5 comments about A Mind for Murder: The Education of the Unabomber and the Origins of Modern Terrorism.

1. This was a terribly disappointing book. Author Alston Chase's description of the psychological experiments which Kaczynski was subjected to at Harvard is disturbing, and he makes some interesting connections between the manipulation suffered by Kaczynski and his subsequent rage at 'systems of control'.

   But this potentially valuable insight gets lost in Chase's superficial and obsessive recounting of what he views as a social crisis bought on by 'value-free' education and philosphy. In the process, Chase condemns both academia and those who revolted against it, post-war society and those who pointed out it's failings, the US government and those who would try to move beyond a nation-state. By the end of the book, Chase has variously described Kaczynski as somehow representative of deep-ecologists, anti-globlization protestors, and even islamic fundamentalists (who, whatever their other problems, would not seem to be suffering from a 'value-free' education), all of whom (along with multiple other groups that the author doesn't like) are indiscriminately labelled 'terrorists'.




2. Though Chase does seem to suffer a need to attack what he views as the outcome of "value-free" education, I do not think the book suffers as much from this insistence as does the previous reviewer. In fact, there is much to be gained from such a study.

   Chase's book is an admirable study of both the Unabomber and the postwar currents that converged to contribute to the making of the Unabomber. Thankfully, Chase is wise enough not to offer excuses for Kaczynski's actions, but his research into what made Kaczynski "tick" provide a believable backdrop and a necessary antidote to the popular misconception of the Unabomber as a madman devoid of reason or motive.

   And rather than finding fault with Chase's attempt to tie the Unabomber's actions and theories to those of other "terrorist" groups, I found his arguments convincing, especially in regards to the pervasiveness of the positivistic, supremely rational curriculum of Western universities and the devaluing of the humanities.

   We need more thinkers and researchers like Chase who are willing to make us question our kneejerk reactions to men who make us as uncomfortable as Kaczynski.




3. Mind for Murder is an excellent book by Alston Chase. This book has two main components to it. The first component deals with the life and demise of Ted Kaczynski. The author gives us descriptions of Ted's early years as a child, his high school years, and spends a great deal of time expounding on Ted's time spent at Harvard.
   
   In the author's description of Ted's early years we our shown Ted grew to despise his parents pressuring him to excel academically. His resentment was especially strong toward his father who seemed to remain aloof and somewhat nihilistic till he committed suicide. Ted also resented his mother Wanda because he felt she intentionally subjected him to psychological abuses as a child. These feelings seemed to stay with Ted and even grow as Ted embarked on his college career.
   
   The second component of this book is a cultural analysis that centers around the time period Ted would have been at Harvard and proffers reasons why Ted and others in our modern times have felt the need to resort to terrorism. The author explains how Universities like Harvard used to place a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. Education that was paired with moral virtue. This way of thinking is found in the thoughts of the ancient Greeks who thought reason had to be bound with moral virtue. However, in the 1950s with World War II just having ended and the Cold War looming the universities seemed to adopt the stance of logical positivism. The idea that if something isn't scientifically verifiable it has no meaning. In other words, moral judgments are just the cultural attitudes of the time. Ted would have encountered this line of nihilistic thinking at Harvard. Is it any wonder in later years he would adopt and expound his personal philosophy to mean any ends justified the means? This is especially poignant considering moral judgments to Ted seemed to be just a bunch of efforts at psychological control by the system.
   
   Chase later gives us insightful details of how Ted was used at Harvard by Henry Murray for a psychological experiment. Ted and some other Harvard students at the time were participants in an experiment to submit these persons to dreadful psychological interrogation experiments. The Govt. at this time was very concerned with finding out how to treat or even coerce political prisoners into doing what they wanted. Even going so far as to study and try to learn how to keep the masses under control. Chase gives us historical insight into the Govt. intentionally trying out "new" drugs like LSD on college students, prison inmates, and anyone else it so fancied because surely the Russians had a secret "mind control" drug like this to coerce confessions out of POWs. Ted resented his being tested (even if he was being paid for it) and came to view the techno-industrial system as guilty of imposing unnecessary suffering on the masses. Mind control, feeling like a cog in the machine, depression, irritability, lack of leisure, pollution, were all some of the things Ted blamed on the techno-industrial system. The only way to stop these unjust grievances was to lash out against the system. Even killing if necessary which is just what Ted did.
   
