Down the Road: On the Last Day

Book Description

The walking dead. A global crisis. The remnants of America. Around the globe, the dead are rising to devour the living. Hospitals are overrun, and martial law has been declared. The streets are in chaos. Society is disintegrating. In a small south Texas town, the mayor has rallied his citizens against the living dead and secured their borders. Isolated in the countryside, the community holds their own. But when two strangers from San Antonio stumble into town, they bring news of a global peacekeeping force sweeping toward the city. Led by a ruthless commander, the force is determined to secure the republic of Texas on its own terms, and establish a new, harsh government for the plague-ravaged nation. Will the independently fortified Texas town hold out against the flesh-eating zombies and the tyrannical foreign army traveling down the road?

Customer Reviews:

Down the drain with the UN.......2007-09-27

I agree with Patrick S. Dorazio on his review - the story is good but the execution is very flawed. It's too obvious that the author does not think highly of the UN which in itself is not a crime however to assume that European UN peacekeepers would start slaughtering innocent US civilians... I personally could see a planned military coup as being more realistic.. after all the Europeans and other UN members would be too busy fighting their own zombie plague before even thinking of "helping" another nation. The end was also a letdown and I think he can do much better. Maybe next novel...

Small Town Terror.......2007-08-13

I can honestly say that Bowie's take on the zombie attack genere is the most original. I guess its because he tells the story through the eyes of small town life. Its easy to think that small towns will band together but he takes into consideration the different personalities still imbedded in the town. He uses the people and the town and builds so much structured charisma that youd think you could smell the pie sitting on the window sill. He uses the town almost like a character itself, and the people are rich in history and personal struggle. It reminded me of a mix between 28 days and 28 weeks later, showing personal stuggle during a time of great stress and small military side that arrogantly tries to fix what seems to be working.
The story is a fast read, and his words are chosen very carefully. To me it was like reading Fight Club or any Koontz books, it may be a short book but still it reads very quickley. And for anybody that is busy it is a great pick. I appreciate Mr. Ibarra's take on small town life and the struggles they may have during a zombie invasion, it is great to read a book that takes the zombies out of the urban jungles and puts them into your back yard, or even DOWN THE ROAD.

Zombies, government, incompetence, and the Lone Star State.......2007-05-08

Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (4/07)

"We have to kill her"--thus opens Bowie Ibarra's second zombie novel "Down the Road: On the Last Day," set in the same world as his first book "Down the Road," although the second novel is a stand alone work in itself. This fantastic opening sentence draws the reader in as a father and mother come to terms with knowing they must kill their daughter before she kills them; their daughter has been infected with the zombie disease which in the last few days has begun to spread across the globe.

Numerous characters living in the town of Beeville, Texas are the focus of the novel as they struggle against the zombie threat, having to secure their town, kill zombies, and often put loved ones to death before they turn into zombies. For a good part of the novel, the town has lost contact with the outside world, but then television is restored and the townspeople learn the President of the United States is allowing United Nations forces to enter the country to help secure it. These forces are urging people to go to FEMA security camps where they will supposedly be safe. The people of Beeville, however, feel safe already because they have effectively blockaded their town from zombies entering or any potentially infected humans. With the world in crisis, the US government has broken down, and the United Nations forces appear to be seeking world-domination. When the UN forces reach the town of Beeville, they warn the townspeople if they do not surrender and go to the FEMA camp, they will be considered terrorists. When the people refuse, a showdown occurs.

The novel offers some criticism of government ineffectiveness, in the wake of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina. The novel's setting in Texas is interesting because Texas is the only part of the United States that was once its own separate country, and once the United Nations is taking over the country, the town of Beeville, Texas remains the last vestige of independent and democratic America, with images of the Alamo and the Waco showdown in the background. The people of Beeville are capable of caring for themselves, but government intervention causes the zombie situation to become far worse for the townspeople.

Overall, the novel is fast-paced and enjoyable to read. The apocalyptic situation reminded me of Stephen King's "The Stand" but I felt "Down the Road" was actually more fun and better thought out. I felt the beginning had too many characters, and not as much character development as if the book had focused on the viewpoints of just two or three main characters rather than twenty, so that occasionally I could not distinguish between them; however, overall, the multiple characters kept the action fast-paced as the zombie threat was depicted in various parts of the town. I wish more had been explained about how the plague of zombies started. There was a passing reference to the character George Zaragosa, the main character from Ibarra's first novel. But what happened to him is not really clear from reading this second novel, and I only knew he was from the first novel from reading the advertisements for the publisher's other books in the end pages. It sounds like George brought the plague into the United States from a visit to Mexico, which suggests further political commentary on the US's failure to keep its borders secure from aliens.

"Down the Road: On the Last Day" is enjoyable reading for anyone who likes apocalyptic stories and a fast-paced action or horror novel. Those who choose to read at a deeper level will enjoy the novel's social criticism.

