5 comments about The Apostles.

1. Excellant reading material. This book helps one know the Apostles and the Holy Father and understand the meaningful value throughout Scriptures. This is a book to read more than once in order to absorb and retain all it contains.



2. The Apostles by Benedict XVI is a collection of some of the General Audiences given by Benedict XVI which deal with the origins of the Catholic Church (the full title of the book is The Origins of the Church, the Apostles, and Their Co-Workers). The book provides a look at the founding of the church by Christ and an examination of the apostles and some of the important early figures within the church. Because it is a collection of general audiences the book lacks the sort of opening or conclusions that one would expect from a typical book; however, the collected audiences hold together very well.
   
   Readers are given an excellent taste of the Pope's brilliant analysis. This book is great for Catholics who do not read a lot of theology. The Pope's books, generally speaking, are not beach reads and require a lot of time and thought; however, the subject matter in this book is presented in a much simpler fashion making it an excellent choice for those who aren't used to reading theological works. A simple style is not the same thing as simple minded though, so even veteran readers of theology will find this book to be enjoyable.
   
   This book will make a great addition to any Catholic's personal library, whether that library is a whole room of books or a single shelf.



3. Pope Benedict is a difficult read. He is a deep thinker and uses long words with lots of consonants to make his points. This volume, however, is easier than most of his writings and is a clear and concise description of the Apostle and a few major disciples mentioned in the Bible. He makes a special point to note prominent female disciples. He doesn't argue the contradition where St. Paul praises Phoebe the "deaconess" yet later refuses the women of Corinth the right to teach. I would have loved to hear his words on the matter as I have read Protestant authors explain Paul's letter as being for specific Churches and not to be taken generally for all Churches.



4. This book is excellent. It is a compliations of many of the Pope's Wednesday audience messages related to the Apostles. It is a must buy if any person interested to know the "portfolio" of all the apostles.



5. Having read that Benedict XVI was a scholar and theologian, The Apostles was unexpected. This book adds nothing to the field of scholarship on the apostles. It's a puff piece to substantiate authoritarian dogma.

1 comments about The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom.

1. There are 2 facets of Simon Winchester's work that make him one of my favorite authors. Firstly, he brings amazing players in History forward that I very often have never heard of. Secondly, he makes reading History tremendously fascinating. The latter should be a given, how can our past be anything but fascinating? The reality is that History books can be painful to read.
   
   Noel Joseph Terrence Montgomery Needham is the subject of Mr. Winchester's 19th work, sound familiar? Not to me. However by the end of the book I look forward to seeking out more about this man as Mr. Winchester has a knack for catalyzing a reader's interest well beyond the book he offers. Professor Needham was a astonishing man who filled his 94 years with remarkable travels, eccentric behavior and a decision so poor the reader will ask was he a fool or a knave? (Question posed by the author)
   
   What is not in dispute is the marvelous history of China Professor Needham documented through first hand investigation over thousands of miles traveled in China (many in war time) and the decades of research that followed. The only other historian that comes to mind as being so single minded in his pursuit of a subject is Sir Martin Gilbert and his decades long work on Sir Winston Spencer Churchill.
   
   The work is also timely as it coincides with China's re-entry as a focal point for the world. China's existence is best measured in millennia and her scientific contributions when listed are nearly as long and often pre-date conventional wisdom on who was first with a given invention. Think you know where printing was first documented, suspension bridges first built, how about the compass, blood circulation or perhaps a flame-thrower?
   
   China's recent history is no indicator of its fantastic past and the latter may more likely be an indicator of what is yet to come. This is another great read by a wonderful author who never disappoints.

5 comments about Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life.

1. Tony tells his story through out the book just like any other biography, but what stands out is what a great coach he is, great father and familyman and great person.
   This was a great book. Fast read.



2. Tony Dungy's autobiography, "Quiet Strength" is a terrific book that contains a message that should appeal to any reader (not just football fans). Dungy speaks of leadership without intimidation, confidence through religious conviction and success through perseverance. The book has a religious tone, but Dungy gets his point across without being preachy. He draws from a stable upbringing by his parents and shares his thoughts about life, football, parenting, dealing with adversity, and being a man.
   
   There's a lot of football references so football fans and those who have followed Dungy's playing and coaching career will certainly enjoy "Quiet Strength". The book should play well in Pittsburgh, Tampa, and Indy because so much of the book deals with Dungy's career as an NFL football coach.
   
   The book is a testament about doing things "right" and treating people with respect in order to gain the same in return. And...as evidenced by the 2007 Super Bowl, nice guys CAN finish first!



