This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War

Book Description

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom and the New York Times bestseller Crossroads of Freedom, among many other award-winning books, James M. McPherson is America's preeminent Civil War historian. Now, in this collection of provocative and illuminating essays, McPherson offers fresh insight into many of the most enduring questions about one of the defining moments in our nation's history. McPherson sheds light on topics large and small, from the average soldier's avid love of newspapers to the postwar creation of the mystique of a Lost Cause in the South. Readers will find insightful pieces on such intriguing figures as Harriet Tubman, John Brown, Jesse James, and William Tecumseh Sherman, and on such vital issues such as Confederate military strategy, the failure of peace negotiations to end the war, and the realities and myths of the Confederacy. This Mighty Scourge includes several never-before-published essays--pieces on General Robert E. Lee's goals in the Gettysburg campaign, on Lincoln and Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, and on Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief. In that capacity, Lincoln invented the concept of presidential war powers that are again at the center of controversy today. All of the essays have been updated and revised to give the volume greater thematic coherence and continuity, so that it can be read in sequence as an interpretive history of the war and its meaning for America and the world. Combining the finest scholarship with luminous prose, and packed with new information and fresh ideas, this book brings together the most recent thinking by the nation's leading authority on the Civil War. It will be must reading for everyone interested in the war and American history. "James McPherson is the master historian of the Civil War in our time." --Gabor Borritt, Director, Civil War Institute, Gettysburg College "Not merely is McPherson the leading living historian of the Civil War, but he is a scholar whose knowledge and authority are unsurpassed; when McPherson speaks, even in a minor key, people listen." --Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

Customer Reviews:

Citizen Soldiers.......2007-09-22

The Forgotten Cause of the Civil War: A New Look at the Slavery Issue

I was very impressed with the way Union soldiers debated the issue of slavery in their letters (Slavery was not a controversy in the slave states, so no comparable debate took place among Confederate soldiers). Few Americans are also aware that Union soldiers' experience with confronting slavery in the South provided essential support for emancipation.

it is unprofessional to mix social activism and history.......2007-08-09

Instead of giving us a balanced study showing the foibles and positives of both sides, we are given this pro-Northern dribble. McPherson has a made career of distorting history to suit his social agenda, That puts him the same class as Howard Zinn and Eric Foner.

A Reader's Delight - Except for the UDC and the SCV! .......2007-08-05

With 'This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War' James McPherson demonstrates once again why he is America's foremost Civil War historian. McPherson serves up sixteen essays for your delectation (most of which have been previously published elsewhere).

McPherson arranges his essays around several themes: What caused the war? What were the goals of each side? What strategies did the leaders pursue? And how is the war remembered?

McPherson's genius lies in his ability to synthesize perspectives of value to any reader, but especially the general reader with some knowledge of the war. Many of the essays analyze recent scholarship with McPherson's encyclopedic knowledge and understanding gained from years of study. This reader especially appreciates McPherson's even-handed dispassionate scholarship in a still field laced with emotional landmines despite the passage of nearly 150 years.

Despite all that has been written, McPherson remains remarkably able to bring fresh insight. One essay ('Long-Legged Yankee Lies: The Lost Cause Textbook Crusade') examines the extraordinary efforts by Confederate loyalists to distort the war's history and its teaching, especially in Southern schools. No doubt that gets the goat of the SCV (Sons of Confederate Veterans) and the UDC (United Daughters of the Confederacy), but they don't like him anyway.

An earlier essay ('And the War Came') establishes beyond cavil that the institution of slavery and the interests behind it were the cause of the war. In other essays McPherson examines the relative merits of Grant, Lee, and Sherman and whether the South was foreordained to lose the war due to the imbalance of resources.

I am not a Civil War historian, but I can't imagine that even the most learned professor would not benefit from McPherson's wonderfully distilled insights. I've read a number of McPherson's other works and rank this book at the top. McPherson's sparkling prose and easy clarity made reading 'This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War' a rare pleasure.