Great Zombie Book........2007-03-17

The book had alot of actions. Zombies moved and acted like our old favorite zombies.I would have enjoyed the book more if it had alittle less sexual content. It was like a horror with a little porn. ;)

Are you ready to go back Down the Road?.......2007-02-28

A Plaque is sweeping the country. The Dead are rising and they are attacking and devouring the living. The Government is trying to contain it but with no success. Civilians are taking up arms and banding together in hopes of surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. Civilians in a small south Texas town has banded together and fought off the Zombie Hordes. They have successfully quarantined their town from the the chaos that has consumed the outside world. Everything seems to be going good and they believe that they will be able to survive the zombie plague. Two strangers from San Antonio soon arrive with news that will threaten the towns very existence. They learn that it isn't only the undead they have to fear. A global peacekeeping force lead by a brutal and ruthless commander is heading towards their town. He mission is to round up all civilians and send them to refugee camps. Anyone who will not give up their arms and comply with his orders are mercilessly executed.

A showdown to about to happen in this small Texas town. The residents will have to not only fight the endless hordes of the bloodthirsty dead, but a madman and his army of thugs that wants to destroy all remnants of American life. The town will have to unite and fight for not only their way of life, but their very existence. It is time to go back Down the Road.

I loved Mr. Ibarra's first story so when got my copy of On The Last Day I was expecting nothing but great things, but I must say that my expectations were actually exceeded. I enjoyed On The Last Day more than I did his first installment. I was completely consumed in the world Mr. Ibarra created. Zombie fans will be completely satisfied with this story. It has loads and loads of blood and guts, and action from beginning to end. On The Last Day is also a very deep story with great pacing and deep characters. Mr. Ibarra is starting to perfect a writing style all his own. He is becoming one of the premiere names of Zombie fiction and he will be a force to be reckoned for a long time. Permuted Press is producing some of the best Horror Fiction available today and On The Last Day has to be one of the best releases to date. I cant wait to see what they give us next.

I highly recommend On The Last Day to all Zombie Fiction fans. It is one of the best Zombie stories ever written in my opinion. Go grab a copy for yourself and see what I mean.

Average customer rating:

Unexpected Read
Wow.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
A book of shock
Not for kids, but a GREAT book!

Road Of The Dead (Push Fiction)
Kevin Brooks
Manufacturer: Push
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mysteries | Teens | Subjects | Books

Violence | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Mysteries | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

What Happened to Cass McBride?
The Rules of Survival
Christopher Killer: Forensic Mystery 1 (Forensic Mystery)
Life As We Knew It
Just Listen

ASIN: 043978624X

Book Description

On a storm-ravaged night, a 19-year-old girl is kidnapped, raped, and killed. Three days later, her two younger brothers set out in search of her murderer. Cole, 17, is a dark-eyed devil who doesn't care if he lives or dies, while Ruben, 14, is a strange child who sometimes, inexplicably, experiences sensations above and beyond his own. This is the story of the boys' journey from their half-gypsy home on a London junk lot to the ghostly moors of Devon, where they hope and fear to find the truth about their sister's death. It's a long road, cold and hard and violent. It's THE ROAD OF THE DEAD.

Customer Reviews:

Unexpected Read.......2007-08-26

I absolutely love this book!

When I first started reading this book I must say it was hard to actually continue, not because it was violent or anything, but maybe a tad to slow. When I got over that hump however it was brilliant. Each character is 3 demensional and real. You hate the villians and you love the heroes. What can I say? It's a great read that includes a little bit of romance, finding oneself and mystery.

Wow........2007-07-10

Kevin Brooks, The Road of the Dead (The Chicken House, 2006)

I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting The Road of the Dead to be. Horror novel, maybe. Typical YA coming-of-age tale written well enough to have garnered the attention of critics I trust. Something like that. For some reason, even after reading the jacket copy, what I was not expecting, in any way, was what I believe is the first hardboiled YA mystery novel I've ever read. Being as it's the first, it would be kind of silly for me to also say it's the best. That said, I'm having something of a hard time imagining one better.

The story focuses on Ruben and Cole, two brothers whose sister Rachel has just been killed. Their mother wants the police to release Rachel's body for burial; the police won't do so until her killer is identified. Cole decides to investigate for himself. Ruben tags along, unwanted but valuable; Ruben, it seems, has a sort of low-level ESP that we learn of when it allows him to be with Rachel as she's being murdered. Ugly stuff, that. In any case, the two of them get to the town where she was found--an insular, rural place that will be instantly recognizable to anyone who's seen the movie Deliverance--and find out relatively quickly they're not wanted. Cole, being the belligerent sort, doesn't care. That's when things start getting interesting.

If you've read a few hardboiled mysteries, you should know what to expect. There's a good deal of fighting, a lot of tough-guy speak, that sort of thing. Brooks writes it all wonderfully, with an excellent sense of pace and interesting characters. It may take a while to grab you, but once it does, it won't let go. ****

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-03-08

Ruben knew exactly when it happened. He was sitting in the backseat of an old Mercedes in his family's salvage yard when the feeling came over him. Ruben often left his own body and could attach himself to others. He could sense their thoughts and emotions. This is what happened when he felt his sister, Rachel, get attacked and murdered. He knew exactly the moment Rachel's life was taken from her.