3. Whether you are a parent, a coach or both this book is absolutely captivating. I have been reading it with our 12 year old son and found myself reading ahead after he went to bed. Tony Dungy is an inspiring man of God and his wisdom and experience will certainly give adults and young readers a new perspective on life.
   
   I am in the process of purchasing other copies of the book to give to clients and friends. It is a great story and is the best book I have read in years!
   
   Brett Morey
   Brentwood, CA



4. Tony has a great testimony! Makes a great gift or a great read, football fan or not!



5. I am a young person trying to break into the field coaching. I currently work for a division one program and some times I get discouraged. Coaching is a difficult profession to break into and some times my life gets discouraging. My father got me this book and told me to read it. It was after a particularly bad week that I decided to read this book and it lifted my spirits. Coach Dungy has the right idea in a profession full of wrong ones. Knowing people like him have made it gives me strength to keep going.

5 comments about Brotherhood of Warriors: Behind Enemy Lines with a Commando in One of the World's Most Elite Counterterrorism Units.

1. I heard the author Aaron Cohen on a radio interview and decided to buy the book. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. It is much more than an inside look at the clandestine warriors on the front lines of the international war against terrorism. It is a coming of age journey about a young man who finds himself and the meaning of life amidst the most extreme circumstances imaginable.
   
   My girlfriend thought it might not appeal to her, but she started reading it after I finished and now she can't put it down. This would make an amazing movie.



2. This book tells an an astonishing story of an 18 year old who gave up the option of the "good life" in Los Angeles to pursue some of the most difficult training and dangerous counter terror missions imaginable. (Look for the scene of Cohen going undercover to meet a terrorist big shot in a Jerusalem cafe.) It's a fast-paced, exciting memoir, one of the best I've read in years. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended to anyone interested in current affairs, counter terrorism and national security.



3. I heard the author being interviewed on the Michael Savage radio show and immediately went out to buy the book. I was definitely not disappointed an excellent read from a person who had everything except that which he felt was missing from his life which he went out to discover and found. A great book 100 stars could not put the book down once I started reading it. Hopefully he goes on a book signing tour or this is made into a movie



4. A compelling read, very well-written and a good balance of very personal perspective and simply amazing descriptions of the brutal selection and training of Israel's top counter-terror commandos (as done in the 1990's).
   
   Cohen, like his instructors and fellows, pulls no punches discussing the positives and negatives of the process. His own experience of how this kind of preparation forever changes the men who survive it, and then how the work itself inevitably degrades social connectedness and relationships is as psychologically detailed and perceptive as anything I've ever read, and I commend his ruthless honesty.
   
   He also gives a fond but hard-eyed look at the changing Israeli society and the often unfortunate way it is absorbing some of our less positive qualities.
   
   VERY highly recommended. A great read.



5. Amazing book, great detail and as was said before, no punches pulled. From the uncertainty of growing up to gaining his confidence with the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), Mr. Cohen details his experiences growing up in the US to his making aliyah to Israel and going through his training to join one of if not the toughest counterterrorism military units in the entire world. I certainly believe that his experiences could go a long way in making sure that the next time you travel in an aiport you don't get questioned by some person who only has their GED and can't wait to get home. Instead you're questioned by a person who knows why they are there and are vigilant in their search for the next terror threat. It drives home the point of "Security with a Purpose". People in Israel deal with terror threats on a daily basis and taking what they've learned and have put into use could only help to make our country that much more secure. Are there points in the book that may offend people?? Yes, such as the profiling that happens on a daily basis in Israel, however with that in mind, understand that most of the bombings occurring there are perpetrated by Arabs. It's a simple fact of life.

5 comments about The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical.

1. Ordered this book for my daughter and another copy for her friend. They had gone to a Church Retreat that evolved around this book. Great seller and price for the book.



2. I was highly looking forward to reading this book. I was told it was absolutely "Life-changing" from several of my respected colleagues. I was quite disappointed.
   
   It is high-minded theorizing from an obviously spoiled rich kid. Shane tries to be "cool" by hanging out with the poor, but ultimately, he is only fooling himself.
   
   Someone who is truly poor would not have the opportunities that he has been afforded (meeting Mother Theresa in Calcutta - who could afford that trip?).
   
   Yup, he lives among the poor - in between trips to Hawaii and other fantastic locations to spread his "gospel".
   
   Give me a break.