   This is a sad book in some ways but it's a more important work in many other ways. It tells what happens when value gets subjugated below reason. It tells how the culture suffers when ideas like deconstructionism, logical positivism, and structuralism so permeate our culture that nothing has any meaning. Until academics and the culture in general start accepting the fact that reason is only half the puzzle; there is always yin with yang, objectivity with subjectivity, and mind with matter in any accurate depiction of reality. Until we understand these principles and adopt a more holistic approach to reality we are perhaps bound to repeat these same mistakes-the devaluing of society to utter meaninglessness. Worst of all, the suffering of innocents by acts of terrorism and the dependence on antidepressants will continue to be a prominent part of life.



4. A Mind for Murder is a compelling look into what contributed to the creation of the monster known as the Unabomber. It begins in the earlier years of Kaczynski and logs personal event and how these events contributed to his psyche as a murder when he grew. One of the most compelling insights in the book is how he is thought to be insane and a madman. Kaczynski Knew what he was doing and did not what to be declared as insane because his environmental/anti-technology cause would be thought a joke. He took a plea bargain in order to keep the defense from declaring him mentally unstable. I was a amazed at the book and the great insight and detail it portrayed. If you are interested in Domestic Terrorism this is a must read.



5. This book is useful as required reading for college students if the professor would like to help get the students past the trivial debates about whether Ted Kaczynski was a serial killer, ecoterrorist, or what. Far too often, attempts at criminological writing reduce to an essay on a "How crazy were they?" and this book helps correct that, making sense out of an episode in American history which frequently baffles explanation. For a taste of the author's writing, one should look for much of the same writing easily found on the web as a series of articles in The Atlantic.

5 comments about Bloodletters and Badmen: A Narrative Encyclopedia of American Criminals from the Pilgrims to the Present.

1. This book is so big and fantastic I have read it twice. Each criminal and gangster is a story in their own right, and most are dispicable as one can come. The only problem is I wish Nash would put recent killers in his book, ala O.J. Simpson. (or the one armed man who framed him).



2. 
   I bought this book when it first came out in the hardback edition but it got misplaced, somehow so, I was pleased to see the up-dated version available in paper back and I ordered it.
   
   It is a fanatstic book, chuck full of information and pictures and very interesting to read. It's a great book for true crime enthusiasts. I recommend it.



3. I just want to correct the reviewer who called the female murderer Gretchen Baniszewski in his review. Her name is Gertrude Baniszewski.



4. Typical stuff from Nash, one of the premier hacks of our time. Old tales openly lifted from other sources get retold with a lot of tabloid style writing and occasional adherence to facts. There are so many better books out there on crime and criminals. If you care about good writing and solid research, avoid this one!



5. This book was an interesting read from cover to cover, but there are ways in which it could have been improved. For one thing, Nash spends far more time than I'd have liked giving us blow by blow accounts of the exploits of Wild Western outlaws and Mafia gangsters, then gives comparatively short shrift to people who are, arguably, of much more current interest, such as serial killers like Jeff Dahmer or Ted Bundy. Some mass murderers who had already had their sprees when this book was last updated are left out completely, such as James Huberty. In short, Nash seems to have some very clear biases about what "badmen" he felt were important, or interesting, and the others got short-changed, if they were brought up at all. My feeling is that if Nash wants to do books that are primarily about the Old West or the Mafia, let him do so, but when he purports to give us a book that covers the full spectrum of United States violent criminals, I expect a more even-handed approach. Not only that, but a number of serial killers were also left out, apparently for no reason other than that the killer remains unidentified (such as the Zodiac, or the Axeman of New Orleans.) Given the impact and terror that those worthies had on the general public at the time they were operating, their absence here is very hard to take.
   
   Additionally, the book could have really used a more skilled editor to catch all the typos, mis-spelled words and goofs in typesetting. I don't know about other readers, but when I see a grossly mis-spelled word as I'm reading, I stop myself and have to mentally correct it before I can continue. An occasional one that no one caught is, I suppose, forgivable, but the rampant stream of them in this volume was asking too much.
   
   Overall, the book was a good read, but there is definitely room for improvement should Nash ever update it again.

5 comments about Dirty Dealing: Drug Smuggling on the Mexican Border and the Assassination of a Federal Judge-An American Parable.