Even though he knew it had happened and knew that the Dead Man killed her, Ruben didn't say anything to his family. He hoped he might be wrong. He realized he wasn't when the police contacted the family. The details were simple: Rachel, nineteen years old, was visiting an old school friend in the small village of Lychcombe on Dartmoor. After her visit was over, she left and made her way toward London to return home, but never made it. Her body was found the following morning, strangled, raped, and battered.

The most important thing to the family was to get her back. They wanted to bury her and put her to rest. After a trip to the police station to find out how long her body would be held, the family found out that the police would keep her until the case was closed; meaning the murderer had to be caught. The problem with that was, Ruben knew the murderer was already dead and buried and the case wouldn't be solved anytime soon.

Ruben's older brother, Cole, wasn't going to sit around and wait. He planned to go to the village to find out what happened himself and he planned to go alone. He didn't want his younger brother going along to worry about. Ruben knew what Cole was thinking, though, and his mother wanted him to go along to make sure Cole didn't get himself hurt. Cole's temper tended to get him in trouble. He took after his gypsy, bare-knuckle fighter father who was sentenced to a prison term for killing someone.

Even though their mother was worried about Ruben and Cole going away to look into the murder, no one could foresee the trouble in store for them once they started digging into Rachel's murder. As soon as they arrived in the village they knew they weren't welcome. Secrets were everywhere and no one wanted them to be dug up. Secrets that involved the entire village. Secrets that would lead them to pain, torture, death, and eventually the truth.

Kevin Brooks doesn't let us down. He has provided another heart-pounding, deeply emotional story with strong characters. THE ROAD OF THE DEAD is a great place to start if you haven't read any other books by this creative and unique author.

Reviewed by: Karin Perry

A book of shock.......2006-10-29

This book was one of my favourites involving two younger boys in their teens and their murdered sister Rachel which they loved so much.
While their mother is still worried and scared at home thinking about her husband (a gypsy) arrested for beating up and killing another guilty man her two older boys set out to find out how Rachel was killed( a huge mystory)
They find themselves were she was (a small small town) and start investigating.
This book is well described and full of scary adventures leading to danger and possibly death. the adventure is nicely tied in with gohstly tales and chills. It was so interesting and you could never predict what was next.
You can relate to the charactors or atleast understand them.
I cant get over how well it's described and written.
Once you get to the end of the book you will never beleive what happens next.
You find out more about Cole and Ruben's tough family , their friends , their enemies , Why Rachel and how Rachel was murdered , and how it ends up for Cole and Ruben.
At times it was a little gross but not in a disturbing or sexual way. it was just told so talently that you could picture yourself being right there at the scene of the crime.
But, one of the coolest parts of the story that makes you apreciate and understand The charactors so much is their relationship with Rachels and Ruben's Speciol Power.

Buy It, Read it, Finish it!

Not for kids, but a GREAT book!.......2006-08-29

The graphic details of torture and fighting, the acceptance of revenge and violence - these things stop it from being a book appropriate for young men. Any child (aged 11-16) who reads this book would get the impression that revenge and violence are perfectly acceptable ways of dealing with tragedy.

The books itself was awesome! I was hooked from the first page and finished it quickly. At the end I was left wanting to know what else happened, which I do believe makes any book a good one. Kevin Brooks writes with such detail you feel as if you're right in the book with Cole, Ruben, Rachel and the other characters.

More than worth your while, however if you're thinking of this as suggested reading for the YA set, think again.

Average customer rating:

Perhaps Burroughs' Best
fairly entertaining but not b's best
Burroughs at his Best
THE MASTER DOES IT AGAIN
Hyperdimensional and ecstatically conceived

The Place of Dead Roads: A Novel
William S. Burroughs
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Cities of the Red Night: A Novel
The Western Lands
The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead (Burroughs, William S.)
Nova Express
Interzone

ASIN: 0312278659

Book Description

A good old-fashioned shoot-out in the American West of the frontier days serves as the springboard for this hyperkinetic adventure in which gunslingers lead by Kim Carson fight for galactic freedom.AUTHORBIO: William S. Burroughs was born in St. Louis in 1914.His many other works include NAKED LUNCH and JUNKY.Described by Norman Mailer as one of America's few writers genuinely "possessed by genius," he died in 1997.

