5 comments about The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea.

1. Does everyone know this book is a hoax? Am I the only member of the reading public who didn't know this?
   
   It's a terrible book, written by someone who hates reading for people who hate reading in a patronizing and revolting attempt to interest people who hate reading in reading. Yuk. The author has a lot in common with the author of The Lovely Bones: both terrible writers and cynical pompous uneducated jerks who revere nothing but their own ability to get one over on someone.



2. `The Perfect Storm` started out as an article in `Outside` magazine, where Junger was an occasional free-lance contributor, although his day job was a lumber jack and waiting tables. When he wasn't slinging an axe or chops, he expanded the original article into a book, his first, published in 1997 when he was about 34 years old. It did well on the New York Times list and quickly went on to a big-budget star-powered movie. The natives of Gloucester, the New England fishing town at the center of the story, gave it a positive reception, which for Junger was its highest praise. In fact it made some of them famous, Linda Greenlaw went on to write her own book The Hungry Ocean: A Swordboat Captain's Journey.
   
   Stylistically the success of the book is remarkable because the final moments of Andrea Gail, the climax of the book, are a mystery. Jungler says it was "journalism by analogy". But the effect works well by lending the account authenticity while engaging the readers imagination to fill in the blanks, making it all the more terrifying. In addition it lends a great deal of sympathy and compassion to the friends and relatives of the dead, who also live with the unknown and terrors of the minds eye. Most non-fiction authors would have no problem interjecting some fictional dialog or scenes to make the book more readable, but it would have been a lie, the truth is unknown and it showed a great deal of integrity on Jungers part to take the high but more risky and difficult road.
   
   Of course the book is about the storm, and not just the Andrea Gail. Probably the most riveting part of the book concerns the Air National Guard helicopter that forced landed in 100 foot seas. The details of this are well documented and Junger is thus able to sustain a strong narrative without falling back on tangents, or "analogy," as he does in the Andrea Gai story - which happens to make up four-fifths of the book. Thus some of the most popular complaints by readers is that it doesn't flow well and has awkward anecdotal tangents breaking up the storyline. However for anyone with a natural curiosity with how things work (fishing, boats, rescue), this type of braided narrative - common in creative non-fiction these days - is perfectly normal.
   
   Overall I'm impressed with the books integrity and compassion. The writing is workman-like, dense like a magazine article but not stylistically original, except for the effective use of journalistic analogy to tell a story.



3. Junger recounts the relentless ferocity of the Storm of the Century that hit North America's eastern seaboard during 1991. This is a breath-taking, riveting tale of human courage in the face of the most devastating forces of nature.



4. The book ably reconstructs the terrifying facts, feelings and tragedy of the fishing boat Andrea Gail and her six-man crew, which disappeared during a killing storm of mythic proportions. Tragically, the bodies were never found, so nobody survived to tell the story. The book weaves a compelling patchwork around the sinking itself--the ship's colourful crew, their manic drives, lives and backgrounds. There are fascinating details of meterology, navigation and commercial fishing. We peer into the physics of rogue waves, the horrifying physiology of drowning, the agonies of search and rescue. We feel the adrenal charge of risk-fishing, the frailty of humans pitted against Nature, the lash of wind, the brine, the towering waves, the violent pitch and toss of the sea, told with the crackling force and energy of a first novel. The writing is tight, plain, elegant and restrained. Junger is ever the journalist, always tethered to his materials, never sensational, never indulging himself, or setting free the novelist. Perhaps his stern, disciplined self-control is his greatest triumph. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would gladly read it again.



5. This book is very vivid in its descriptions of the storm and the activities leading up to it. The author has done an excellent job of making the reader feel that he/she is involved in the action. Very exciting and emotional read.

5 comments about The Diana I Knew: Loving Memories of the Friendship Between an American Mother and Her Son's Nanny Who Became the Princess of Wales.

1. Mary Robertson tells of a Diana that could have been one of our daughters or the girl next door who babysat for us. She explained several incidents, such as Diana eating out of their refridgerator that were so human. One wanted to reach inside the book, pull out Diana, and hug her. The way she opened up to the Robertsons is detailed and the pictures are so special. Mary Robertson writes as she knew Diana; she doesn't brag about knowing the Princess, but truly explains "The Diana She Knew." Highly recommended-definately one of my most favorite Diana books because the author is not intending to capitalize or sensationalize.