1. The early history of El Paso (my birthplace) was very interesting to me. My family and I moved overseas when I was 4 years old, so I didn't have much opportunity to know about my home town. To make a long story short,I discovered when I was 27 yrs. old that my "Dad" was not my natural father. I was informed of this books existence in 2003 by a maternal Aunt. Upon reading it, when I turned to page 200 my jaw dropped. The resemblance I share with the picture of Joe Chagra was uncanny. My children had the same reaction. Because of the time line the possibility of Joe being my natural father is not realistic. The book made reference to Lee being a womanizer before he was married, and after. Upon receiving a picture of Lee's oldest daughter many months later (we're about the same age) and the strong resemblance to one another, some of my uncertainties regarding my parentage have been dispelled. I may never know the truth about my natural father, short of DNA testing, so this is as close as I may come. If not for your book Mr. Cartwright, I would probably still be at square one. My mother, also a native El Pasoan, refused to divulge any information to me, hence the almost 18 year seperation, not only for this reason. I hear that Jimmy was reunited with a daughter he never knew about while in prison, but alas it wasn't me. I'll bet she's slim, attractive, with creamy-coffee colored skin though.



2. Like a Greek tragedy, the victims or players as some readers might want to call them, had no way out. All of them, good, bad, rich or poor, got entangled in a spiders' web of which they would never be able to get out.
   
   To some of us, money is the source of all evil. To others money is a commodity, a need, a necessity. The more we have, the more we want, and the more we want, the deeper we get into the quagmire of bad and possibly even evil.
   
   The author, Gary Cartwright, of "Dirty Dealings" does not aim a literary (literally speaking) shotgun at anyone in particular. He points the literary shotgun at everyone. Above all, he does not discriminate concerning the victims or players in the story. He tells it as it is; as it was; as it happened.
   
   The arrogance and dictatorship of many leaves the reader with fear, dread, and apprehension due to the fact that those who were supposed to uphold the honest, honorable pillars of good and justice were just as bad as those they considered the bad seeds of a society. For sure, two wrong's can never make a right, and likewise, two right's can never make a wrong.
   
   Mr. Gary Cartwright not only tells it like it was, but gives the reader an excellent background on the history and culture of city where the injustices by many---good, bad and evil-- took place.
   
   I highly recommend for everyone, regardless of his or her stature in life, to read this book.



3. I've read a lot of true crime books and the best ones take the reader through the mystery and ultimate solving of the crime in question.
   
   Most authors of true crime books realize that they are dealing with criminals, police, and prosecutors and they walk a fine line in trying to tell a story of a crime that has in some unique way become interesting enough to the general public to warrant a book being written.
   
   The author of this book, while going through the facts of these criminals lives and their crimes, from the first page on, glorifies these criminals and their murders and lifestyles. The facts of the crime(s) are secondary in this book to presenting these criminals as heroes because they have used the vast amounts of drug money to become vastly richer then they otherwise would ever become.
   
   In every single page of this book the criminals get the "good" adjectives describing these dope dealers and murderers as "robin hood" types and the judges and the prosecutors get the uncomplimentary words to describe them.
   
   According to the way this author portrays the people who murder and bring drugs into our society they are the good guys and the people who try to put them in prison, to keep them away from our society and children, are the bumbling fools always making mistakes and letting the "good guy criminals" go free.
   
   This author has a chance to present a more fair-sided book but instead opted to glorify the criminals and their drug crimes.
   
   If you don't believe what I say about this author idolizing the dope dealing criminals and murderers, then buy this book and read the first 50 pages.
   
   But don't waste your money and time and pay over 50 cents for it.



4. The true story of the Chagra brothers drug smuggling empire and high rolling gambling is an American classic. It is so engrossing that if you read the first page you will be hooked! ElPaso, Las Vegas, the murder of a powerful federal judge, sex, drugs, movie stars, gambling for extremely high stakes ... it has everything.



5. I enjoyed the story immensely but found the first half of the book before Lee Chagra was killed more interesting than the second half of the book which delved into his brothers' subsequent life of greed and excess. The book was a bit long and I found myself skimming over an excess of detail about Jimmy Chagra's life. There are lots of lessons in this book. A must read in my opinion.

5 comments about Fall: The Rape and Murder of Innocence in a Small Town.

1. "Fall: The Rape and Murder of Innocence in a Small Town" by Ron Franscell is by far right up there with the best true crime book ever written. Set in a small town in Wyoming, two small time criminals commit what would be remembered as one of the most unspeakable crimes of Wyoming's history.
   