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps Burroughs' Best.......2005-04-08

In my opinion William S. Burroughs was one of the greatest authors of the 20th century.
In this masterpiece the author weaves an incredible series of vignettes, sometimes horrific, into a cohesive and powerful story.
Disturbing, surreal and powerful.

fairly entertaining but not b's best.......2002-02-01

the book starts off well with some deft writing on wild west style duels and guns--burroughs knows his shootin' irons. then there is some good stuff on dividing humankind (and et's too) into johnsons (the good) and non-johnsons (the bad, including the english, the arabs, the venusians, but not the french, who are johnsons.) along way are a few one-liner jokes so funny you have to slap your leg. and in the middle of the book are two wonderful
chapters, one evoking a feeling of loss, the next about a fake rural town peopled by fake rustics, johsonville, that is absolutely hilarious. and toward the end there's an astonishingly funny chapter on kim carsons, the gunslinging hero, being fitted for a proper english suit by an english tailor after entering the shop in a medieval cape that reeks of black palgue. and then near the end as well there's a proper bourroughs's list of the inner circles of hell, including bald, mid-aged men giving birth to centipedes from egg sacks on their heads. that is, there's b at his hallucinatory wildest here and there, but for too many pages there's just dull claptrap attempting to hold the sharper visions together in a ho-hum good vs evil (johnson vs non-) plot. not as stylistically even as b's more sober books such as junky and queer, and not as consistently stoned as naked lunch, but definitely readable.

Burroughs at his Best.......2001-09-07

This may be the most accessible of all of Burrough's books, and proves his brilliant command of the language. He starts with an incredibly strong novel, and then takes us on a head trip through the joys and evils of modern civilization. Remarkably coherent, considering the ground that he covers. Like a few other things, you really can't explain it - just try it and you'll see.

THE MASTER DOES IT AGAIN.......2001-02-15

WILLIAM BURROUGHS AT HIS BEST, PERIOD. DOING HIS VERY OWN VERSION OF NIETSZCHE'S "THE GENEALOGY OF MORAL", BURROUGHS TAKES US ON A TIME AND SPACE SPANNING TRIP TROUGH THE REALMS OF THE SLAVE-GODS, THE LANGUAJE VIRUS (EVER PRESENT IN BURROUGHS MITHOLOGY) AND THE INVADED WOMAN-VESSELS FOR THE CATHOLIC DECEASE, BURROUGHS PROVES ONCE MORE THAT HE CAN DO WHATEVER HE WANTS WITH LANGUAJE, A TRULY MASTERPIECE THAT EXPANDS SEVERAL UNIVERSES WIDE. DO NOT DARE TO MISS IT.

Hyperdimensional and ecstatically conceived.......2001-02-01

In "The Place of Dead Roads," the second volume of the "Cities of the Red Night" trilogy, Burroughs continues his scathing deconstruction of Western society, making a murderously funny mockery of hypocrisy and hum-drum normality. Written with a practiced mix of anger and nostalgia, "The Place of Dead Roads" is like a prison confession written in some other dimension, a rollicking synthesis of Burroughs tropes old and new. Join Kim Carsons on his nightmare quest to rid the planet of its addictions: it's a surreal and haunting literary journey, the last 100 pages of which witness Burroughs at his visionary best.

Take the Road to Creativity and Get Off Your Dead End

Average customer rating:

A breezy and interesting tour de force of creativity.

Take the Road to Creativity and Get Off Your Dead End
David Campbell
Manufacturer: Center for Creative Leadership
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas
The Gift: Imagination and the Erotic Life of Property
Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World
If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably End Up Somewhere Else
Presence: An Exploration of Profound Change in People, Organizations, and Society

ASIN: 0912879912

Customer Reviews:

A breezy and interesting tour de force of creativity........1999-03-04

This book delves a bit into the dynamics underlying creativity. It covers the phases of creativity, characteristics and backgrounds of creative people, the kinds of families that produce creative people, characteristics of creative managers, and seven blocks to creativity in organizations. There is a good annotated bibliography. A breezy and interesting book.

Cooking With the Dead/Recipes and Stories from Fans on the Road

Average customer rating:

My recipe-- Caution--- Disclaimer
Love it
Simple vegetarian recipes and fun to read!
How many ways can you make grilled cheese?
Thanx Elizabeth...........

Cooking With the Dead/Recipes and Stories from Fans on the Road
Elizabeth Zipern
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Vegetables & Vegetarian | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Made With Love: Stories, Recipes and Crafts From Greatful Dead Fans
Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock

ASIN: 0312954832

Amazon.com

A culinary journey into the psychedelic world of one of America's most well-loved bands, this book brings you scores of quick, easy recipes for the favorite vegetarian delicacies of Grateful Dead followers everywhere. Author Elizabeth Zipern spent nearly five years following the Dead, and she captures the spirit of the fans who ladled out soup and stir-fry in parking lots across America, trying to produce food good enough to pay their way to the next show.

Customer Reviews:

My recipe-- Caution--- Disclaimer.......2003-10-24

Ok, my recipe is in this book, but I have never made it from the measurements listed. It would probaly make 40 pounds of noodles anyway. On the lot I just kinda put things togther without measuring (My bus did not have room for measuring cups anyway) But this book is fun!!! Elizabeth wrote this with a lot of love. I would still be out there cooking for everyone if I could. So much love for one lifetime!!! Thanks Jerry!!!

