When I first picked up "Nam Vet" I could not put it down. The text in the book was a mirrored image of my own struggles with "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD). It revealed very clearly that I was not standing alone with my pain related to my combat experiences in Vietnam. Chuck Dean has been able to offer some basic guidelines for recognizing and dealing with PTSD. He will be the first to admit that the concepts he portrays are not based upon medical expertise, but upon Godly principles. If a veteran or family member remains open to the rationale put forth in the "Nam Vet" book, then I'm certain that they will receive something of value from its content. The book is laid out in a simple manner which is easy to understand. Anyone who suffers from any kind of PTSD, whether war related or not, should read "Nam Vet". I have spent several years laboring with Chuck Dean in ministry to veterans. I am convinced that a day does not pass where someone somewhere is assisted by the "Nam Vet" book. I would encourage you to take this vital step towards recovery from PTSD. You will never regret it.

As a Vietnam Vet I have had a lot of the same feelings as described in Chuck Deans book. But had thought that it was just how I turned out. But after reading Chuck's book, It opened my eyes as to what was going on. Not only did I read this book, but my Wife and Kids read it as well. So if you are a Vet and think that you may suffer from PTSD, or want to find out more about PTSD, I strongly suggest you read this book or get a hold of Chuck and Athena's tapes. It will be worth your while.

If you are reading this review, I'll bet you are in your 50's or you have a loved one who is, and you are trying to find some peace from scars that were dug in over 30 years ago. As Vietnam veterans age, and as our secondary casualties (called wives and children) become searching adults, Nam Vet is a MUST READ! Chuck Dean has taken his painful search for peace and shared with the rest of us a mirror into our own troubles. I have carried the burden of being a scary husband and father, and at last I can see I am not alone! I can see the roots of my distrust for "the system," my resistance to authority figures, my hair trigger temper, and rages over stupid things like computer freezes goes back to Vietnam. Nam Vet has helped reinforce for me that only through accepting forgiveness and God's grace can we put down the ruck sack our minds have been trying to carry all these years. It is NOT too late to read this book and start or continue your healing! WELCOME HOME!

This is a great book, even for those of us who are not traditional garden-lovers. It tempts you to plan your weekends and vacations to see the glorious and diverse gardens displayed with lush photography. Now that winter is upon us, this is a great book to read. When it is cold outside, the glorious photos and informative descriptions will color my evenings at home. Congratulations on a wonderful book.

I recently had to do a project on different types of plants and gardens, for my biology class. This book was very helpful, and allowed me to complete my project. The photographs were beautiful, and enjoyable to look at. I would very enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interested in gardening. It was a great book!

Now that gardening has become a major hobby of many Americans,Mary Zuazua Jenkins' beautifully photographed National Geographic Guide to America's Public Gardens is a must. How delightful when traveling in the U.S. or Canada to use this guide and spend an afternoon enjoying one of our finest garden spots. A great Xmas gift.

The Orchard submerges the reader in the lifestyle not only of the Depression era but also that of a small New England farmer. I not only enjoyed reading about Kitty Crockett's triumph's and failures, but I somehow felt that I too experienced them. The book has piqued my interest about this time that I did not live through. There is much to be learned here from the self-reliance and the necessary simplicity of the people that did live through the Depression. It was also interesting to see that many of the issues that Kitty faced in trying to save her family farm, are still faced by small family farmers in New England today.

The late Adele Robertson's story of her attempt to save her family's property by establishing a commercially viable apple orchard during the Great Depression is a true gem. Robertson, who later went on to become an award-winning columnist for the Ipswich Chronicle, writes in a clear first-person voice. At times wildly humorous and often poignant, the story is superficially about growing and selling apples. What it is really about is self-reliance and courage. It is no wonder that so many New England high schools now include this book on their reading lists -- Robertson (with the help of her daughter Betsey, who retrieved and edited the manuscript after her mother's death) has produced a riveting work that speaks to a woman's need to "make it on her own" without ever preaching about it.