   On an autumn night in 1973, Casper, Wyoming is shattered by the brutal murder of 11 year old Amy Burridge and the rape and attempted murder of her 18 year old half sister - both being thrown off of a 110 foot bridge. And the story doesn't end there. Ron Franscell's writing is part memoir as he was a young teenager living in Casper at the time of this tragic event, a neighbor and friend of the two victims. With this writing, Ron wanted to come to terms with what happened and why, delving into the criminal investigation and, most importantly, into the mind of a sociopath. Fall takes the reader to the scene of the crime with eloquently written details and specifics of the case, leaving the reader feeling emotions that run the gamut. - Melanie Craven - truecrimeinsider.com



2. This is excellent. I live in Casper when it happened and was really
   outraged at the two men who could do just a thing. The book was well
   written.



3. The opening few pages of this book are as gripping as they come. Becky has been hurled down a huge cliff by her rapists. Unbelievably, she survives the fall, but seems on the brink of death. "Dragging her deadened legs out of the black water into the black night, she wormed across the sharp stones, naked below the waist, beaten and bruised, in shock" (p 4). Far above her, she can hear her would-be murderers chat. Will they realize she has survived? Will they come down to finish the job?
   
   The story of what happens to Becky and to the rapists is a true page turner. I won't reveal what eventually happens to Becky, but is utterly shocked me.
   
   Franscell is an excellent writer. Beyong the story of the true crime, he always delves into the consequences of evil. An evil that sends waves through the lives of hundreds of people, for years and years beyong the actual crime.



4. This is an excellent book. Few true crime novels manage this level of polished writing, careful and skillful storytelling and sympathy for the victims. Truly a tragic story, but so vivid and powerful I couldn't put it down.



5. Franscell does a masterful job of recounting the tragic crimes in his hometown, Casper, Wyoming. His writing is superb.

4 comments about Hunting the Devil/Pursuit, Capture and Confession of the Most Savage Serial Killer in History.

1. This is the story of Andrei Chikatilo, a sadistic sexual serial killer convicted in Rostov of 53 murders of women and children (although he undoubtedly committed more). Lourie focuses on detective Issa Kostoev, who led the years-long investigation that finally caught Chikatilo, but not before an innocent man was executed for his first murder.
   
   This book provides an interesting insight into the Russian legal system as it struggled to capture Russia's very own "Jack the Ripper."



2. The subject matter of this book - Andrei Chikatilo - is extremely interesting, though unbelievably dark, and the book itself lives up to the task. Chikatilo was one of the most terrible serial killers in history, with 53 official victims (and a few unofficial ones more), and certainly one of the most savage and furious. Here is a man who had orgasms while mutilating genitals and used his knife as some sort of [...]replacement, not to mention the rest.
   
   What I especially appreciated in the book is how is the narrative is shared between the killer and those looking for him, more especially Issa Kostoev, the man in charge of arresting the "Rostov Ripper". As the title of the book suggests, you will learn quite some interesting things about how the pursuit of this killer was led, and what kind of problems the hunting had to face; and that will be quite stunning. Corruption, treason, base sexual desires, etc, etc. While hunting for the Devil, there will be many demons on the way: police officers abusing their functions to beat and rape arrested people, all sorts of mentally challenged perverts thought to be potential killers, etc. The whole thing has a feeling of intense dystopia and is quite stunning.
   
   Both lives this book is concerned with, Issa Kostoev and Andrei Chikatilo, are cast against a background of falling empire, as the USSR slowly went to its demise. It's almost eerie how Chikatilo's own fall coincides with that of the Soviet Block. It's very interesting, because in a way, it all begins with it, and ends with it. Kostoev, as a child, suffered from Stalin's unjust removing and persecution of his whole people (in which he lost many a sibling) and Chikatilo as a child had to go through hard times too (though not quite comparable).
   
   Richard Lourie does a great job of not only exposing the facts of the affair (and he had a ton of document for this, as well as having been with Issa Kostoev personally, attending Chikatilo's trial, having all the documents of the case, including audio-tapes and all) but also in putting all of it in perspective and giving the reader a good insight of Russia and of a society not quite functioning, and changing. The reader is made to follow Kostoev in that long pursuit of that demonic killer which took many years, and many lives.
   