Love it.......2001-01-11

"Cooking With the Dead" is full of fabulous pictures and interviews with Deadheads and some great recipes. I was kind of disappointed that there were recipes for beef kabobs and tuna melts in what I had thought would be a vegetarian cookbook, but I overlooked them. 3 Bean Veggie Chilli is a tasty dish I have enjoyed making. The Gilly Melt is quite tasty, and I am very intrigued by "Wheel-of-Creation-Vegan-Organic-No-Electricity-Sprouted-Wheat-Berry Pizza", I long for a wheat grass grinder. The Energy Nuggets are really great as are the Apple space cakes. Its a fun cookbook, and memoir of a people.

Simple vegetarian recipes and fun to read!.......2000-08-29

I bought this cookbook while on vacation in the north woods; lots of the recipes were perfect for cooking in the tiny cottage kitchen and on the grill...but I had to wait until I got back to my local organic co-op for a lot of other frequently-used ingredients like tahini, tamari, nori, and rice wine vinegar.

The best part for me is that this is the only cookbook that ever caught my husband's interest and inspired him to do any kind of cooking that didn't involve a box of mac and cheese and the microwave! Since I bought this book he's made three kinds of burritos for dinner!

How many ways can you make grilled cheese?.......1999-12-27

While I love the Grateful Dead and had many great times in the lots eating and partying, I was a little disappointed in this book. It oversimplifies the variety of people in the lots and the food offered. But, for nostalgia's sake, I have to say that I read it a number of times and got a lttle teary looking at the pictures. If anything, buy it to support a fellow Deadhead and get a few good recipes in the meantime.

Thanx Elizabeth..................1999-09-20

I prepare the black bean burrito recipe often, and it's a family favorite. There are many other nice recipes as well. The stories are also interesting, especially when one considers that the GD touring lifestyle is pretty much over.

Thanx Elizabeth.

Goin' Down The Road: A Grateful Dead Traveling Companion
Average customer rating:

BUY THIS BOOK

Goin' Down The Road: A Grateful Dead Traveling Companion
Blair Jackson
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Voice | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Rock | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Grateful Dead Gear: The Band's Instruments, Sound Systems, and Recording Sessions, From 1965 to 1995

Dead Reckonings: The Life And Times Of The Grateful Dead (The Companion Series)

Dead to the Core: An Almanack of the Grateful Dead

Living with the Dead: Twenty Years on the Bus with Garcia and the Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead Reader (Readers on American Musicians)

ASIN: 0517583372
Release Date: 1992-10-06

Book Description

The ultimate Dead traveling companion from the editors of the ultimate Dead fan. magazine, The Golden Road.

No Grateful Dead fan will be able to resist Goin' Down the Road. Here is the history of the band, as revealed in interviews with Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Robert Hunter, among others; memories of the band's early days; a tribute to beat hero Neal Cassady, a defining influence on the band; background on the traditional and blues songs the Dead cover in their shows; and descriptions of their most memorable concerts -- an invaluable catalog of concert tapes.

While countless other bands have enjoyed moments of glory only to fall into pop cultural obscurity, the Grateful Dead have kept on trucking for more than twenty-five years. Renowned for the intensity of their interest, Grateful Dead fans will find what they're looking for in this book: a fresh perspective, with much new material, on the object of their devoted attention.

Customer Reviews:

BUY THIS BOOK.......1998-06-10

I have read many dead-related books, but this is by far the most interesting and well written. It's worth buying for many reasons, but the highlight for me is the chapter on Donna. If it were not for this book, I would have continued to believe all the narrow minded comments I heard about her over the years. This interview may have actually started the Donna rennaissance which culminated with the emotional welcome she received at the Philharmonia benefit in December 1997. Even if you think you know everything about the Dead you'll be surprised by this book. As we always say at our house, "it's all about the music." P.S. - Look for new Blair Jackson title scheduled for publication Fall '98!

There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos: A Work of Political Subversion

Average customer rating:

Essential handbook of American politics
You have to be the change
Good grief! Don't let morality interfere with profiteering!
awesome book
Give 'em Hell, Hightower!

There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos: A Work of Political Subversion
Jim Hightower
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Political | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

U.S. | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Let's Stop Beating Around the Bush
War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning
Thieves in High Places: They've Stolen Our Country and It's Time to Take It Back
If the Gods Had Meant Us to Vote, They'd Have Given Us Candidates
Thomson Advantage Books: American Government and Politics Today, Brief Edition, 2006-2007 (Thomson Advantage Books)

ASIN: 0060929499
Release Date: 1998-08-19

Book Description

Revised, and with a New Introduction by the Author

"I am an agitator, and an agitator is the center post in a washing machine that gets the dirt out."
--Jim Hightower

Hightower is mad as hell and he's not going to take it anymore! He's also funny as hell, and in this book he focuses his sharp Texas wit, populist passion, and native smarts on America's political, economic, scientific, and media establishments. In There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road But Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos, Hightower shows not only what's wrong, but also how to fix it, offering specific solutions and calling for a new political movement of working families and the poor to "take America back from the bankers and bosses, the big shots and bastards."

