidder's narrative is somewhat distorted by the unabashed hero-worship contained within. But what makes this book shine is its human quality: the captivating blend of a man, his message, and his "oeuvre." I cannot imagine a more perfect book to open one's eyes and one's heart, and that is why I heartily recommend Mountains Beyond Mountains.



3. Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains is an account of the life and deeds of Dr. Paul Farmer, a brilliant Harvard graduate who works wonders for the world's poor and sick. He puts almost all of his time into his work helping the poor, and a very large portion of his money as well. He never sees his paychecks of about $125,000 a year, which are all sent to a bookkeeper at Partners in Health, his charity, who pays his bills and then deposits the remainder in the charity's treasury. Because he hardly keeps any money for himself, the bookkeeper once told him, "Honey, you are the hardest-workin' broke man I know" (Kidder 23).
   Kidder's account of Farmer's work becomes very dry at several points, especially when it is describing in detail the medical issues Farmer's patients undergo, and may be hard for some to understand without some background in medicine. This book would provide a reality check for many readers, showing how terrible the living conditions are in poor nations of the world today. For example, the house Dr. Farmer lived in while he worked in Haiti was similar to most of the other peasant housing, but "[...] exceptional in that it had a bathroom, though without hot water" (Kidder 23). Another example of Haiti's living conditions is put bluntly by another doctor who worked there, who stated, "There's no electricity here. It's just brutal here" (Kidder 80). The majority of the Haitians live in severe poverty, in conditions most Americans would cringe at, without running water or electricity.
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who are interested in the fields of charity or medicine.



4. I love everything written by Tracy Kidder. This book was chosen because he was the author listed, not because of the subject matter. In fact, Kidder doesn't disappoint and Paul Farmer, the main character in this true story is a subject I long to know more about. I am glad to not have read the Amazon reviews prior to forming my own opinion of the book. Yes, Farmer stole supplies from Yale to give to the poor. Yes, Farmer does alienate some people in his zeal to help the sick poor people. However, none of that overshadows the fact that Farmer accomplishes miracles while others sit and contemplate what to do.



5. Mountains Beyond Mountains Book Review
   
   Tracy Kidder's excellence in writing is proven yet again, as he brings to life the history of one man who changed the lives of many people around the world. Read and used by Reader's Circle, a nation-wide book club, it proves its greatness as it describes the disturbing, yet motivational work that Paul Farmer accomplished while living in countries stricken by the political wound of poverty.
   Growing up in a second-hand bus, once used as a mobile tuberculosis clinic, and later a hull ship that was repaired by his father, Paul shows the true transformation - from rags to riches - any motivated person can accomplish. Even from a young age, he became familiar with the deprived nation of Haiti, starting with his early occupation picking citrus with Haitians, as his father, referred to as the Warden, "described, briefly the epic poverty of their country" (Kidder 51). Paul excelled in class, only to later receive a "Ph.D. in anthropology from Harvard" (Kidder 7), and begin his numerous trips to Haiti, where he doctored the deprived Haitian citizens and cured many cases of tuberculosis and other dangerous diseases. His life story takes the reader through the troubling path of Farmer's double identity as a "big-shot Boston doctor [...], a professor of both medicine and medical anthropology at Harvard Medical School" (Kidder 10), and a meticulous savior to the dying people in poverty-infected regions. This true story breaks open the boundaries of one's mind, and makes the reader question their own legacy in life, motivating the reader to help in the potential change that can occur around the world.

5 comments about Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog.

1. This book is a beautiful story about a dog who becomes a huge part of a family. Marley is as spirited a dog as they come, but you grow to love him as if he were your own through his life story. I laughed and cried with the author and his family as they journey through life with their beloved dog



2. My son bought a beautiful Golden Retriever. When he was a kid we had one named Sam, a beautiful, sweet tempered, loving creature.
   
   Now my son Greg decided to duplicate that before he and his wife Dawn decided to have children.
   
   DISASTER!
   
   Their dog, Cheney (named after the vice president) was nothing like Sam. He thought he was a lap dog --- a 100 pound lap dog that loved sitting on your lap with his butt in your face. Not a pleasant experience. Cheney ate everything, including your meal, as he lunged out from under the table with a tongue like that of a giant frog.
   
   So this book brings home the fact that not all dogs of the same breed are the same way --- kind of like humans don't you think?



3. You will laugh, cry, laugh even harder, and cry maybe a little more. I loved this book, and admittedly I wanted a dog just like Marley after I read this book! It was such a great book that made you understand a dog a little better and that you should never give up on your animals. No matter what. If you are a dog lover, I know you will love this book. And even if you aren't you will still love this book! John Grogan is a wonderful author and I WILL read this book over and over again! A wonderful tribute and a nothing but honest truth about the Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog.