Mighty Interesting.......2007-06-12

This is a fine series of essays and book reviews by the author of Battle Cry of Freedom, the best single volume on the Civil War. McPherson is a passonate and lively writer, full of interesting facts and angles on the War.

I would not, however, recommend this particular book for the Civil War neophyte, as it assumes a fair amount of prior knowledge. If your new to the subject, read Battle Cry of Freedom or any of a number of other comprehensive histories before moving on to this book.

Some of the topics:

Slavery as the the main cause of the War.
Harriet Tubman and John Brown.
Confederate war strategy-offense or defense?
Antietam as the death knell for British and French recognition of the Confederacy.
Lee's goals in Gettysberg campaign.
Jesse James' post-war motivations.
Southern censorship of history textbooks inconsistent with the "Lost Cause."
Grant and Sherman.
The North's transition from restraint to total war.
Copperhead newspapers.
Peace negotiations.
Herndon on Lincoln.
Lincoln's exercise of war powers.

The tension between war powers and civil liberties is addressed in the last topic. After a military commission jailed Clement Vallandigham for "disloyal sentiments and opinions" at a crucial stage of the War, the Copperheads howled about free speech, trial by jury, and habeas corpus. Lincoln's famous response: "Must I shoot a simpleminded soldier boy who deserts, while I must not touch the hair of a wily agitator who induces him to desert?"

Excellent in every way..........2007-05-22

Prof. McPherson is, in my opinion, the dean of Civil War historians, a well-earned complement. This collection of essays is up to his usual high standards. They are thoughtful, persuasively argued and well-written. Whether one is new to CW scholarship or has read hundreds of titles, this should not be missed.

The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs

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Ultimate Answer
An Admirable Lady!
Return to High American Ideals
Intelligent work about the subtleties of foreign policy wrt religion
Terrific

The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs
Madeleine Albright
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060892587
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

Does America, as George W. Bush has proclaimed, have a special mission, derived from God, to bring liberty and democracy to the world? How much influence does the Christian right have over U.S. foreign policy? And how should America deal with violent Islamist extremists?

Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state and bestselling author of Madam Secretary, offers a thoughtful and often surprising look at the role of religion in shaping America's approach to the world. Drawing upon her experiences while in office and her own deepest beliefs about morality, the United States, and the present state of world affairs, a woman noted for plain speaking offers her thoughts about the most controversial topics of our time.

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Answer.......2007-10-06

I must confess I have been following her public life since she became Secretary of State. I am her most avid reader having read her memoir six times. I ended my last reading on that book almost two weeks ago, and I finished reading the mighty and the almighty in five days last friday. To the point, I expected her second volume not to be a research work, it seems as though if I had to talk about the Middle East in school, this book would definitely be my guidance on that matter.

Now in all seriousness, I expected this book to be more about her accomplishments in government, and her sharp insights regarding recent events. This book could've just as easily be called 'The Mighty, The Almighty and Middle East Conflicts'. Do NOT get me wrong, I am all for that, I do believe the Middle East is, will and has shaped the world in every single way. Religion must be taken seriously into account as a player in world events, definitely. I am not against the content nor the topics of this book. I just wanted it to be more 'Madeleiney', if you will.

Mrs. Albright, if you are, or someone who knows you, reading this, I want you to know I expect your third book to be the ultimate answer to today's US Government Administration failures.

An Admirable Lady!.......2007-09-16

I think very highly of Madeline Albright and respect her accomplishments very much. I feel that the book is a little difficult to read though and I had a hard time sticking with it. It is however filled with lots of facts and events that make it worth the dedication.