"If you don't read another book about what's wrong with this country for the rest of your life, read this one. I think it's the best and most important book about out public life I've read in years."
--Molly Ivins, author of Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?
"When do we get to vote for Jim Hightower for president? Will somebody please tell me? When do we get to vote for Jim Hightower for president?."
--Michael Moore, author of Downsize This!
"Listen to Jim Hightower. His is a two-fisted, rambunctious voice unafraid to speak truth to power, eloquently and clearly...He's one of the best."
--Studs Terkel

Customer Reviews:

Essential handbook of American politics.......2006-01-04

Agree or disagree, this book takes you through all the madness of politics since the rise of Clinton - yes, Clinton. Though Hightower is a populist liberal, he takes Clinton to task for being complicit in the gradual decline of the people's voice in government, bowing instead to corporate interests who want everything from tax-deductible CEO salaries (ever wonder why they were so high?) to looser regulations on the food we eat (recent food poisoning cases come to mind). If you're a Republican, you can't blame this book on a Bush-bashing mentality. Democrats have their problems too.

You have to be the change.......2005-04-29

In this book, Hightower mainly goes over corporate greed and how our politicians will cut social programs (that especially effect the elderly and poor), but will keep increasing corporate welfare. He also makes fun of Clinton, Limbaugh and a few others.

More than the politicians though, I blame the American people because most people simply do not pay attention. Recently a survey was given to people who voted in the 2004 Presidential election and 70% of Americans couldn't even name one bill that Congress has passed since January. 70% - and that is the people who voted in the last election, 79 million citizens over the age of 18 didn't even vote. That just gives you a feel for the level of political apathy in this country.

Here is some information from the book:

- The real cause of breast cancer can be linked to harmful chemicals which are dumped by companies.
- Our taxdollars subsidize products being advertised to Japan, or outsourcing jobs to Puerto Rico!
- Basically our media is propoganda for corporations.

This is a entertaining book and Hightower makes it easy for people to understand government policy. I would recommend "Thieves in High Places" over this book though because it is more current :0) Also you can visit www.jimhightower.com if you would like too see some current news or things he is working on.

Good grief! Don't let morality interfere with profiteering!.......2004-09-18

Nobody is safe from the sharpened teeth and wit of this political watchdog, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Though "Armadillos" is an older book, published in 1997, it is still valid today. And those of you who think he's swinging too hard at Pres. Bush will enjoy watching his energy focused on Clinton, who was Pres then.

This is what I mean when I say Jim Hightower is not necessarily anti-Bush; he is anti corporateering and pro working-citizens. He will aim his sights at anyone, regardless of partisan politics, and expose their greedy, pork-filled underbellies.

"Armadillos" is divided into five basic sections; Class War, The Media, Pollution, and Politics.
In Corporateworld, Hightower exposes such big-money deceptions as Corporatized Medicine. While we sit back and debate whether or not socialized medicine is a worthwhile route, the HMO's and Corporations have taken over our health care to line their own pockets and serve no one but themselves. Also note his timeline comparisons to the old Robber Barons, and the similarities of today's working place. And watch out NAFTA, Hightower is on to you!

In Class War, Hightower emphasizes the growing chasm between the filthy rich and the working-class right here in America. Fortunately, anything this top heavy must eventually topple over, especially when their supporting base becomes unstable. (translate to unhappy and no longer willing to hold them up) Of particular note in this chapter is Hightower's revisiting the origins of our holiday, Labor Day; by itself this makes the chapter Class War shine.

In The Media, Hightower exposes the media bias long before "Out-foxed" was ever made. Anyone remember the 1994 "Telecommunications Deregulation" bill that was supposed to create more competition in the telephone and cable choices we everyday citizens have? How many choices do you have now? If you are like me, there is One Mega-Monster provider that services your area and that is that. I still have no choice and I'm paying 10 times what I used to.

Pollution is the best chapter in the book. Here, Hightower charges in, no holes barred, and shows up the corporate greed, incompetent government agencies, and fat-belly back scratchings that are keeping this country polluted and compromising our health everyday. From meat-packing to organochlorines, no polluter is safe. I have recently read a very disturbing book called "Slaughterhouse" by Gail Eisnitz, and here in "Armadillos" Hightower proves that what Ms. Eisnitz exposed has been going on for a very long time.
Taking a huge risk here, Hightower even stands up against the "feel good" events such as the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How dare he attack such a noble and gentle association? Because the sole funding source of BCAM is Zeneca Group, a huge multibillion-dollar corporation named in a 1990 lawsuit for dumping DDT and PCB's into Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors. What, you say? Zeneca produces cancer causing, chlorine based pesticides, most of which are dumped into our environment, then has the nerve to tell us women that its our "fatty diets" or our "lifestyles" causing our illnesses. To put icing on top of this putrescent cake, Zeneca also owns a pharmaceutical company that produces a treatment drug for breast cancer. Give it to `em, then charge `em to try and cure it.
During the next BCAM campaign, watch to see if any mention is made to organochlorines and their links to cancer. You won't find any.

The last chapter, Politics, sounds more volatile but is actually a gentle sliding out of the book. Making more and more sense, Hightower warns us that instead of being so partisan, we need to question the ethics of each and every candidate, especially where their monetary interests are.