2. I wanted to read this book for the longest but it was unavailable. I finally bought it used through Amazon.
   I was not disappointed! A truly readable and enjoyable book. Diana often was dismissed by critics as a shallow, self-serving woman who only "cared" about people when the cameras and press were recording an event.
   Mrs. Robertson refuted this often repeated attack of Diana's character by showing us that behind the scenes and away from the press, Diana continued a warm friendship with this American woman and her family. A common family who could in no way further Diana's reportedly selfish agenda.
   Why?
   The only explanation is that Diana truly was a very warm and caring person. The book captures that simple quality of Diana.
   Many books have been written to show the world what the real Diana was supposedly like.
   These books deride fans for believing in a media image of Diana and have attacked Diana's every move.
   Mrs. Robertson knew the "real" Diana and her memories are refreshing, honest and much in tune with Diana's worldwide image.
   Mrs. Robertson's friendship with the Princess of Wales was not based on a phony media image.
   Thank you Mrs. Robertson for writing this book and showing us the lovely "inner" Diana.
   Diana proved it was possible to be warm, unpretentious, radiant AND royal.



3. I bought this book as soon as it came into the shops and have read it so many times. It is good to read Mary's account of her relationship with Diana. One of the most readable books I have ever read. I wonder if Mary has written other books?



4. I guess that I'd have to give this book about 3 1/2 stars if I could do that, it's an interesting little book to read. Written by Mary Robertson, the American woman who once employed Diana as a nanny, it isn't nearly as bad as some critics would suggest.The book starts with an Aug 31-Sept 6th recap of learning about Diana's death and attending the funeral, in the next chapter and for most of the book details Robertson's experiences over the years with the Princess. While Mrs. Robertson does talk about herself (not particularly boastfully)she tells a lot of harmless little details about Diana, various meetings & so on, that you just don't see elsewhere. I wouldn't put it at the top of your list of books to accquire but it makes a nice little addition.



5. I've read most of the Diana books on the market, and this one is my all time favorite. The warmth, candor, and respect that Mrs. Robertson uses in describing her ongoing relationship with the late former Princess of Wales is refreshing (who else treats Diana with dignity anymore, anyway?), well paced (I can stay into it, even on the treadmill), and wholly respectable (staying exclusively in the realm of what Mrs. Robertson herself saw, learned, or experienced, and not crossing the line into lurid speculation, armchair psychology, or maudlin reflection). This is an idea purchase or gift with anyone having an interest in Diana, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly as a sweet (I know it's an overused word, but it's the RIGHT word) tribute to the relationship from one mother to another and their friendship which spanned 17 years.

5 comments about The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream.

1. This was a summer read for my daughter. She has a reading problem so this book on tape helped her. I'm so glad it was available. It was a very intereseting story. I recommend it for teens and adults as well.



2. If you know a young person who is struggling to overcome a less-than-privileged beginning, give him/her this book. I wish someone had done so for me when I was trying to be the first person in my family to attend college. The story here will make you laugh and cry--and it will definitely inspire you to never, ever stop believing in your dreams.



3. I could not put this book down. These 3 doctors stories are almost too impossible to believe. It is amazing what the human spirit can achieve with encouragement. I recommend this book to everyone who loves to read.



4. I picked up this book after my wife and I started a group reading with my son of the book; "We Beat the Streets." "We Beat the Streets" book was written by the same authors but geared toward a younger crowd (suggested ages 9 to 15y/o). The pact was a great book as a source of inspiration. Being an African American male near the same age range, I was able to relate to at least one aspect of each of the three guys. At points where Rameck had a chip on his shoulder and struggle to put the anger behind him I related to that anger when confronted by unfair situations and judgmental people throughout college. Times when set backs occurred related to bad choices, an ill family member, or failing to pass a critical exam on the first try reminded me how as a young black male you feel like you're on the edge of falling of track at any given moment. Regardless of race and sex when you spear-headed the family into a new level of educational/professional success you will feel the weight of a lot of dreams and hopes placed on your shoulders daily. Often as a young man I felt times where I just didn't want to deal with that kind of pressure.
   
   This story reminded me that it is important to stay focused and move through the rough periods in order to be in a position to help friends and loved ones. By example let them know that they can achieve there goals/dreams.
   