3. This book destroyed my easy little life. I am now over-analyzing every decision I make. I am actively planning my departure from the exploitation economy. I can no longer get excited about political candidates. Growing my own food and supporting local agriculture. If I keep it up at this rate, I am going to end up Amish, just with less-itchy clothing.



4. I have just completed an extensive review of this book primarily for pastors, youth leaders, or those wanting to dig deeper into its theology. Here is an excerpt from the introduction:
   
   ---------
   
   You'll find this not only to be a mixed review of TIR, but a mixed review of the contemporary church. Claiborne effectively exposes some serious problems in contemporary evangelicalism to a wider and more receptive audience. (He is not the only or first to expose these issues, but his contribution is welcomed.) We as a church have some painful self-examination and repentance ahead of us. I've titled the review "A Humbled Resistance" because the self-examination it has prompted in my own life has been humbling. As the review progresses, I believe the need for resistance becomes clear.
   
   In the final chapter of TIR, Claiborne wisely encourages the ordinary radicals to stay anchored in the church:
   
   So to the young `uns: we have to remind ourselves to stay anchored in the church, for we need roots and wisdom.
   It seems to me that God could surround us with elders as we bring new energy into an aging body, but it will take tremendous courage from old folks to dream new dreams and allow a new generation to make their own mistakes. (353)
   
   ... we mustn't allow ourselves to detach from the church in a self-righteous cynicism. (354)
   
   So may we have some grace, even with those Christians and pastors who make us nauseated and put us to sleep. After all, they have given us enough of the story that we have been able to stumble into God and community. A friend just told us that perhaps we should relate to the church as a dysfunctional parent. (354-355)
   
   As one of those dysfunctional parents, I am seeking God's face for the courage to examine myself and repent of my many failures as a leader. Hopefully as you read this response to Claiborne's work, you will see that we (old folks) hear you and take your critique seriously. In turn I hope and pray for you to have the humility to listen to the wisdom of your elders and learn from our mistakes.
   
   ---------
   
   If you would like a detailed examination of Claiborne's helpful contributions and his theology, you may find the complete review at my website (next to my name) under the "Iron Sharpens Iron" menu.



5. Shane "gets it," despite what some intelligent, well-meaning reviews/reviewers suggest. God is not something "out there" waiting to judge, condemn and/or save believers and cast into hell the non-believers. God is in our action. In our kneeling eye-level comfort of a child, in our compassion for others, in our empathy and tears and laughter and, most of all, in our selfless efforts toward the poor and downtrodden, i.e. those who have less than us. Selfless energy gives life to the Divine spark that resides in humankind, the Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Agnostics, Atheists, etc.
   
   You don't need to "believe" this, you already know it. We can feel it in our gut when we help others. Divine goodness is inherent in all humanity, not just those who pledge a particular fraternity of faith.
   
   The genius of "Irresistible Revolution" is its ability to cut through biblical argument and liberal-versus-conservative rhetoric to get to that core point of righteous living. Shane's message is in perfect sync with the messages of the great prophets of the past. Ageless advice handed down by parents everywhere, secular and devout, East and West teach us that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated. That's the universal Golden Rule. All the big tents teach it, preach it and/or live it.
   
   The law of karma is the lifeblood of Buddhism and Hinduism: What goes around comes around. Muhammad in his final pilgrimage to Mecca told followers: "Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you." In Buddhist scripture, Siddhartha, the first Buddha and founder of Buddhism, said, "Consider others as yourself." The supreme philosopher of ancient China, Master Kung (Confucius), said, "What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others."
   
   The great Jewish scholar Rabbi Hillel, a sage and spiritual leader in the time of Jesus and King Herod, was once asked to sum up all the lessons of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, written by Moses and accepted by Islam). Hillel was asked to deliver his answer while standing on one foot. Succinctly, in other words. He replied, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man: this is the whole law; the rest is just commentary."
   
   Chicago activist Saul Alinsky, like Shane, was a brash social organizer who became a champion for the poor. In Alinsky's 1971 book, "Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals," Alinsky argues for the use of aggressive nonviolent tactics for the good of all mankind, even when the action goes against the laws and politics of the land.
   
   Similar to Shane, Alinsky espoused the view of the eighteenth-century humanist Johann Wolfgang Goethe, who'd said, "Conscience is the virtue of observers and not of agents of action." Alinsky wrote that "in action one does not always enjoy the luxury of a decision that is consistent both with one's individual conscience and the good of mankind. [But] the choice must always be for the latter. Action is for mass salvation and not for the individual's personal salvation."
   
   It's selfless, in other words.
   