"Armadillos" is still in tune with the problems of this country, and what I really like about him is that he points out ways for the reader to fight back, so you are not left all riled up with no comb in your hand.

His humor is both sharp and refreshing, and he infuses it heavily into his written works, making palatable even the most horrible of subjects. One of my favorite ideas of his is the Candidate Stickers; just like racecar drivers wear patches and stickers showing their sponsors, so should our politicians. Hightower paints a very funny picture of a debate with sticker-covered candidates, the only part that is not so funny is that while we argue party against party, the candidates are wearing the same corporate logos on their 1K suits.

Hightower uses extensive reference to real occurances here, naming bills and corporations, providing dates, and showcasing the organizations that are making a difference. This is a great book for those just becoming politically aware, and for old veterans of the partisan wars alike. Hightower's witty prose and down-home humor actually make politics a fun read. Enjoy!

awesome book.......2003-08-22

hightower is absolutely hilarious. Being from Austin, Texas, this book is even more incredible to hear the tales again of what goes on here, but from a more truthful perspective than the media. Unlike some "conservative" authors, Hightower criticizes the entire system that's got us where we are- including the democratic party.

Give 'em Hell, Hightower!.......2003-02-14

I voted for Jim Hightower (for Land Commissioner or something like that) way back when I'd just turned 18 and was able to vote for the first time. I'm very glad to see he's still fighting for the little guy. I live abroad, and whenever anyone asks where home is, I always used to proudly say, "Texas!" These days, it's getting harder and harder to be proud. At least with Bush the First, we could say, "Well, he's not really a Texan." But Junior...well, there's really no denying it, is there? He embodies every negative stereotype of the Texas millionaire.

But when I read Hightower, I remember all the good things about Texas, and about America, too. People like Jim Hightower and Molly Ivins make me proud to be a Texan and an American--people who cut through the lies and take on the big boys without a drop of fear in their hearts...just because it's the right thing to do.

Home Before Daylight: My Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead
Average customer rating:

Boring book

Good insider book

Good book

When the musics over; write a book

Fun, fast, and interesting read...

Home Before Daylight: My Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead
Steve Parish , and Joe Layden
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rock | Composers & Musicians | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Rock | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Living with the Dead: Twenty Years on the Bus with Garcia and the Grateful Dead

Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead

Conversations with the Dead: The Grateful Dead Interview Book

Garcia : An American Life

Dark Star

ASIN: 0312333994
Release Date: 2004-09-23

Amazon.com

The life of rock band roadie would hardly inspire the likes of say, Emile Zola. But Steve Parish's 30+ year tenure with the Grateful Dead, the Jerry Garcia Band, and its survivors makes for compelling reading, even if his low-key, often self-deprecating reportorial style can't hope to begin to unravel the complex psychology that drove the symptomatic excesses---and all too many tragedies--of the 60's most enduringly emblematic American band. There's more here than sex, drugs, and rock and roll, even if Parish's writing struggles to encompass the meaning of it all. And make no mistake; The Dead and their coterie were, in the estimation of unlikely Deadhead Joseph Campbell, nothing short of potent modern mythology evolving before his very eyes. In the fallout of one memorable backstage incident, the author even found himself parodied by John Belushi in an SNL skit written by Deadheads Al Franken and Tom Davis. Parish casts little judgment on the oft-debauched actions of his cohorts here, though he often stops to note the brightness of their humanity. A paradoxical marriage of unrestrained hedonism and radical Christian social conscience, The Dead's world seems to still baffle Parish. His continued wonderment at it all is one of the book's charms; his tortured sense of helplessness in the addiction-fueled decline and death of Jerry Garcia, its spiritual and musical leader, its most tragic mystery. --Jerry McCulley

Book Description

The untold story of life on the road with the Grateful Dead, written by an insider who lived it from the early days to today.Steve Parish was never one to walk the straight-and-narrow, even during his childhood growing up in Flushing Meadow, Queens. Busted as a teenager for selling acid in the summer of 1968, Parish landed in Riker's Island. The experience changed him and after getting out he did his best to stay out of trouble, securing a job moving music equipment at the New York State Pavilion. The first show he worked was a Grateful Dead concert in July of 1969 and Parish was captivated by the music. A life seemingly headed nowhere had suddenly found its calling as he fell in quickly with a band of likeminded misfits who formed the nucleus of what would be the greatest road crew in rock 'n' roll history.Parish traveled to California where his apprenticeship began. Working for the band for free and learning his craft, Parish got to know Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Billy and Mickey and through the years their relationships forged an unbreakable bond. He became very close with Garcia in particular, acting as his personal roadie and later manager for his solo performances and Garcia Band shows. He was there during times of trouble (like when a pimp held Garcia hostage at gunpoint in a New York hotel room), spending hours by his bedside when Garcia was in a coma in 1986, and performing the duties of best man at his wedding. He was also the last friend to see Garcia alive. Throughout the Dead's historic run, there were parties of biblical proportion and celebrity run-ins with everybody from Bob Dylan to Frank Sinatra--but there was a dark side to life on the road and tragedy didn't just strike the musicians.But Home Before Daylight is a story of friendship, of music and redemption. It is a piece of music history, one that reflects the American spirit of adventure and brotherhood. Seen through Steve Parish's eyes and experiences, The Grateful Dead's wild ride has never been so revealing.