   The writing is gripping; I read the whole book in two readings, reading for 5 hours each time or so. This is truly the best kind of "true crime" I have read, because it does not lose itself into cheap novelisation while suing narrative devices to shape the whole thing into a convincing and riveting book.
   
   I haven't read any other book on Andrei Chikatilo, but this one is definitely a classic on that killer, if only for the documents available to the author, who speaks Russian and knows Russian culture, a fact that is very important and whose impact you can feel reading the book.
   
   The range covered here is impressive: the killer, the dysfunctions of the system, the life of Kostoev as he pursues Chikatilo, Russia, history, etc. It's always relevant and very informative. However, none of these overshadow the gruesomeness of the killings, and you won't be spared details, so not a book for the faint-hearted.
   
   Most definitely one of the best books of the kind, and undoubtedly among the very best books on Chikatilo, if not the best.



3. You will not sleep well after reading this book...that is how shocking, sad, demented, and torturous the subject and the man of this book is. What a horrible fiend who killed for his own deranged reasons, which are disgusting and terrifying at the same time. Wickedness comes in many places, and this man was truly awful. A very interesting and well-written account.



4. This book arrived promptly and in good condition. I've not yet read it.
   
   I'm extremely pleased with both the vendor and the product.
   
   Dr. John E. Touchton Sr.

5 comments about The Killing of Tupac Shakur.

1. I place this book beside another three books on Tupac which I feel are must reads: [1] "Back in the Day" by Darrin Keith Bastfield, [2] "Holler if you hear me" by Michael Eric Dyson, and [3] "Got your back" by Frank Alexander. These three plus Cathy Scott's book paint a complete picture of his life and death. Cathy Scott's book is thoroughly researched but some facts that are commonly excepted as fact are expressed differently by her. It is evident in this book that she wishes she could talk about the investigation into Pac's death but the sad fact is that there is no investigation. Witness's refuse to cooperate and the incidents on the night of his death make the whole situation difficult for the police. Scott tries to circumvent this very hard but in the end she fails. The book also deals with the murders of Biggie, Orlando Anderson, Yafeu Fula and discusses how moronic the "he is alive" theories are as well. Very good book overall and a very quick read.



2. With so much controversy about his death, I decided to get the facts from this shocking, yet very informative book from acclaimed journalist Cathy Scott.

   While also telling you about the man himself, Scott reveals the many flaws in the investigation of the shooting that took place on the night of September 7th, 1996 - the scene of the crime not being secured quick enough, the fatal release of key witness Yafeu Fula, Suge Knight's attorney playing hard to get with Les Vegas Police and the confusion of other witnesses Frank Alexander and Malcolm Greenridge - which makes you wonder just how much effort did police put into this case?

   Not just providing the facts, Scott also presents the many possible motives and turns heads to several known suspects. An interesting read, showing you not only a violent, but tragic story about a young man who lived hard and fast all the way to the end. With information on Tupac's background and other events related to him and his murder, you get to know about the man as well as the musician, with additional comments made by various writers - Kevin Powell, Michael Eric Dyson - and those who knew him well - Jasmine Guy, Suge Knight, a moving letter from his Godfather and a final comment from his mother, Afeni Shakur. The book even uncovers the rapper's mystique - his obsession with death, the alive theories and many other strange coincidences.

   'The Killing Of Tupac Shakur' is a revelation that will both shock and fascinate you in more ways then one. A must have for Tupac fans.




3. 2PAC...was,is,and will be forever in our hearts.
   I really don't know what to believe:is he death or not...because here,in romania a lot of magazines keep saying that he is not death...why?Just becaue they wanna be close to him,or what?
   suspicious events:13th is a day which usually doesn't bring us good news.Interesting is that there weren't any pictures with PAC bleeding.In his song "Life Goes On"he is talking about his own death . The driver of the car,SUGE KNIGHT hasn't been present at the inquiry of the event."i'm not paid to solve murders"said him
   The white cadillac in which where the assasins,just after the murder ,passed near PAC's car,but nobody tdyed to stop theme.
   His video,"I Ain't Mad At Cha"was released rigt after the shoots.
   in that video,2pac was an angel in Heaven...and there are a lot of theories like these...anyway,his lucky number seems to be 7...
   Even if they say yhat he isn't death,I think that we should respect him,even in his death!
   Keep ya head up and folllow your dreams!
   Peace,love and respect for this ANGEL!