The Orchard, a Memoir, is a great book. Last week I was on a long flight back to San Luis Obispo from Omaha and I had this book with me, a gift from my mom. I started reading it and totally forgot about the flight, never noticed the movie they were playing. A good number of times tears were just pouring down my face and I'd wipe them away, wondering if the people on the plane around me thought I was a bit crazy.
But I tell you, I'm crazy about this book! Honestly, I read a good deal and this is easily one of the most interesting, deepest, most powerful books I have read in years. Although true, a memoir, it reads just like a fine novel. I was so totally absorbed reading this rare gem of a find, that it was difficult to realize that the author had died some 20 years ago--she, Adele Crockett Robertson, seems so real, so full of life, so gutsy, so immediate.
Briefly, this is the story of a young girl, a smart, educated girl with a good head on her shoulders, who loses her job in the great Depression, and goes back to the family farm to try and save it from the bank. The many people in the book all come to life perfectly and there are surprises aplenty. I am a gardenwriter (author of Allergy-Free Gardening)and have farmed myself, and I appreciate what Adele went through. I would also add that this is no doubt the best picture of life during the Depression I've ever come across.
I plan to review this book every place that I can, because to my mind, this one is so good, so readable, so well worth reading, so enjoyable, so satisfying, that it completely deserves to be a best seller. Do yourself a favor and read this marvelous book!

Excellent historical novel,ages 10 up, about The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island abandoned in 1587, who disappeared without a trace. What happened to them? Author, Stainer, answers this 400-year-old question mark in American colonial history with an intriguing possibility, that they joined the friendly Croatoan Indians on their nearby island. An accurate, fast-paced account told through the eyes of 14-year-old Jessabel Archarde. Middle school readers will be swept up in the fascinating story of these brave colonists who were in the New World 33 years before the Pilgrims. A must read!

"'I will take care of you," he says quietly. 'This..I promise...For does not the Great Spirit love us both?' It's then that I know I'll be safe....for surely I believe, in my heart of hearts, that what he has spoken is true." Or as so the Lyon's Roar says. This excellent work of historical fiction captivates its readers almost instantly with a likeable character Jessabel Archade. Jess, a 14 year old girl makes the history of the ill-fated colony come to life. Jess witnesses some of the horrible grieves, such as the lost of the only other girl child in the colony, besides little baby Virginia Dare. She witnesses other historic moments. You must read this book. I can't wait to read the other books that will complete the saga. As I said READ IT!

As a Social Studies teacher, I'm always concerned with getting my poor readers to want to read more about history. This is the perfect book, and the series promises even more.The mystery of the Lost Colony is an intriguing one and I find my students turning pages and devouring the story. A remarkable accomplishment! I would recommend all the books to any teacher who wishes to motivate his or her students.

Vergara, in a remarkable combination of matchless photography and philosophical but highly informed commentary, chronicles the shameful destruction of some of our most beautiful American cities. His keen insight into the explosion of tastelessness and banality, combined with his careful time lapse documentation of urban decay, provides a sobering record of urban America. Without proselytizing or advocating any particular solutions, this book will help the reader understand the unprecedented task faced by those who would rebuild and re-energize our lost cities. This is the one book I would take to the proverbial desert island--hours of contemplation guaranteed.

Slums and ghettos are places that most Americans would care to ignore, but Vergara documents these marginalized "communities" with a personal sincerity and social awareness not often found in this field of study. Those who are involved in bringing back to life the urban cores of American cities would be well-advised to study this book and ponder deeply the author's conclusions. I bought this book today, on a whim, and read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. I'd like to see more works by Mr. Vergara.

Anyone interested in the health of our older industrial cities must read this book. The photographs are truly riveting, and the text really sounds like an account of an extinct civilization. The repeat photographs of the same cityscapes over several years' time are particularly captivating, and usually saddening. Mr. Vergara's focus on Detroit is also fascinating, although I can't say that I agree with his proposed solution for downtown Detroit's woes. I'm looking forward to buying Mr. Vergara's "American Ruins," a more recent work.