   Two key factors in this story will continue to give me the courage to move forward. Never forget the 3 D's; Discipline, Determination, and Dedication. Always remember that choosing the right friends may mean the difference between success and failure in my life's goals. Friends are crucial when faced with situations in life that are difficult. I am proud to say that my wife is my best friend with an ear to listen. As I pursue my second master's degree my thoughts turn to adding to my list of goals a doctorate. Thank you Doctors Davis, Jenkins, and Hunt for this wonderful gift of brotherly love!
   
   I give this book a, 5 out of 5 stars. If you're a Dad it's a must read with your son or daughter. All they see is the man you are now; let them know that God, Faith, and loving relationships got you where you are today!!



5. This book was meant for any child, teen, man or woman, who are living today without hope for a better future. The pact is about a brotherly commitment between friends to achieve their life long dreams. The reason that I use the word brotherly is because their pact was only as strong as the weakest of them. They became like family in support of one another and diligently worked together to achieve their dreams.

5 comments about My American Journey: An Autobiography (Random House Large Print (Cloth/Paper)).

1. Colin Powel is clearly a great American as exemplified among his many accomplishments and life experiences. However, this presentation of his life story is arduous and without excitement. This book often presents itself more like an encyclopedia entry than an insightful biography. While equal blame may lay on my view of Powel's somewhat humdrum life as much as the writing style of this book, I believe this book will only be of interest to those already seeking to research Powell's life, not those in search of an enthralling piece.



2. After listening to how the government determines whether or not we should send out our troops and/or go to war, it helped me see him (and the president) from a different perspective. It also surprised me to hear that he IS NOT a Republican.



3. This book was a terrific read. The title isn't misleading - that's not really the word - but it doesn't give you a real sense of the book's value. This book is much more than what the title would lead you to believe.
   
   In it, Powell talks about his life in great detail, and because he's been such an important part of a lot of history in the latter part of the 20th century, it's almost like reading a detailed account of many important events in that time. He recalls in great detail what went into a number of important military affairs in the 1980s and early 1990s, which for me closed a lot of holes in what I knew about those events as someone just growing up at the time. It gives a number of great insights into the workings of Washington when it comes to military matters, and that along with the account of his life makes this a must-read book.
   
   His personal thoughts on many matters, which are interspersed throughout the book as he recounts the events, were what really struck me - things like his feelings about some military decisions, how he felt when he was away from family, and especially his feelings on the presidents and other cabinet officials he worked with later in his career. The last one stayed with me the most - many Americans don't think very highly of a lot of public officials (and not without their reasons, myself included), especially these days, but it wasn't lost on me that Powell has the highest words of praise for just about every president and cabinet official he worked with in the late 80s and early 90s, after having worked so closely with them.



4. I read biographies of key officials as a means of trying to understand how they make decisions, and on what basis of fact or fancy they make decisions.
   
   Colin Powell is a great man, and I hope he returns as Secretary of State under a transpartisan team. He was destroyed by Dick Cheney and his own confusion of loyalty versus integrity.
   
   Here is the sentence, on page 293, that made my day:
   
   when he was Military Assistant to then Sectary of Defense Casper Weinberger, he preferred the Early Bird with its compendium of newspaper stories to the "cream of overnight intelligence" which was delivered to the Secretary of Defense by a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) courier each morning.
   
   See also:
   Preparing America's Foreign Policy for the 21st Century
   Vice: Dick Cheney and the Hijacking of the American Presidency
   Running on Empty: How the Democratic and Republican Parties Are Bankrupting Our Future and What Americans Can Do About It
   Weapons of Mass Deception: The Uses of Propaganda in Bush's War on Iraq
   Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA
   The New Craft of Intelligence: Personal, Public, & Political--Citizen's Action Handbook for Fighting Terrorism, Genocide, Disease, Toxic Bombs, & Corruption
   Fog Facts: Searching for Truth in the Land of Spin
   The Price of Loyalty : George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O'Neill
   High Noon 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them



5. Well, I kind of liked Colin Powell once. I kinda don't anymore. The book was ... dull. The same old same old - Horatio Alger type stuff. I bought the book because I thought that Colin might be going someplace and I wanted a glimpse at his philosophy. After his stint in Republican politics his future in that area looks pretty dim.
   He was a soldier and he has the soldier mentality. This book was probably designed to put him on his political career. I liked Swartzkoff's book much better. What happened to Swartzkoff anyway?

5 comments about Delusions of Immortality: Surviving an Unconventional Life.