4. There aren't many actual facts in this book and honestly, this is slipshod work at best. I am very knowledgeable about Tupac Shakur and truthfully, I would have written a better book. The autopsy photo disturbed me greatly and who took that photo anyway? Whoever took the autopsy photo should be shot! I was not at all impressed by Ms. Scott's conjectures that she tried to pass off as facts. This book is a waste of time and money if you're really interested in the death of Mr. Shakur. I wouldn't recommend this book to my neighbor's dog.



5. I find it hard to believe this author managed to get a book published. She describes the BMW as a $47,000 V8....wrong. '96 750's were V12, and more like $90,000. Difficult to put much faith in whatever else is written when basic facts cannot be nailed down. Scott also describes Run DMC as 'a rapper', good god. One plus, the book is easy to read, because it's written at about a 3rd grade level.

4 comments about Deadly Pretender.

1. Like the equally fascinating true crime masterpiece, Final Vows, the book Deadly Pretender by Karen Kingsbury is too compelling a read to put down until you have devoured the very last page(I read through the night when I could never find a good stopping place!).

   This is the story of David Miller, a successful political lobbyist who many would have envied--wealthy, reasonably attractive, good at his job, accepted in exciting social circles, he seemed to have it all. Yet, inexplicably, David isn't satisfied with these blessings and becomes increasingly addicted to a life of deceit. On his fateful course, he finds himself drawn to higher and higher levels of deception to feel challenged and fulfilled. While some of us are content to take a trip or find a new hobby if life feels flat and dull, not so for this guy. Instead, he raises the stakes all the time, weaving more and more intricate lies as he goes.

   Deciding he was too special to be a mere bachelor OR just a married man, he decides he deserves to be both. This leads to his marrying Dorothy, and convincing his wife that he is an undercover agent to explain his extended absences from home. His ruse allows him to take cruises and enjoy every svelte young lady who meets his fancy, then rush home to Dorothy's arms after his "mission" is over. Had it stopped there, he may have been able to pull off the deception indefinitely, but his escalating need for risk drives him to unethical business practices, bigamy, and the expenses of a dual lifestyle with two different families, ultimately ending in a tragic murder of wife Jayne.

   As hard as it is to believe that the entire twisted tale is true, court documents and trial transcripts support that in this case, fact is far and away more compelling than fiction. And sadly for Dorothy, only too real in the way it ruined her world, and even worse, deprived Jayne of her very life.




2. Very true and shocking story of David Miller, who leads a life of greed and deception. This is my fifth time reading this, and itseems to get better each time. I guarantee you will shake your head when reading this book.
   
   This would have made an OUTSTANDING made for TV or cable movie. I hope the author does consider this at some point.



3. I noticed that someone asked about a movie version of this novel. There is one from about 1996, starring Kim Catrall... it seems not as serious as the novel, almost like a parody, but you seen see how serious it is. The name of the film is "Every Woman's Dream", it was made for TV movie.



4. THIS WAS A GREAT TRUE CRIME BOOK. I COULD DEFINATELY NOT PUT IT DOWN. ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE READ IN A LONG WHILE. IF YOU ARE A TRUE CRIME BUFF, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

5 comments about Broken Summers.

1. Henry Rollins can not write a bad book, i've read every single book he has written and they are all good. He writes how he feels and sometimes it makes you feel better. His situations are outragious and lately his books have had alittle Rollins humor he's the man and you should buy this book, and every other book that was writen by Henry Rollins.



2. This book is great companion piece to both the Rise Above CD and Henry's current speaking tour. Although the book is slow going at times with workout schedules and menu plans it gives a great insight to touring, band realtions and the politics of making a benefit CD.
   You feel for Henry throughout the book that his good intentions are disrupted by other people's agendas and politics and you find yourself hoping he sells 10 million copies of the CD, despite how you may feel about the West Memphis Three.
   Don't bother with this book if you're easily offended by truth. Henry frequently challenges the actions of the US government but it's rather him thinking aloud then going on a full on rant. Give it a try. It'll make you think.



3. This book is by far Rollins' most mature writing. Like other books by Rollins Broken Summers has a journal format which creates a sort of intimacy with the reader. It is interesting to read the ideas, rants and daily goings on of a person as well known as Henry Rollins.