As a trainer for new agents in the Real Estate business, I am using the chapters on negotiating to help them learn how to help their clients negotiate the best deal. Negotiating does not come naturally for most people and these chapters will help almost everyone. I am buying it a second time because one of my agents liked it so much they wouldn't give it back to me! All buyers should also read this book. An educated buyer working with a buyer's agent is the best way to buy real estate in the United States today!

Feeling like a lamb led to the slaughter? This book provides the tools with which to fight back. Mr. Cummins weaves concepts and real-life illustrations together to create an informative, inspiring book.

As a first time buyer myself I am very pleased I picked up this book. It really gives you the insight of the whole real estate process. It will also provide some excellent lessons learned from someone who knows the industry!

If you are pondering coming out, this is the book to have. I have just begun this process, and this book has changed my life profoundly. I cannot recommend it highly enough, it's like having a wise and reassuring friend who you can come back to again and again. I refer to it every day.

Outing Yourself was such a great resource for me in my coming out. I gave it to four friends and each found it to be equally important to them. Every one of us held on to it--sometimes literally, particularly when the going got rough-- and went back to it when we needed support. I still do so. That's because it breaks the process down into steps and none of us is never fully finished. We're always dealing with these issues. And Signorile understands that rather simplifying it. I don't know what I'd have done without the book.

This book is terrific, for anyone coming out, already out, or considering coming out in the near future. If you're already out, it shows you what you can still do, how to be sure your friends and family don't fall into that trap of ignoring that you're gay after you've told them, etc. If you're in the process, the next step is clearly enumerated for you. It will help you avoid mistakes, things you'd never think of, which will make it easier on you and your family/friends. And if you're planning on coming out, this book will give you hope, and a goal. It will help you to know when you are ready, and what to make sure you have as a security net.
Outing Yourself is a much needed friend, always helpful, always personal and readable. I read it within three days of buying it, and I'm sure I'll refer back to it often.

If you care about real military reform and transformation-this is an absolute must-read book!!

Although this book is primarily written to an Army audience it has applicability to all the Services. No other book has hit the target like this book. Many other books have alluded to problems, but Vandergriff digs deep to find the underlying reasons and causes of this dysfunctional system. He also provides solutions.

"The responsibility for military planning, direction and execution falls most heavily on the officer corps. The officer corps is critical to combat operations. It is the officer corps that reflects the values and characteristics of the military. If the corps is corrupt or incompetent, the whole army [military] will be also." As the Duke of Wellington supposedly remarked: "There are no bad troops--only bad officers." "Military excellence has always depended upon an officer corps which could think creatively about war--one that understood and practiced the art of war." Many of the deficiencies in our defense must be traced to problems in the officer corps.
Although, one can argue that many of the egregious problems of the officer corps in the Vietnam War have been corrected, many of the systemic problems have not. Several surveys done by the Army and the USAF since 1970 indicate there are still significant problems in the officer corps. Certainly, civilians in the Defense Department, the Congress (DOPMA) and the Executive Branch share the responsibility for our defense inadequacies, but a significant portion of these problems must be traceable to deficiencies in the organizational structure and within culture which officers are created, developed, and promoted.
That does NOT mean that most officers are individually to blame. The problems are generally systemic in nature. For the most part, officers in all services are victims of the current system. The problems are rooted in bureaucracy, the officer surplus, how we promote our officers, and in the way we educate them--matters over which only the most senior officers have any significant control. That is why many younger officers are dissatisfied and cynical about the Pentagon and other centers of bureaucracy. They know the shortcomings are NOT due to laziness, disinterest, or lack of dedication on their part. Few other groups put as much effort into their work as our military officers. Physical discomfort and danger, separation from family, and inadequacy of material and authority to do the job are the rule, not the exception. Unfortunately, we have promotion systems that often reward careerism and the courtier--not the truly selfless and those with moral courage
One of the most detrimental aspects of the current military culture is the up-or-out promotion system.

Instead of just analyzing the problem, Vandergriff gives us the foundation for a new system. Vandergriff states that the Army should adopt an up-or-stay (tracked) promotion system.