4. This book made me laugh out loud and cry - which is the first time a book has had that type of impact on me!
   
   I got my first dog two years ago, so I could absolutely relate to the stories in the book. It makes you realize and appreciate the bond between dogs and owners.
   
   I would recommend this book to all dog owners!



5. Having labs I could totally relate to this book. It had me laughing and crying. A great book for any dog lover.

5 comments about Don't Start the Revolution Without Me!.

1. After being Gov of Minnesota, a couple things are clear.
   Jesse is in it for Jesse....not liberty
   After a while..he turned into just another Pro-govt liberal.
   Thanks for the light rail billion dollar assumement ride Jesse!!
   (got to get that federal "free money")
   He's for change alright......what ever is left in your pocket!



2. It all began, fittingly enough, in a bar in Baja. I'd heard that the governor had recently bought a house, not far from property of close friends where I often came to write during the winter. And, sure enough, one night at the local "spot" above the beach, there he was hanging out at a long table.
   
   When the opportunity arose, I went over and sat down across from him. I'd actually met him briefly several years earlier, soon after he decided not to run for a second term in Minnesota, when he came to Dallas for the 30th anniversary marking President Kennedy's assassination. Having heard that Mr. Ventura was a student of books about the tragedy, I gave him a copy of mine, The Man Who Knew Too Much. So that was how I re-introduced myself in Baja, and it turned out he'd liked the book very much.
   
   A few days later, my wife and I were walking along our beach when we ran into the governor and his wife, Terry. We invited them up for a drink, which turned into dinner in the course of a long and memorable evening. What a raconteur he was! The Venturas came over once more while I was in the Baja, at which point he mentioned his interest in writing a memoir about his years as governor - and, if I came back next year, maybe we might work on it together.
   
   When I returned, he hadn't forgotten. We embarked on a series of weekly 90-minute interviews, which I taped in his living room about 10 minutes down the road. I would then transcribe our wide-ranging discussions, which covered everything from insightful and often amusing anecdotes about being an independent governor in a two-party system, to his thoughts on the Iraq War and economics, and much in-between.
   
   I found that Jesse Ventura not only possessed an agile mind, but a remarkably original one. He came up with things that I'd never heard anyone say before! He was "politics, with a twist," you might say. And he sure didn't pull any punches. The man was a breath of fresh air, as politicians go.
   
   Over the course of six months, little by little the book came together. It was his idea to ultimately frame the story as a travel narrative, moving through reminiscences and rants as he and Terry made their long overland journey from Minnesota to southern Baja. We also decided to give Terry a real voice, with her perspective on what it was like to be the state's First Lady adding a unique element to the story.
   
   And it was his idea to create an ending for the book that would be, well, highly unusual and most likely extremely controversial as well. I won't give it away here - but how could it be otherwise when you're Jesse Ventura?
   
   For me, the journey of assembling his story - of "becoming," in imaginative prose, a 250-pound ex-wrestler who became a maverick governor - was, to say the least, a whole lot of fun.
   
   - see www.dickrussell.org, for more.



3. "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me!" (DSTHWM)is the first book I read that was written about Jesse Ventura. As a former Reform Party follower (I was in my mid 20's in 1996)and Libertarian "lightweight", I thought it would be a great read, as clearly I am and have been for sometime, weary and leary of the overextension of our federal government. As an active member of the Ron Paul "rEVOLution", I greatly anticipated what Ventura has to say about the Revolution. Leading up to this read, I have been watching John Adam on HBO, reading Ron Paul's "
   A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship
   ".
   
   The first thing I noticed is that DSTRWM is an easy to read page turner that reads like a story. I have not read a book this easily in months. Venura and Russell have an easy style that relates to everyday people. I too found the number of typos and publishing errors noteworthy.
   
   The stories about his experiences were very entertaining. They served as validation of the corruption and problems and the source of that validation was from a person that seems like me. As a fed-up citizen from the outside of the political machine, he was able to break through and get into the game and experience first hand, the disease that permeates our governemnt. His lack of political correctness is refreshing, in a sense, almost seeming as to cast aside politics in an effort to simply get to the proper solution.
   
   Yet, the further I got into the book, I felt a building crescendo, and I was anticipating more. I wanted more of a rallying call than what was made. Of course, I know that my fervor coming off of the Ron Paul Revolution has me holding greater expectations than the average guy, so I have to be fair with Ventura in that I know he delivered the message.
   