Customer Reviews:

Boring book.......2007-08-15

Did a lot of drugs.

Got laid a lot.

That's about all he has to say.

Good insider book.......2006-06-07

One of the better Dead books I've read. Parish (with assist from Layden) surely has a lot of stories to tell and he does it in an affable manner - even when his own behavior is less than stellar. Learned a lot about Jerry Garcia, but little about the rest of the band. Though that's understandable since Parish was by far closest to Garcia.

In reading this back to back with the books by Rock Scully, Dennis McNally, and the Garcia oral history "Dark Star," there is a bit of Grateful Dead "Rashomon." That is, all three books sometimes cover the same people/events, but all with a slightly different take. And the "hero" in one version can be the "villain" in another. Still, an indispensable tome for both hardcore and casual Deadheads.

Good book.......2005-12-22

The brutal reality about this book, just like all the others about the Grateful Dead, is that it reaches the same incredibly sad conclusion - Jerry was a addict, who in the end, could not un-do the damage that he had done to his body.

I liked this book - I've read all of 'em, and this one aligns quite closely with Rock's in style and substance. There are some real fun stories about the days on the road, and there are some heartbreaking stories about how addiction eventually over-shadowed the music that we all love so much. I applaud Steve for taking the time to get his thoughts and memories down on paper for those of us on *the outside*. I do wish he had spent a little more time (heck, any) on the gear and the sound. In Phil's book, he does an excellent job describing *how* he achieved some of his tones, and as I finished this book I couldn't help but wonder how much Steve really knew about Jerry's tones and style. I am left with the impression that Steve was just setting up the gear, and he had little or no knowledge about *how* Jerry played. This is fine, just an observation.

Bottom line - if you're a DeadHead, you'll probably like this book. You get to hear from someone *inside the ropes* what it was like to tour with these guys. It's a short, good read.

As an aside, I am hoping that one day Bob Weir takes the time to chronicle his life story. We've heard from Rock and Steve and Phil... I am really interested to hear Bobby's take on the whole trip... I think that book (if ever written) will explain more about how the songs were developed and crafted, and certainly, he should have more than enough road-stories to keep any fan satisfied.

Thanks Steve. Good job. Thanks for the hard work and all of the memories.

When the musics over; write a book.......2005-12-13

I don't know why people are so neg. about this book. But I think it is that the younger fans can't relate. For me it was very enlightening.The dead's vinyl explosion came on the scene at the beginning of the 70's which was like a supernova confirmation of the 60's and made it easier to get into the 70's . Pot was always a benign substance but because the dead's lyrics had alcohol it became less of a turn off. Today alcohol is just another escape but in the 60's there was a generational difference in alcohol and pot. In the book Parish mentions the 3 problem drugs heroin cocaine and alcohol. I didn't care for cocaine and heroin scared me but alcohol was a good weekend escape in the 70's but by the 80's I was hooked and for 15 years was a practicing alcoholic with a full time job. I stopped through the steps of AA and have to laugh when Parish says " 12 step spiritual mumbo jumbo" in the book. I do still have fond memories of getting high and when Jerry died I hated that Clinton had to say something about his drug use. But now I can understand why he said that even though what Jerry gave the world was far better than any president other than FDR. This book shows that Jerry was very much a friend of the working man.

Fun, fast, and interesting read..........2005-09-26

I picked this book up at the Barnes and Noble bargain book section for like 4 or 5 bucks.

It was a very pleasurable and fun read. The other reviewers are right; the book is about Steve Parish and his life and his experiences, he just happened to be a groupie and apparently an integral part of the GD scene. His life revolved around the Grateful Dead it seemed, so you got a fair bit of that.

People keep saying it was horribly written. I can read and write and maybe it wasn't technically fancy, but it did the job for me. Everything was easy to understand and there were no holes. It didn't jump around too much.

I thought this book really paints a picture of how important drugs were to the whole scene. It gave a decent feeling of what the 60s might be like. Whether that portrait is true or not, it is Steve's Portrait.

I'm not a deadhead a hippy or a stoner and I really enjoyed this book, you might too.

I generally don't read much fiction I mostly read nonfiction, and I thought this book read like a novel, except most of the stuff was probably true.

I was amazed at all the raunchy details that are in this book, it is probably not for kids.

Average customer rating:

Dead Stop (Dark Road)

Manufacturer: Dell 929
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000BB6KEI

Apologia, author's Expoloration of Brutality in the modern World, Written After a trip from OR to IN in 1989, Where he Removed Dozens of dead animals from Road

Average customer rating:

Apologia, author's Expoloration of Brutality in the modern World, Written After a trip from OR to IN in 1989, Where he Removed Dozens of dead animals from Road
Barry Lopez
Manufacturer: University of Georgia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NDMENK

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books