Vandergriff highlights that the promotion system(s) that drive military culture have a negative effect on our military capabilities. Moreover, some of the effects of the up-or-out system could be described as "corruptio optimi pessima"--the corruption of the best is the worst. As Shakespeare put it, "Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds." We need promotion systems that rewards those of strong and honorable character, people who have the moral courage to speak the truth--not the courtiers who are interested only in self. A promotion system should NOT reinforce the Peter Principle, where every person tends to rise to his level of incompetence.
Instead of using promotion as the sole positive incentive, we should seek alternatives that would link performance with pay and longevity, but reduce the link between rank and pay. Officers performing well should be allowed to stay in positions where they are competent. There would be a tracked system that would allow officers to stay in their main specialty longer. There would not be enough officers to perform all the current jobs, which would be to the good: many make-work jobs would be eliminated. Unit commanders would rotate less frequently, and many decisions made by officers would be delegated to NCOs.

This book is tremdously researched and footnoted. There is no doubt that Vandergriff's "heart and soul" went into this masterpiece. For those hesitant, it will provide cognitive dissonance and more. A great book!

Donald Vandergriff is one of those rare men who live their beliefs. Now, he has written a fine, clear-thinking, heartfelt book detailing the deep flaws in the Army's (and our military's) personnel system. But the book is much broader than that. Although he does not use quite these terms, the text constitutes a demand for a sensible post-modern personnel system that rewards the core military virtues, in place of our current, long-outdated, poorly-performing industrial-age system, a legacy of both Henry Ford's assembly line mentality, in which all parts, even the human ones, are interchangeable, and a bizarre, inchoate conviction within the Army that, really, it's still 1944 and the draft will supply the needed talent to replace that which is squandered. Even now, in 2002, there is a bizarre belief among the Army's hierarchy that every officer (and soldier) is easily replaceable, if not perfectly interchangeable. Well, tell that to corporate America, or the scientific community, or to the arts community. America has achieved its paramount position because we recognize and reward the unique talents of the individual--but our military resists excellence whenever it can (what passes for excellence is a polished conformity to superficial forms). Our broken-down, morally-bankrupt personnel system may be well-suited for the ten-million-man military with which we ended WWII, but it is a travesty when it comes to developing the right Army for the 21st century. Critics may respond that the military is not about individual excellence, but about teamwork--but teamwork based upon excellence is far more impressive than group-think and timid acquiescence based upon lowest-common-denominator professional values. There is not inherent tension between building a team and rewarding talent honestly employed; on the contrary, men and women crave leaders who earn their respect through performance, rather than through currying favor (or simply being born a general's son, the surest path there is to a general's stars). At the very least, we should recognize that a post-modern military does have some different demands placed upon it--a greater requirement for individual initiative and battlefield autonomy--than did our earlier armies of massed infantry divisions. We still need courage and clarity, but the recognition and exploitation of the unique worth of the individual officer may be our greatest potential combat multiplier.
Of course, it is easy to be too pessimistic. We still have the finest Army--and military--in the world. Not all dissent is suppressed, fine ideas, such as Major Vandergriff's, still emerge, despite institutional resistance (more a matter of defensiveness and mental sloth than of maliciousness), and not every officer promoted is a shallow careerist (indeed, in some military specialties the trends are encouraging). In the end, it is not that we are doing so badly, but that we could do far better. For all our might and virtues, our personnel system remains less than the sum of its often remarkable parts. Major Vandergriff has laid out a worthy road map for building the Army of the future, instead of clinging to the Army of the past. We may not wish to drive down every lane he recommends, but he certainly has signposted the main highway with accuracy and clarity.
In my own military career, I slowly came to the realization that, if I could control the personnel system, I could change any organization, but that if I controlled everything but the personnel system, all meaningful change could still by stymied by the bureaucracy (and our military is, above all, a vast bureaucracy). Donald Vandergriff understands this profoundly. This is a worthy, even heroic book by an officer genuinely dedicated to selfless service. We Americans should be proud that such men remain committed to serving our country in uniform.
I strongly recommend this book to military men and women, but also to policy-makers and to the business community, for which it has especially relevant lessons in these days of Worldcom, Enron and Put-on.
This is the work of an officer with whom any soldier would be honored to serve.