   DSTRWM is a great read for every American who wishes they could have a better government. It may compel them to quit wishing and to start to look for a way to get involved with an alternative to the Republican and Democrats. I think that is what I may have felt was lacking - more of a push from Jesse to tell the reader to wake up and get involved. He definitely covered it and spoke about apathy amongst the people - yet I didn't feel like he wanted to throw me on his proven shoulders and say "Come with me and let's do this!"
   
   That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. He came across as thoughtful, smart, entertaining, and quite honestly sardonic. I have a greater appreciation now for Jesse Ventura and would like to see him and his wife Terry find a way to cope with their innate desire to help Americans shape up their federal governement through higher levels of elected service.
   
   I would serve in the revolution any day with Jesse Ventura anyday. If you can get a copy, scoop it up and read it. It will whet your appetite to get involved in the sad state of American federal government with hopes that you won't be alone in doing so, so that you can feel like you actually have a chance to make a difference.
   



4. Unfortunately Jesse is too little too late. The Revolution HAS already started a year ago: "The Ron Paul Revolution". If Mr ex-Governor Ventura would've come back to the real world a few months ago and join forces with us, WE the People might have had a fighting chance with a very prime third party. But like he said on Larry King: It's too late to get on ballots now. Could you imagine the money bomb for this party: Paul/Ventura 2008?????



5. Jesse was unable to find a major publisher who would publish this book despite his previous 2 best-sellers. The reason should be obvious: the publishing industry (similar to all corporate-controlled media in America) has a political agenda. They either don't want or are not allowed to publicize people who are calling for real change in America.
   
   As Jesse points out, the radio and TV talking heads get their orders from the top. Perhaps that is why Americans are constantly bombarded with Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Hannah Montana. It distracts voters from the real problems, allowing Washington to continue its raid on American living conditions.
   
   Jesse makes the case that both parties are one in the same and he is absolutely right. And neither party will allow a third party any viable access to voters because they want to preserve their status quo BS; the same BS that has handed the reins of government over to corporations. This is precisely why most Americans are suffering while jobs continue to go overseas and America's wealthy get richer.
   
   The one thing the book neglects is an explanation of the economic transition that is taking place, as well as the insourmountable challanges faced by America. In fairness, such detail would have clouded his passionate and inspirational message to Americans.
   
   To fill in this gap, I would highly recommend America's Financial Apocalypse. It is by no means a light read, but it is equally relevant, if not more (given the current economic situation). And it certainly serves to reinforce the fundamental changes expressed in Jesse's book.
   
   America's Financial Apocalypse: How to Profit from the Next Great Depression (Condensed Edition)
   
   Also recommended is Lee Iococa's book. It is similar only in spirit to Jesse's and well worth the read.
   Where Have All the Leaders Gone?

5 comments about The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America.

1. A fascinating journey behind the World's Columbian Exhibition in 1893. Even non-history buffs will be amazed by stories behind popular attractions like the ferris wheel, the "name-dropping" of everyday goods that were introduced to the world for the first time at the fair and the struggles of heroes like Daniel Burnham and the villainous H.H. Holmes.



2. Go back to the 1893 World's Fair that changed America. The Devil and the White City, a novel by Erik Larson, takes the reader back to the time of the World's Fair through the eyes of two remarkable men - Daniel H. Burnham and H.H. Holmes. Daniel H. Burnham was a brilliant architect who was forced to overcome many obstacles to construct the 1983 World's Fair. H.H. Holmes on the other hand was a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor while leading his victims to their death in his World's Fair Hotel, complete with a crematorium and a gas chamber. Erik Larson accomplishes what he set out to do, telling a tale with such drama and mystery that readers will find themselves double-checking to be sure they are not reading a highly imaginative novel. Although readers might find parts of Burnham's story slow at times or H.H. Holmes sinister activities grotesque, this can be easily overlooked by the vivid descriptions, great sentence flow, a nail-biting suspense story, and a terrific supporting cast that includes Thomas Edison, Buffalo Bill and Susan B. Anthony. It is no surprise that Erik Larson was nominated for a National Book Award for The Devil in the White City. He is also a former features writer for Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine, where he is still a contributing writer. Larson has also taught non-fiction writing at various colleges and seminars and has spoken to audiences from coast to coast. The magical appeal and disturbing dark side of 19th century Chicago are both revealed through Larson's masterpiece. The enjoyment of this story is only heightened by the fact that the story is true.