   To Alinsky, "means-and-end moralists" and "practical revolutionaries," as he defined them, are opposing forces. The former maintains the status quo; the latter works for change.
   
   To me, that's why "The Irresistible Revolution" is irresistible. Change is urgently needed. No one can stare into the gargantuan gap of our economic divide and honestly arrive at any other conclusion.

5 comments about A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive.

1. Loved it, Got it in No time at all.. Was really, really happy with my purchase!



2. A Child Called "It" is based on a true story. David is only five years old when his mother starts drinking and becomes and alcoholic, and his father isn't brave enough to stop any of this. David's mother was once a perfect mother and everyone loved her it wasn't until she started drinking that she lost everyone around her, she took out all her anger on poor David and would punch him and beat him. Years later David was known as "IT", "it's" mother believed to not use his name because he is not worth it. He was also not aloud to sleep in the house because he's not part of the "family" so he was moved into the garage. One day while "it" was cleaning up the kitchen, "mother" came in drunk as ever she sat down on the chair and watched David try to finish the dishes in the amount of time she gave him. As he looked at her and won't clean, she soon lost it and through a knife into "it's" stomach. As you read this book you can feel that you're with there with David on his journey for the fight of his life.
   I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It was an amazing book of a child's fight for his life. It was also the third worse child abuse case in the state of California.



3. When I first read the book, it became one of my most favorite memoirs. Peltzer, I thought, had such courage, strength, and endurance despite having gone through such a harrowing experience.
   
   Then I find out everything he'd written was a lie and that the only reason he was a bestseller was the fact that he bought many of his books himself. Peltzer lied about his childhood and I realize now that the reason how he kept me captivated was that he painted gruesome images that horrify and delights the mind.
   
   I have tried reading his book after finding out but could not stomach it - the lies stopped me in my tracks. But overall, the book is good but remember to read it as fiction.



4. Google 'Dysfunction For Dollars" and "New York Times" as one search phrase and see what Dave's brother and grandmother are saying. His second brother actually backed him up ... and then wrote his own bestselling book. This is also a guy who buys an estimated 40,000 copies of his book from stores to sell at speaking engagements. Don't worry it's not made up, it's admitted to by Dave's wife, Marsha, who's also vice president of his company. It's there in the same article mentioned above. Er ... perhaps that explains why it's a "bestseller."
   
   This is the same as the writer who claimed to have lived with a pack of wolves after surviving the holocaust. Don't be so quick to assume they're telling the truth. Oh and don't shoot the messenger.



5. If it's a fake or not, I don't care. It makes you think every moment how you're treating your kids and how you can be a better parent. Very good.

5 comments about Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001).

1. I read about "Heaven and Hell" in a British magazine before the book was published in the United States, and I knew I had to pre-order it. It was worth the wait. As mentioned by another reviewer, this book makes an excellent companion piece to Marc Eliot's "To the Limit." I've read all four Eagles biographies that I know of, but those two are the best.
   
   "To the Limit" gives a great overview, and "Heaven and Hell" gives an inside look from Felder's point of view, plus later details not covered in "To the Limit."
   
   Once the book picks up speed, it's hard to put down, even if you've read the other Eagles biographies. Felder seems like a nice guy; of course, I guess most people would present themselves as such in their autobiographies. However, since he's pretty frank about himself and others, he may indeed be as decent as he seems.
   
   I think Felder is an immensely talented guitarist, and he does have the right to stick up for himself and the other lesser-known Eagles -- and he seems to really be the one member who most transformed them into a rock band (right in the middle of "On the Border").
   
   Still, I'm not sure why he doesn't seem to realize why Henley and Frey demanded and got top billing when the reunion rolled around. Not only did they have the most successful solo careers, they were the primary songwriters, the primary singers on the hits (except for "Take it to the Limit" and "I Can't Tell You Why"), and they are the only two members of the band to be there from the beginning to the present. That said, it's a shame they carried on without him, and none of the Eagles books paint Henley or Frey in a very favorable light. With Henley's gift for writing and reputation for speaking his mind, you have to wonder if he'll ever decide to tell his version of the Eagles' story.
   
   From a writing standpoint, the book is well written, except for the occasional times where it drifts from practically perfect prose to occasional profanity. When those instances occur, the reader is reminded that there are two people writing this book -- Felder and Wendy Holden. Better are the majority of moments in the book when the writing seems neither poetic nor profane -- just telling it as Felder remembers it. That's when you forget it's a book and you just become immersed in the storytelling, which to me is the mark of a great autobiography.