It takes considerable courage for a serving officer in the U.S. Army to criticize the institution as well as the culture to which he belongs. But that is the very point that Major Vandergriff makes in his book. He loves the Army, but he is compelled to speak out against the personnel management system which is at the heart of the culture of micromanagement, officer retention problems, and overstaffing as well as impacting the operational art. In Major Vandergriff's mind, a professional can do no less than speak out and tell the truth as he sees it. Shades of Sam Dameon! On the other hand, the careerists bred by over three generations of applied personnel management formulae are unlikely to read this book - lest they see themselves in the mirror. Central to Vandergriff's arguments are the personnel management system's focus on issues of "equality", "individual replacement system", and "taylorism" or the science of management -- all counter to good military operational art. He lays out, detail by detail,how the Army has fallen into the hands of the personnel managers - who definitely affect how the Army fights wars. Why is it that not all our professional officers are more critical? As Major Vandergriff explains, criticism and questioning, no matter how limited, is not welcomed within the ranks. Conformity is the value expected, with little interest in honest debate. Major Don Vandergriff has thrown down the gauntlet in this major work, and he does not expect to win any popularity contests. Although this book directly addresses the Army, all military and naval institutions must feel some of his heat. What is most interesting is that there appears to be some recent interest at very high levels in what Major Vandergriff is saying. The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army has noted Major Vandergriff's arguments, and Mr. David Chu, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, spoke to reporters about personnel management reform in May 2002. Whether Mr. Chu read this book or not is not important. The message is getting out, and with men like Major Don Vandergriff in the ranks, it is beginning to get heard. It is unfortunate that it has taken this long. Kudos to Major Don Vandergriff, and read his book!

For both the aspiring Rainier climber, and the veteran wishing to seek out a new adventure, the first step in a successful climb is to obtain this essential guide book. I found Gauthier's book contained absolutely all the information any climber needs to be successful on a climb of this wonderful mountain, and most importantly be able to come back home to talk about it. Climbers can also be sure that all the information is accurate and up to date due to Gauthier's unique position as the Lead Climbing Ranger for Mt. Rainier National Park. Where I was most impressed with this book however, was with the route descriptions and photographs. As with the rest of the book there is no "fluff" here. The route descriptions cover all the information you need to safely ascend these routes, and have no garbage to wade through to get to it. The clear, easy to follow route pictures set the standard for which I have yet to see an equal (and believe me I have wasted enough money and time looking). I was also relieved to see a guidebook written by someone who truly knows this great mountain, and lives and works on it year-round. Any climber can learn from Gauthier's vast, expansive knowledge and his experience is second to none. All this and it will actually fit in the top flap of your pack! The definitive guide to Mt. Rainier and the only book I will ever recommend.

This is a GREAT book! Incredible photos, excellent route descriptions and comprehensive information make "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" the A-Z directory for your Rainier summit dreams. Gauthier is an expert; his enthusiasm and vast mountain experience are amply shared with the reader. Well organized and easy to follow, the book has 2 sections. The first details everything you want to know when thinking about or planning a Mount Rainier climb; what it takes, how to prepare, what to expect, when to go, where to get current information on permits, weather, route, avalanche conditions, guide services, rescues, and more. The second section is devoted to the 39 climbing routes and variations. These descriptions are easy to read and understand; outstanding photographs with route overlays clearly show the mountain and its climbing routes. All combined "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" is the authoritative book to own when considering any climbing trip on Rainier. You won't be disappointed!