3. I found "The Devil in the White City" to be a truly amazing book to read. I expected that the portion of the book dealing with the serial killer, H. H. Holmes, would have been fascinating, and that ended up being true. Reading about the diabolical operation of this man, who had no moral problem murdering women who loved him and small children who had done nothing to harm him, was shocking and kept me turning pages.
   
   I was surprised to find, though, that the descriptions of the construction of the World's Fair were just as compelling and suspenseful. I was astounded at the obstacles Burnham and the other architects were faced with, and the ways in which they consistently were able to make unthinkable things happen in a nearly impossible timefame.
   
   The research of this story was impressive, and I liked the details making clear the issues that would have faced the building industry at the time, things such as difficult access to clean water, that wouldn't be a thought in the minds of workers today.
   
   The events and especially the names dropped into this story, from Helen Keller to Walt Disney to Mark Twain to Susan B. Anthony, made me feel this fair took place in a truly magical time for the United States. It was hard for me to put this book down, and the contrast between Holmes' story and Burnham's story made this tale both horrifying and uplifting.



4. For history buffs and mystery afficienados this is a super book. It is a non fiction book about the Chicago World's fair and the serial killer who preyed on the citizens of Chicago. I found it extrememly interesting.



5. The author narrates two parallel stories: the struggle to create the Columbian Exposition of 1892 and the progress of a serial killer who preyed on women who were drawn to Chicago by the fair. Larson shifts back and forth between these two threads, parceling out his information in such a way that every chapter ends with a cliff-hanger.

5 comments about Sports Illustrated: Brett Favre: The Tribute (Sports Illustrated).

1. Thank you so much! These books are going to make great Christmas gifts for my sons who are devoted Brett Favre fans!



2. FANTASTIC.A MUST FOR ANY PACKER FAN.ALL PHASES OF HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER ARE COVERED IN DEPTH AND UNBIASED.A GREAT READ.COLLECTORS ITEM IF THERE EVER WAS ONE.



3. Gave as a gift, it was a big hit! Nice photos and hardback book.



4. The book was put together to fast and only had old information. I think an interview of Brett afler he retired would have been the touch it needed to be a very good book.



5. An excellent collectors book! A compilation of SI, over the years. If you love Favre as the typical FAN does, why wouldn't you want this book? Excellent photo's, great articles and a nice B&W shot on a solid hard-covered edition. It's a keeper!

5 comments about The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century.

1. I enjoyed this book a lot - It's a fascinating history of a family's rise from nothing to high influence in Saudi Arabia. Steve Coll and his team have researched this very well and provide a high resolution story of the Bin Laden family. By their close association to the Royal Family, we find out about the secretive ways in which decisions are/were made.
   
   The middle east is a vastly different place from any other on earth - here's a great insight into a very different culture. If you're into the history of interesting places that influence your every day life, this will not disappoint.
   
   Not sure why a previous reviewer felt compelled to review his life in Saudi instead of the book, but for sure the book is more interesting than his life.



2. Here are 671 well written pages about the family we wish we did not know. Unfortunately, the American (and World) public know of the evil Osama even if none of the other family members rest in our memories.
   
   Steve Coll gives us more insight into that family than we really need, but, we are craving to know. He does it so well that it does not take as long to read over 600 pages than one might think.
   
   The reader will be "pleased" when it is revealed that Osama's father died in a plane crash in 1988.
   
   Author of Mr. NewHeart (New Heart): Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond
   
   
   I also recommend A Step of Faith - an inspiring story to help get you through the month.



3. What a tale. Except it is all true. Whereas Mike Moore threw out facts without much context, Coll provides well-researched history and explanations, making our weird relationship with The House of Saud that much more clear. And Murky.
   
   The Bin Laden Family is far more complex and interesting than I would have thought possible, and as alien and strange, when compared to western society, as you could imagine.
   
   This is an important book, one that provide the curious with information, background, and a glimmer of understanding as to how Osama became who he was, and how his family life, Muslim marital and divorce practices, and the strange, complex, and bizarre entity we know as the Bin Laden family came to be.
   
   The only thing worse than learning how US policies led to 9/11 is seeing how we have coddled and knowingly supported one of the most corrupt family dictatorships in the world - the Sauds. Eye-opening, fascinating and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.



4. a must-read for those who missed the connections- or- those who want a insightful review of the rise to power of the el Sauds and the Bin Ladens in the Arabian peninsula in the last century



5. I think this is an incredibly well-written and well-researched book. Difficult to put down. The story of money, religion, politics, and history. Mostly though, it is the story of the "American Dream", Saudi-style: the success of one man's sojourn in search of a better economic opportunity.