1. This book was extremely entertaining, and had me in tears, and slapping my leg in laughter at times. Whether you're an experienced Alaskan outdoorsman, a commercial fisherman, or a fancy 'high roller,' (or none of the above), I highly recommend you buy this book, read it, and share it with friends and family. I can't wait for the next one about Donald D! Thank you Steven!



2. An easy, can't put it down read; perfect by a crackling fire on a cold winter night. True to the end, it could only be better if Mr. Dawson read it to you himself!



3. I read this book en route to Haines, Alaska from Boise, Idaho, my first adventure to our 49th state. And what an introduction is was to a rare and wonderful world; next time I will venture farther north to Bristol Bay where many of Mr. Dawson's brushes with mortality occured. I was fascinated with the circumstances that led Mr. Dawson from the arid expanses of his boyhood in Nevada, through a bachelor's degree at UNR, on to the ephemeral life of casino work and subsequently to a successful albeit unexpected career as a professional fisherman in Homer, Alaska--all before the age of 30! And told with grace, hilarity, humor, and more hilarity.
   
   This book is so riveting I only put it down to change from the plane to the ferry in Juneau. So many passengers asked me about the book that I stopped by the independent bookstore in Haines to recommend they stock it to have on hand for the literary minded tourist. I was delighted and amused to discover, when the owner typed the author and title into his distributor's website, to see the book listed under the category "Thriller" as well as "Biographies" and "Alaska Fishing". It is indeed a thrilling account of an incredibly honest young man's pursuit of an engaged and examined life; his work in the fishing industry required admirable and impressive strength, courage, confidence and sharp wits. And I will never again complain about the price of fresh fish at the market now that I know what was required to get it there.
   
   Fishing aside, the rest of Mr. Dawson's life so far reminds us how much a good sense of humor keeps things in perspective; you will laugh your head off at some of his hair raising survivals. He knows he is blessed with good friends and family who make timely appearances when the proverbial "chips are down". And he shares with us how to extricate oneself from trials and tribulations with a nimble willingness "to play the hand that's dealt". This book is a "must read" for anyone who appreciates personal accounts of living on the edge. We should all be as delusional about our immortality as Mr. Dawson; it's inspiring and refreshing to be reminded life can be such an adventure.



4. Very entertaining. I couldn't put the book down for any length of time until I was finished. Some of the characters now seem like old friends... Hmmm, maybe we can go on an adventure some day! Then again...



5. Wow-- what a life! It was facinating to read about how much one can accomplish in one's life. A true inspiration of daring and wit. Dawson writes in such a way to captivate audiences and have them cheering. Bravo. Will there be sequel I wonder?

1 comments about Harvest of Bittersweet.

1. Mrs. Leimbach's third and final book in a series of essays on farm life. This book is warm, and witty, as are all Mrs. Leimbach's books. She deals with the death of one of her sons in an open and sensitive manner. If you like Erma Bombeck in a country mode, this book will touch your heart.

5 comments about The Souvenir: A Daughter Discovers Her Father's War.

1. I have the hardback (2001) edition. This was an excellent read, especially for all of us that read war history. It was refreshing to read of the human side of a warrior and his daughter. You won't put this one down until it's read. This is an important book especially for those that may still hold hatred for a specific person or race.



2. The Souvenir is a marvelous book for book group discussions, and is especially appropriate for Jewish groups. Ms. Steinman writes poignantly about her father, her family, and herself in relation to the military experience of the World War II theater of operations in the Pacific, and its aftermath. This is a story that is relatively unknown, since many histories and memoirs of World War II focus on Europe. Although not a book about Judaism, this is a very Jewish book. It is very much in keeping with the Jewish storytelling tradition: of creating and telling a good story that is important for the audience to hear, and to feeling a connection to the characters and values in the story. The themes of repentance and renewal (tshuvah in Hebrew) are vital to maintaining and nurturing relationships of family and friends, especially at the time of year when the Jewish holy days of the New Year (Rosh HaShanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) occur. I was moved to tears a number of times. There are valuable lessons to share that will broaden our understanding and compassion for veterans, their families, and Jewish values.
   