2. He gives the real story...the stories about how the songs were conceived, recorded, and of course the stories about the road...all delightful reading..I highly recommend for any Eagle fan who wants to learn the inside scoop about the band and it's members...!!



3. First off, Felder has written (with help, admittedly) a very enjoyable look into the life and times of one of America's last great rock bands. Days when musicians depended on talent and not computer samples to create songs, and when being able to carry a tune with your voice wasn't such a liability as it is nowadays.
   
   Secondly, it is an eye opening and fascinating look into what happens to insecure people with huge egos once they come into money, and lots of it. By this I'm speaking about "The Gods," Don Henley and Glenn Frey. At one point late in the book, the band is on tour in (memory fails me, but I think) China, and Glenn Frey instructs a lackey to overnight him a couple of cartons of his favorite cigarette. The lackey is summarily fired - because he shipped Frey SOFT PACKS instead of FLIP TOP BOXES. My jaw literally dropped when I read that. If that's what happens to you when you get rich and famous, I'm glad I am neither.
   
   Having been (somewhat) in Felder's shoes, where people I trusted and thought of as friends suddenly threw me under the bus and had convenient amnesia as to my contributions to their success, I can relate to his story. Frey and Henley welcomed Felder into the band whole-heartedly, calling him Duane Allman incarnate, (which he is), and then set themselves up as the Supreme Dictators Of The Eagles, wrapping themselves in their own cloaks of superiority and fired Felder only when he asked to see the books of where the money was going.
   
   I also cannot believe that Irving Azoff is actually still in business, the way he "managed" both Felder and "The Gods," yet was nothing more than a highly paid lapdog of Frey and Henley, screwing everyone else around him.
   
   I'm afraid I've digressed, but it was a very intriguing book, one that I found hard to put down. If you're at all a fan of the band's music, and especially if you've read "To The Limit" by Marc Eliot, you'll find it incredibly enjoyable.



4. Don Felder rose from near poverty to become guitarist in one of the most popular bands in the 70's. His new book HEAVEN AND HELL chronicles how he became a guitarist, met Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, Duane Allman and other important guitarists, developed his skills and ultimately became one of the guitarist/songwriters in the Eagles. Felder was first introduced to Henley & Frey by his future and former Eagles bandmate Bernie Leadon who was a friend. Interestingly, Felder also played at one time in a band with Stephen Stills although he never tried to use that connection when he got his first big break backing David Blue and, later, Crosby & Nash.
   
   Felder's book is surprisingly even handed given the recent bad blood between Don Henley & Glenn Frey and Felder over his firing from the band. Felder ultimately had to take his former bandmates to court since he was a part owner of Eagles, Ltd. the company the band set up to pay out their royalities and handle merchandising. While there's no doubt that "The Gods" (as Felder refers to them when, later in the band's career, they suddenly became perfect and untouchable in their own eyes)are talented, they gave Felder a raw deal considering how much he did contribute to the band. Nevertheless, Felder manages to be fair balanced and brings up both the good and bad times. Ultimately, he feels that his sacking from the band was a benefit because, as his estranged wife pointed out, he was locked in an abusive relationship at the end of the band's rein.
   
   Felder provides details about the creation of many of the band's classics, how the band really was a "one for all and all for one" at first when he joined but that the fighting and bickering had already begun as well. He also chronicles how the Eagles managed to bruise and damage his friendships with former bandmates Joe Walsh and Tim Schmit.
   
   Kudos to the book's co-author as well for helping Felder create a breezy memoir about his life in the fast lane. The book does have some flaws for example when referring to "On the Border" the book states that Henley & Frey wrote or co-wrote 9 of the 14 songs on the album (there were only 10 songs on the album and Henley co-wrote 5 while Frey co-wrote 4). I suspect that during the galleys this got overlooked but there are bits and pieces that have minor inconsistencies. The authors also thank Marc Elliot for his book TO THE LIMIT which was written with participation of Don Henley to clear up some issues as well. Elliot's book, along with this one, provide a good clear idea about the band's rise and fall from the heights of rock stardom.
   
   It's a pity that Felder was sidelined as he is a talented guitarist and songwrite but this book does address some of the questions that lingered around his dismissal.
   
   This truly is Felder's inside perspective on being in one of the most popular bands of its time. I would have liked a complete discography on Felder's career and, perhaps, to have also heard a bit more about his post-Eagles life but those are minor issues in the context of the thing.