Superior route photography and excellent route overlays set this book apart from all the rest. Gauthier's aerial photographs depict recent glacial conditions, and the generous number of photos show many of the routes from a variety of descriptive angles. The route descriptions are excellent and reflect the author's tremendous knowledge and experience all around the mountain. The first half of the book provides a comprehensive text on skills, strategies, and preparation for climbing Mt. Rainier. Anyone unfamiliar with Rainier- whether a novice climber or a seasoned alpinist- will find a wealth of useful information unique to this mountain. Gauthier addresses not only the fundamentals of mountaineering on Rainier, but provides sound advice coming from years of climbing the mountain in all seasons and conditions. Experienced climbers new to Rainier will appreciate the author's insights to safe climbing strategies on the mountain. Many experienced climbers have underestimated Rainier and have become the subject of a surprising number of rescues on the mountain. The author presents sound principles of "mountain sense", as particular to Rainier as anywhere else, that every climber should learn. Whether you're a novice climber aspiring to climb Rainier, a Rainier veteran looking for a new challenge, or a climber of any ability seeking to learn as much as possible about climbing this mountain, this book is a must-have.

"The Outfit" is a well written, thoroughly comprehensive look at the post-Capone history of organized crime in the city of Chicago. Gus Russo does an excellent job of leaving no stone unturned as he chronicles the Outfit's activity from the jailing of Capone to its decline in the 90s. Along the way we meet the gangsters who made the Chicago mob rich and famous: Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo, Paul "the Waiter" Ricca, "Curly" Humphries, Johnny Roselli,Jake "Greasy Thumb" Guzik, and Sam "Mooney" Giancana. Russo discusses the role of each in making the Chicago Syndicate the power it was in the world of organized crime.

Russo's breezy style makes "The Outfit" an absolute joy to read, deftly mixing facts and ancedotes like a master chef. Read about the takeover of IATSE, the Hollywood union, and the infiltration of the mob into the world of the Hollywood studios; the Mob's entry and takeover of Las Vegas; the infiltration into the Teamsters and the scheming of the Outfit to fix the 1960 presidential election and what happened when they were doublecrossed. It was by no means a smooth ride - along the way Russo details the eforts of law enforcement to balance the books, so to speak, with the result that the Outfit always had to keep scheming, keep looking, for new rackets and businesses to infiltrate. Russo keeps the pages turning with a compelling style that makes the book's 550 pages seem like 100 when you hit the end.

Few books even attempt to cover the history of the Chicago Mob after Al Capone left the scene. Fewer still are this enjoyuable. A must for crime historians and those just interested in a good book.

This is the best and most informative book I've read on the Chicago Sydicate (aka, the Outfit). Mr. Russo really did his homework on this opus on one of the most successful criminal enterprises this country has ever seen. I was particularly interested in the role of Curly Humphreys. This shadowy figure was the backbone of the Outfit and was a brilliant strategist. He is not as widely known as Meyer Lansky, but was just as savvy. There was also much information on the rest of the Chicago bosses and bigwigs (Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo, Paul "The Waiter" Ricca, Sam Giancana, and Johnny Rosselli, among others). There was also some great information on Frank Sinatra and has involvement with various mob families across the country. If you want to read a definitive work on the Chicago Mafia and its far-reaching influence, then this book is it.

This is about as good as it gets in terms of criminal history. I agree with others that some of the secondary sources Russo cites are questionable (my eyes crossed when he cited the discredited "Last Testament of Lucky Luciano"), but Russo does an excellent job of placing the Outfit in historical context and telling their tale. Much previous writing on American organized crime has focused on the fractious and colorful New York families, but after you do a certain amount of reading, it begins to occur to you that the guys in Chicago seem to have a finger in every pie, but (after Capone) a knack for staying out of the papers. Russo makes the argument that the Outfit was actually much more powerful and cohesive than the New York families and had a much greater influence on American politics and culture. He convinced me.

I am also convinced by Russo's basic thesis -- that "upperworld crime" utterly dwarfs underworld crime, both in terms of dollar volume and its affect on society. For example, it would take a thousand Outfits a thousand years to steal as much money as Wall Street did during the dotcom bubble.

Thorough, well-organized, but never dry, this book will probably stand as the best work on the subject for many years to come.