   Rabbi Wendy Spears



3. You see all the reviews having 5 stars out of 5 stars--I couldn't bring myself to agree. This book starts being really quite good--it drew me in--but then it started to dddddddrrrrrraaaaaaaaggggggggg. I put it down for a while and tried again (I did this 3 times) when I decided to give it up for good. I think it could have been better. :(



4. Louise Steinman has hit it out of the park with this wonderful, moving memoir about her father, Norman Steinman, his war experiences, and the way those experiences shaped his life--and his relationships with his family. It is also about Ms. Steinman's own odyssey in experiencing her father's war, through reading hundreds of her father's war-time letters discovered after her parents' deaths, talking to other Pacific War veterans, and visiting long-forgotten battlefields in the Philippines. Ms. Steinman eventually makes a special journey to Japan to visit the family of a long-dead Japanese soldier. It involves a simple errand: she needs to give something back...
   
   Ms. Steinman shows that the scars of war run deep and the impacts are felt through succeeding generations. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.



5. Like so many in my generation, the author, like the rest of us, really had no clue as to what made her father tick. These men, and women, of the "Greatest Generation" were a different breed. I had to blink twice when the author described her father, his attitudes, work ethic, treatment of his family and on and on. She could have well been describing my own father.
   
   The author, after her father's death, discovers a box of letters written to his wife (the author's mother) during the war. Her father fought in the Pacific, taking part in some of its most brutal of battles. Amongst the letters, in an envelope, was a Japanese Flag, a "souvenir flag" which her father had sent home. The flag was of the type carried by many Japanese soldiers, which was a sort of good luck piece. The story is basically Ms. Steinman's search for the family of the soldier whose body it was taken from and a story of Ms. Steinman's search for her father, i.e. who really was her father, and how had the war changed him?
   
   Now I will be honest, there were parts of the book that disturbed me. I am not all that certain if the author ever did have a clue as to what made her father the man he was and how the war truly affected him. The author never actually says it, but after reading her description of her father, which gave us some idea of the kind of man he was, there is really no doubt where he got the flag, and how he got it. He did not seem the type of man who would simply pick up a flag off any old dead body and keep it. While this falls into the realm of speculation, I think it probably would have been better if the author had faced reality. Be that as it may, the author did quite a good job with her research and I certainly admire her objectives.
   
   The book is well written, easy to read, and quite informative. Like another reviewer here, I have the feeling the author actually found out more about herself than she did of her father, and that is actually a very good thing. I do recommend this one highly. You certainly will be richer for having read it.
   
   D. Blankenship

5 comments about The Brothers Bulger: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century.

1. This is an excellent true tale about 2 brothers who grew up in the south Boston projects and rose to the top of their vocations.Billy Bulger,pulls himself up to become a high profile lawyer and politician,and Jimmy(Whitey) who rises to the top of Bostons' Irish Mafia.Apparently Whitey had help from some government agencies such as the FBI because the bureau was at the time trying to wrap up the Italian Mafia and recruited members of the Irish Mafia to bring it about.Whitey played both ends against the middle, ratting out members of his own criminal organization while using his law enforcement connections to elevate his own position in organized crime.The book goes into alot of detail in regard to this and the author is a Boston newspaper reporter who worked closely with these investigations. His tale is highly credible.
   Whitey's brother,Billy Bulger,a high profile Boston lawyer,rises to the top and is conspicuously seen with all of the top New England politicians. The author is clear though that these other politicians probably had no knowledge of any of Whitey's criminal affairs. At the end of the book the reader is left pondering about how much of Whitey's dubious enterprises did brother Billy know about.Some of the members of Whitey's nefarious gang lived almost right across the street from Billy.



2. This is a quintessentially American story that is both important and unforgettable. One reason it is important is that it affirms the adage: "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Another is that, the deep FBI and police corruption begged the question: Who guards the guards themselves? But also, no matter how distorted morally, this story is still somehow a perverse but generic template for ethnic "ghetto success:" Two brothers from a " "disposable" part of inner city Boston make good; one through "low hard crime" (Whitey was a serial murderer, bank robber, extortionist, and a "top echelon" FBI informant; while Billy, on the other hand, engaged in grafts and payoffs, illegal political procedural maneuvering, patronage, nepotism, "no show jobs," extortion, racketeering, sweetheart and unholy deals, arson and insurance scams, as well as political blackmail and business frauds.). The mantra of Boston corruption at the time was: "Nothing on the level; every thing a deal, and no deal too small."
   