5. I really loved this book! Got it yesterday and read 3/4 of it soon as I got it...quitting only because it was 3 a.m... and my eyes were sleepy! Lot of it has been reported on Henleys and Freys Egos and all...but this was even more of an insight into....how greedy they really seemed to be. I could have read more...wish he'd gone into even more detail...but of course "THE GODS" sued to keep a lot out of it! hard to believe they could become one of the greatest band ever.amonst all the acrimony, etc.!Really an enjoyable read!

5 comments about The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World.

1. I am not of the opinion that Greenspan was infallible as the Fed chairman, but his book is very interesting. In particular, the analysis of the many presidents he worked with was fascinating. He also provides a world economics lesson by breaking down the economy of each of the leading economic nations. A great book for people who like history and economics.



2. This book is well worth reading. It is the easiest read for an important nonfiction work that I can ever remember reading. It is difficult to put this book down. The first part of the book is an autobiography/History of Economics In Greenspan's lifetime. The last chapter contains his predictions.
   
   The autobiographical part is well presented and interesting. Mr. Greenspan seems neither especially modest nor especially self-serving. But he doesn't seem to bare his soul, unless he is quite a simple man. Which may be true. He portrays for the reader a man who is a mathematician. A mathematician who diligently works to master Economics with statistics. He doesn't ever seem to really believe that Economics is at its core, a social science and not a hard science.
   
   You should not mistake simplicity for shallowness however, there can be great depth in simplicity. Mr. Greenspan presents complicated ideas in a simple, straightforward way that makes them clear although fairly devoid of emotion or social context. The question one is left with is if he has been so powerful and durable in our country's upper crust because he is the reliable, guileless expert economist or if he is indeed a more subtle, politically aware expert who knows how to present everything in such a neutral manner that no one can object.
   
   One example of this is the so-called surplus that happened at the end of Clinton's term of office. The Federal Government borrowed more money than it needed to balance the budget (from the Social Security trust fund) and named the excess borrowed money a surplus. Purists would argue that borrowing more money than you need, naming it a surplus, and spending it is absurd twisting of words and financially short sighted. Mr.Greenspan holds that the SS trust fund is in reality not a trust fund, that it is just another tax revenue stream for Congress to do with as it will. From the simplest practical viewpoint this is true. Congress has taken the Social Security fund moneys and spent them on whatever occurred to them for decades. From an unemotional, mathematical point of view there is no trust fund because no one treats it as such. For a political realist, words on paper mean nothing when preempted by the reality of unalterable government actions. So is he dispassionately describing the current situation or is Mr.Greenspan the savvy politician, knowing that both the Republicans and Democrats would like to claim they were responsible for the surplus and it would not do to publicly puncture both their balloons? He has stripped away any (politically charged) description of our current process and talks of possibilities for now that are devoid of any history or reason for how we arrived at now. No one in power will be offended or feel the need to defend themselves by his writing. No one will find any insight into avoiding the current financial ills of our country either.
   
   In the last chapter Mr. Greenspan presents his predictions. His knowledge and expertise and style make very good reading again. Mr. Greenspan very neatly identifies the important forces acting on our future. Even if you know nothing of Economics you will be well prepared to understand this chapter after reading his book up to here. He also demonstrates the truism that if you laid all the world's economists end to end, they still would not reach a conclusion. He in fact has no conclusion, merely possibilities. He does mention, but glosses over the greatest weakness in America's economic future in such a way that you may not even notice it. It may be that it is no coincidence that it is a process that is not easily understood using statistics nor one that is correctable without actually identifying the groups that are causing the problem. The first is his only tool, while the second he can't bring himself to do.
   
   This neutrality is really the weakness of this very interesting book and of his closing predictions. The Oracle of Delphi once told Croesus, a powerful king, that if he invaded his neighbor a great empire would be destroyed. She just left out whose empire would be destroyed. Croesus made the obvious error of misinterpretation. Mr. Greenspan's neutrality leaves the reader with no more information then that king whose ambition blinded him to the different interpretations possible for that vague prediction.
   
   In a way the book helps you see the mindset that no one is ever responsible, no decision is ever faulty, there is only the "What are we going to do now?" that weakens the modern American scene. The parties and groups in Government and business vie to be the next great answer to our problems without ever acknowledging their part in their creation.
   
   So readable, so engrossing, don't miss this book.



3. This book is a mixture of autobiography, economic history, and future prognostication. (In the final chapter of the book, the author forecasts what the world economy will look like in 2030---a daunting task even for the likes of Alan Greenspan.)
   