   Make sure to pick up Rise Above - Album To Benefit the West Memphis Three as well. That is after all the whole reason this book came to be at all.




4. Henry Rollins is not your drugged out space case of a musician. Join him as he writes in breathtaking painful clarity about his neurosis, his thoughts and life on the road. Amped only by an abundance of caffiene, it's an intense ride of focused agression, anger and anguish.
   
   If you're a fan if it's a must read. If not - it might open your eyes to someone old school that manages to be brave and new.



5. The title of this review refers to a review I wrote of Rollins' "Unwelcomed Songs". This book, "Broken Summers", showcases Henry #1: funny, articulate and insightful. The man truly gives readers a window not only into his life, but into his mind. Books like this are why journaling is often called an art form.
   
   The only thing that doesn't work here? The added-on Thomas Wolfe tribute chapter, "Nights Below the Treeline". It comes at the end of the book; it's all right for what it is---evidence of Rollins' continued growth as a writer---but it doesn't really fit with the rest of manuscript. But that's a minor concern.
   
   This is a fine work by a talented author. If this is the first Henry Rollins book you've ever read, you're in for quite a treat.

1 comments about The World's 20 Worst Crimes: True Stories of 20 Killers and Their 1000 Victims.

1. The title of the book is deceiving. It sounds very exciting. But the book just does not hold your attention. The writing isn't very good. I am sorry, the book IS readable, but I would not recommend this book to true crime buffs.

5 comments about Presumed Guilty: What the Jury Never Knew About Laci Peterson's Murder and Why Scott Peterson Should Not Be on Death Row.

1. 5 years later, no higher court appeal, no credible request for a new trial, no false arrest/imprisonment/ countersuit, his own defense attorney bailed out on him. He had scratches on his hands consistant with strangling his victim who tried to pull his hands off her throat, and this book tries to make a case out of what he alledges is vital evidence? Get real, the book was about making a buck for the author, pure and simple.



2. Presumed GuiltyMatt Dalton's assignment as a member of Scott Peterson's defense team was to collect evidence that would counter the circumstantial evidence of the prosecution. In my mind, after reading this well written journal of the events surrounding the case, I do not think I could have found Scott Peterson guilty! From what was happening in the immediate area of the residence of Scott & Laci Peterson on the very day she disappeared without a trace to the unusual number of pregnant women who had been missing in an 80 mile radius over three years to other witnesses that never testified and additional autopsy details that were never brought to light and cast doubt on the prosecutions case, this book is fascinating in its detail and evidence which will surely be the basis of the appeal that awaits Scott Peterson.



3. This book gives a different side to the others. Somehow feeling sorry for the defense team.



4. My hat is off to Matt Dalton for writing one of the most fascinating books that I have ever read! I believe that I am only one of a small number of people who believe that Scott Peterson is innocent and therefore an innocent man sits on death row for murders he did not commit. I don't give a rats behind about what the media and the public think about Scott. He is a hated adulterer, not a murderer. He was convicted by the media and the public because he lied about having an affair. How many of us have lied about the same thing? I fear only what this world has come to that we would allow this miscarriage of justice to happen at all. For those who read this book you will have no choice but to come to the conclusion that there was "AT LEAST" reasonable doubt that Mr. Peterson is guilty. On October 29th, 2004, Judge Delucchi states the following: "With all the issues that have been raised in this case, if there is a conviction in this case, this will be an appelllate lawyers petri dish". Even the judge has predicted that this is NOT the end of this case and certainly NOT the end for Scott Peterson.
   
   This book reveals some very interesting facts that cannot be ignored. To do so places all of us in danger and I believe it will happen again because we are allowing it too. We focused on just one person. Instead of tryng to find out what really happened, most people just got angry and saw Scott as the bad guy. I know I did, then I started questioning things that I saw wrong with this case as Mr. Dalton did. People chose to line the pockets of the media personalities that sought only to get rich off of the families that lost their beloved Laci and Conner by writing books with information that was exaggerated and false. If it's the truth you're after, read this book! If you just want to be part of the popular vote, then choose to ignore the facts and stay stupid. I for one hope that justice will someday be served and the real killer/s be brought forth. Until then, just remember that there is a killer/s out there and no one is safe.
   
   Congratulations Matt Dalton! Your book is FANTASTIC!



5. A very compelling case for Scott Peterson's innocence.
   
   Very interesting read.