   
   Another reason it is important lies more deeply embedded in the subtext of the book: Their two-man crime wave became, perhaps unconsciously, an existential way of redressing bitter and deep injuries to lower class Irish Americans, through the use and propagation of commonly accepted and tolerated patterns of inner city crime and corruption. During the 1970s, the experiment in social engineering transformed South Boston ethnic communities, from predominately law-abiding working classes to a festering backwater of lethal class and ethnic tensions, overlaid with drug and welfare dependency. All who could: fled to the suburbs. It was thus from the depths of these diminished circumstances, that each brother's pursuit of power became a wicked double-edged and twisted end in itself. In the leftover spaces of Boston society, and with "huge Irish sized chips on their shoulders," the Bulger brothers both became successful in their own perverse and irredeemably criminal ways.
   
   It is unforgettable because it shows the depths to which corruptions can descend when the rules of humanity and the rules of morality are perceived to both be irrelevant at the same time: Because the society was unfair and had basically turned its back on Boston's "Southies," in the subconscious mind of the Bulger brothers, Boston was no longer an entirely legitimately run society. It was therefore open at both ends to being "gamed" in ways that all angles could be played towards a ruthless and cynical kind of "get over" success. Power through corruption thus became, not just the signature route; but the only route to success; and more importantly, the only way "to get even with" a society perceived to be cruel, immoral, indifferent and dehumanizing to the "Southies.".
   
   The Bulger brother's crime wave thus could be rationalized as an existential avenue to societal revenge: a way of removing the ethnic chip on their shoulders by "thumbing their noses" at a society that had purposely dealt them a bad hand simply because they were lower class Irish. It was a way of calling Boston's illegitimate society to account through "power moves" already tolerated by Boston society, including crimes of all genres that terrorized the city of Boston for a generation. In short, this two-man crime wave taking place at opposite ends of the societal spectrum, proved both that the society that discriminated against lower class Irish was a "moral sham" and that lower class Irish (the Southies") were not deserving of their ascribed inferior status after all, but could play society's illegitimate games as well as (or better than) the next group.
   
   It is also unforgettable because it is a textbook example of how fragile and tenuous the moral fabric of our society can be. It shows for instance how "tolerated" inner city corruption can be "gamed" and "played" by two determined brothers and then used to take over the rest of a large urban city. Whitey Bulger became an FBI informant at an early stage of his criminal career, but then quickly realized that his FBI handlers were equally vulnerable to the same kind of immorality they expected and extracted from him as their "resident stooge." And just as they had captured and "turned him," he slowly reeled them in and "turned them in reverse." And they became "the bigger fish" without ever realizing what had happened to them. This small "reverse advantage," greatly assisted by strategic murders, FBI and police corruption, was soon parlayed into a incestuously corrupt web in which Whitey's informants, his FBI handlers, were "running interference" for the Boston crime wave engineered by Whitey himself.
   
   Billy on the other hand, operating at the other end of the political spectrum, realized that every angle he played had to be played precisely and opportunities had to be seized with "cold blooded calculation." And then, the gains had to be consolidated quickly through ruthlessness; that is through terror, extortion, graft, patronage, blackmail and punishing enemies. Both brothers thus were playing the same immoral game, at opposite ends of a chessboard stacked against them, with the same corrupt Boston officials. They just did so with different weapons.
   
   Although it was difficult keeping all of the names and nicknames together, this was a good read.
   Five stars



3. This book graphically details the separate lives of Whitey & Billy Bulger, showing the career paths available to kids growing up in Boston during the degenerate time period from the 1950's to 1980's. The book makes a good effort in detailing the seperate but connected lives of the brothers and the connections that they had with-in the political & underworld community, showing just how much of a gray area it was between the two. Howie Carr Does a decent job detailing these brother's lives, but at times the book is confusing and writing could have used a little more work in the editing department as some of the writing is misleading unless read over a coupe of times.
   
   I would suggest reading Black Mass before getting into this book to give a better understanding of what is going during the time period from when Rico from the FBI was courting Whitey, before he took over Winter Hill. It helps to give a better understanding as to why Zip Connolly was making Whitey seem a perfect informant.
   
   If anything this book can be looked at as an expansion to the story of Boston corruption and delving into the life of Billy Bulger, & just how the relationship with his brother had functioned through the years.



4. As a resident in Boston in the mid 90s and listener to Howie Carr's show, I can't thank Howie enough for going forward on this book. Seeing the semmingly good (Billy) and evil (Whitey) being basically the same - evil, greedy and corrupt. It is a great story about how people in positions of power may be just as criminally minded as the ones behind bars, just with a bigger expense account and showcase (Billy's St. Patrick Day's annual breafast).
   