   Alan Greenspan traces the course of his life from his teenage years (he originally wanted to be a jazz musician) to his chairmanship of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. He also covers his years as a private consultant.
   
   What will be of more interest to most readers is Greenspan's extensive experience with so many presidents. (According to the ex-Fed chairman, our two most cerebral presidents of recent decades were Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.)
   
   Greenspan is a libertarian Republican, but he has plenty of criticism for current GOP economic policies. Like many Americans, Greenspan laments the swelling of the deficit under George W. Bush.
   
   A few other points and observations from the book:
   
   Greenspan is an advocate of free trade orthodoxy. Like many in this camp, he glosses over the fact that free trade in the context of China means that American workers compete with Communist prison labor, and state-subsidized enterprises that are not subject to any environmental or workplace safety regulations. His assessment of free trade is textbook Adam Smith/Ricardo theory. (Free trade is beneficial, of course---provided that there is a truly level playing field, which is not the case at present.)
   
   Greenspan says we should pay math teachers more. Since mathematics teachers have more opportunities in the private sector (compared to English literature teacher, for example), schools should pay them higher salaries. This makes sense to me.
   
   Monetary authorities should hold down inflation despite political pressures. Once again, I agree with Greenspan. During economic slowdowns, the Fed is often pressured to pump more cash into the economy through monetary policy. The overuse of this technique is a major factor behind the hyperinflation of economies in the developing world. To support this argument, Greenspan discusses the history of Paul Volcker's inflationary restraints during the Reagan years. Volcker tamed inflation---but it cost us a recession in the early 1980s.
   
   If you have an interest in economics, U.S. history, or Alan Greenspan, then you will enjoy this book. Although I don't agree with every one of his positions, Alan Greenspan is a brilliant man. Almost anyone can learn something from The Age of Turbulence.



4. The first half (more or less) is mostly autobiographical and extremely interesting. Greenspan is able to provide the reader with many insights on a plethora of economic events and world leaders. The second half (again, more or less), is Greespan's take on many contemporary economic phenomena. Overall, Age of Turbulence is written clearly and succinctly and is a must read for anyone interested in the world economy.



5. Greenspan's memoir is surprisingly readable, applicable, and enjoyable, even for someone with only an undergrad course in economics. This book is a great way to learn how the Fed works, as well as the motives behind major decisions made by Greenspan and other politicians during his career.
   Highly recommended!

2 comments about Living on the Black: Two Pitchers, Two Teams, One Season to Remember.

1. This was an excellent book, with the notable exception of a few errors - typos on last names, mistaking the Trenton Thunder as the AAA Yankees affiliate (it's the AA team), and biggest of all, stating that the Mets and Nationals (it was the Phils) were in a first place tie on the last day of the season.
   
   Other than those things, this book was fantastic, giving timely insight into what goes on in the pitchers' minds throughout the season. I highly recommend it for any fan of Moose, Glavine, the Mets or Yanks, or any baseball fan in general.



2. A terrible book - one of Feinstein's worst. Limited insight - no real analysis. Basically just a game by game rehashing of the season with no new information for a fan that follows baseball and the Mets and Yankees, specifically. Mr. Feinstein presented nothing beyond what already exists in boxscores and game recaps. Its almost as if he spent a year following Mussina and Glavine and then he realized that there really wasnt an interesting book in their respective seasons; but, after spending all that time, he needed to produce something. In addition to the subpar effort from Mr. Feinstein, there were too many typos to count.

5 comments about Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster.

1. I read Into Thin Air in school. After hearing from many other students, I wasn't really looking forward to reading this book. After getting into the story, I changed my mind.
   The story starts off somewhat slow, as they are not on the mountain yet, but picks up after the 7th chapter. It is one of those books that you want to read straight through. It always leaves you on the edge, wanting to read more. This book is about the true but sad story of climbers from everest expeditions. They summited at a bad time and got caught in a horrible storm, leaving many climbers behind. I don't know if this book is completely accurate, as it has been challenged many times but no one knows what happened that year for sure.



2. When I was very young, I believed my purpose in life was to climb Mount Everest. I was fascinated by the idea of hiking through the snow and eventually reaching the highest piece of land on earth. Walking to school, I would imagine myself climbing the mountain. Every road I crossed was a vast crevasse, thousands of feet deep. But, like most childhood dreams, I eventually grew out of it. So, Recently when I saw a book captioned: "The Mount Everest Disaster," the old ashes were rekindled and I naturally had to read it.
   