   I confess I got a little lost with all of the characters in this true story. For future printings I would hope that there is a chart of some sort to show the different players in this real life drama of crime, corruption and politics in Boston.
   
   Highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in politics. Interesting at the end, Howie credidted Mitt Romney for the outsting Billy from the UMass Highly Paid Post. This drama seems to continue with Whitey still on the lam.



5. Absolutely jaw dropping. Reading this book made my hair stand up. Couldn't put the book down!

No comments about Echoing Voices.

5 comments about My FBI: Bringing Down the Mafia, Investigating Bill Clinton, and Fighting the War on Terror.

1. This is one of the least political autobiographies of a public servant in a political position in Washington.
   
   That's no reason, in my mind, to doubt the veracity of most of what Freeh writes. Those looking for conspiracy theores or outright condemnation of political adversaries will be disappointed. Freeh writes deeply of respect for a large number of persons, most notably FBI agents and fellow prosecutors.
   
   It does make for an interesting, amusing, but very non-combative read.
   
   Even Bill Clinton, who receives most of Freeh's ire for being more a politician than a manager, is also described as the most charming and disarming statesman.
   
   It's not that Freeh is afraid to talk ill of any of his former co-workers, but rather this is an autobiography of his public career.
   
   He doesn't take the opportunity to hammer home points about policy, but rather berates mismanagement, favoritism, and a lack of ethical focus.
   
   This is a good read for someone looking for a shining hero. This is not a good place to find dirt.



2. Freeh comes across early on as pompous and a phoney and it carries throught the book. He keeps remniding us what a great father he is because he has his kids drawings in his office. He is twice politically appointed yet rails against Clinton for being a politician. He seeths about the investigation of a bombing on Saudi soil and why Clinton would not let him interview the suspects...? I kept thinking Federal applies to the United States, not Saudi Arabia. It's that kind of arrogance that makes this book easy to put down. Plus, He never goes into ANY interesting detail on ANY investigation. And he OFTEN points out how he never really knew FBI agent turned spy Robert Hanssen. Hanssen went to the same church, their kids were in the same school....YET the same Freeh who says his style was to be among the troops claims to have barely known who he was. (BS) He also rails against Anything Clinton yet, everything Bush is AOK... This book is nothing more than a Swift-boat FBI poison pen letter.



3. In writing My FBI, Louis J, Freeh has given us a microscopic view of how the FBI works and the numerable problems he faced during his tenure. He comes across as honorable and hard working, telling the truth as he saw it. I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend reading this book to learn about how the FBI operates and about the terroism that we face today.



4. Louis Freeh provides an interesting look into the world of the FBI. The book takes an overview approach with specific vignettes of his time at the organization and how it evolved (or lack thereof) over the years. Freeh was director during a turbulent time when trust in the FBI was at a low and worked one of the toughest cases in its history with the Kohbar towers investigation. This investigation is the focal point of the book and done very well. He also covers a lot with the Bob Hansen treason as well as other stories. The main problem with the book is that it is light on details and the chapters often ramble on without focus. The book would have been better off from an organizational standpoint with shorter chapters more pointed towards the topics. I would like to have seen lesser stories but the ones told in greater detail. Overall it is a useful primary source but not the definitive history of his role in the FBI during those years.



5. "My FBI" was a quick read and a very interesting look behind the scenes at the FBI in the 1990s. Freeh discusses background on the major cases the FBI handled during his tenure. This book gives insight that you didn't get from the news stories. One of the controversial subjects in the book was Freeh's relationship with President Clinton. This subject may turn off certain people, but the bottom line is that Freeh did not like working for Clinton. That is not a result of politics- because Freeh went out of his way to be apolitical. Most of it stemmed from the many investigations into the Clinton administration like Whitewater, Travelgate, etc. Another small part of the book I found to be interesting was Freeh's take on former "Counterterrorism Czar" Richard Clarke. Freeh writes that Clarke was never a major player in national security in either the Clinton or Bush White House. Freeh writes that Clarke was a second-tier player that was rarely at any of the important meetings. This has somewhat of a ring of truth in light of the way Clarke has tried to recast himself as a modern day Paul Revere of terrorism, after the fact. Somehow I don't buy his self-promotion, see-I told you so attitude. Anyway, overall a solid book for those interested in the FBI and national security issues.