   Into Thin Air is Jon Krakauer's recollection of the "Mount Everest Disaster," as the cover phrases it. He gives background information of every climber on his team as well as general facts about Mount Everest and climbing itself. Krakauer's style is excellent, and afterwards it feels as if you were there on the mountain beside him.
   
   The book was a little slow at the beginning, unfortunately. Maybe it was the fact that none of the names meant anything to me, or the fact that everything is described in great detail, sometimes seeming very long and drawn out. Eventually I got used to it, and it ultimately was necessary for understanding all of the character's actions later on. One great aspect of the book is that Krakauer names who died right off the bat. Not only did that make me immediately interested, but it also became nerve wracking later in the book, knowing which characters were destined to never return home.
   
   Krakauer is a born storyteller. Most storytellers do just that. They tell stories. But unlike most storytellers, Krakauer had his own story to tell. It was a life-changing story at that. Many authors could have barely made up such a great tale out of thin air, but this actually happened. That is the most haunting fact of the story, it is true.
   
   Regardless if you like climbing, hiking, or snow, this is a great book. Even if reading isn't enjoyable, this book is. In short, this is the best book I have read in a very long time.



3. As with his other ode to ego versus nature, "Into the Wild", Mr. Krakauer makes it clear with "Into Thin Air" that nature is best seen as a test bed for the elite and ego inflamed to examine their will and inner mettle or, um, die. As a result "Into Thin Air" leaves the old school of respectable and fearful examination of man living WITH nature (see the books of Ernest Seton among many others as an example) into a new school of nature writing dedicated to exploring the various ways a man or woman must overcome nature or perish in the attempt. Which, let's face it, is just plain silly. There is very little to recommend in this viewpoint, it is narcissistic and sophomoric and ultimately degrading to both nature and man; so goes the book, and for that matter, so goes the Nepal Everest base camp, which has become, at my last visit, an open dump/sewer.
   
   If you really must read about the dangers of Mt. Everest, you are much, much better off reading "Mountain without Mercy" by B. Coburn, T. Cahill and D. Breashers. Better yet, pick up the book In Highest Nepal; Our Life Among the Sherpas by Norman Hardie. Norman doesn't conquer Mt. Everest or even care to, in fact he never even attempts the summit. Instead he lives among the Sherpa and discovers the various means they've discovered to live with the most extreme that nature has to offer. Which, in my view, is what nature writing should be about.



4. Krakauer doubtlessly is a great story-teller who can keep you engrossed in every detail he delivers at each turn of the story. My only complaint is that he sprinkles difficult vocabulary not only without any added effect, but clunkily, making certain words stand out from the rest of his prose. Take, for example, the following sentence:
   
   "Now, four days later, Nukita warned us that a similarly PREDACIOUS swarm of print and television reporters lay in wait for us..." (280, emphasis added)
   
   Um... why not just "predatory"? Is it just me, or is the word "predacious" as common a word as "predatory"?
   
   Or take another sentence:
   
   "But such moments were tempered by the long PENUMBRA cast by Everest..." (282, emphasis added)
   
   Again, why not infinitely more understandable and easy-to-imagine "SHADOW"? Why "PENUMBRA"? Why go so poetic and abstract all of a sudden? I was literally thrown off balance when I came across the word in midsentence because it's so out of place. Besides, it hazards leaving the reader wondering what the word means rather than sympathizing with the author's plight. My complaint is based on the fairly commonsensical belief that when a word is not adding anything - whether it be impact, image, style, etc. - it should be ruthlessly cut and/or replaced with another. PENUMBRA seems to fall pat into this sort of instance. Unfortunately, I didn't keep detailed note of every instance in which the author slipped in flashy words tragically to the detriment of his own otherwise lucid prose, I can't say for certain how often he did it, but as far as i remember, there were numerous similar occasions where I thought the word he chose was definitely working against his writing.
   
   But my quibbling ends here and I only have kudos for the book. It's an awesome adventure story about people with astounding willpower under the worst and extremest of environmental conditions imaginable. Highly recommended.



5. This story is a page turner which I read in a single night. It's the gripping tale, told in a powerful way of how too many climbers and competing agendas led to a major disaster on Mt. Everest. I saw the story as one of power and control run amuck leading to the loss of too many lives. Of one man who sat down to die, and of another who refused to die even when left for dead three times. The story takes many twists and turns and involves dozens of key characters, so it would be hard to read over too long a period of time since there are a lot of details to track. Never the less, it's a great adventure story that illustrates the dangers of miscommunication at the top of the world.