Return to High American Ideals.......2007-08-26

This book may be directed to the "choir," as other reviewers have noted, but even the choir needs some encouragement from time to time. We've been through a rough 8 years.
I'm with her in her final comment: "I will never accept, however, that the United States is not better than we have been these past few years; nor will I stop believing (or praying) that we will recover our balance and begin again -- and soon -- to command the world's respect, and our own."
Human beings are religious animals, and we do perceive things differently. It is important to be tolerant of the beliefs of others; many of us are seeking God the best way we know how.
Politics and religion are both valid aspects of human life, but they are not the same thing.

Intelligent work about the subtleties of foreign policy wrt religion.......2007-07-17

Ms. Albright starts the book by providing background on how Americans have best handled religion in general. She gives several quotes from the founding fathers:

"George Washington disclaimed any interest in whether people were 'Mohametans, Jews or Christians of any sect, or Atheists.' His sole concern was that they should have the right to exercise freedom of worship, expression, and thought."--Page 18.

She then almost ventures into political heresy by giving a meaningful historical-political context to the Jewish-Palestinian conflict: (I had not been aware of the extent to which power elites in the world had gotten on board the Zionist mission.)

The remainder of the book is full of background about Judaism, Christianity, but especially Islam, that few are aware of--certainly not the current gang at the helm. Well worth the read, though Ms. Albright does not appreciate, or acknowledge anyway, the role of the CIA in creating the "world of terror."

...

For my complete review of this book and for other book and movie
reviews, please visit my site [...]

Brian Wright
Copyright 2007

Terrific.......2007-07-08

A great book written by a knowledgeable person. I treasured it and have shared it with friends.

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Freak The Mighty
Excellent- tear-jerking too :(
Freak The Mighty
Freak The Mighty
A reveiw by Brandon Cooke

Freak The Mighty (Scholastic Signature)
Rodman Philbrick
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439286069

Book Description

A stunning young adult novel by Rodman Philbrick that tells the heartwrenching story of two ³special ed² boys who pair up to form a unique and empowering friendship. Two boys‹a slow learner stuck in the body of a teenage giant and a tiny Einstein in leg braces‹forge a unique friendship when they pair up to create one formidable human force. Made into the film, The Mighty.

Customer Reviews:

Freak The Mighty.......2007-09-09

I thought this book was good...not really my taste, but it was well written. I needed it for a book report and It got sent to me by amazon quickly.

Excellent- tear-jerking too :( .......2007-08-03

Max and Kevin were complete opposites. Max; "the oversized teen, who had often been labeled as dumb". Kevin or -Freak- rather, had a disease that stopped his outsides from growing, but aloud his insides to grow normally. Kevin was also extremely bright and seemed to have the brain of Einstein. One summer day, Freak moves in down the street form Max, and soon they became inseparable friends. With Kevin on Max's shoulder they become "Freak the Mighty". Kevin being the brains, and Max the protection and transportation. Unfortunately however, Max's father who had been in prison for killing his wife was released. He kidnapped Max from the cozy down-under (the basement of his grandparent's house) and was from then on, on the run. Will Max escape from the clutches of his father..."Killer Kane"?
Will Freak's disease end up killing him?

In my opinion, the author's main message was to say how important friendship is. Both Max, and Kevin were loyal friends, and that's how true friends should be. Good friends help each other in times of need, and give each other hope. If I were to rate this book, I would give it 5 stars. This book has the perfect twist of friendship, sadness, hope, and even humor, which gives it a very satisfying plot. If you read this book and enjoy it, I recommend you read Max The Mighty, the sequel to Freak The Mighty, which has the same spark, if not, better, spark.

Freak The Mighty.......2007-07-19

What a great story about 2 teenagers helping each other through a very difficult time. Funny, dramatic, thought-provoking, and wonderful! Also see the great movie of it, "The Mighty," with Sharon Stone and Kieran Culkin. Super!

Freak The Mighty.......2007-06-13

Freak is small and disabled but has all the brains. Max is tall and strong but dumb. Even though freak is disabled he never lets people clown on him. Together they are known as freak the mighty.

This book takes place in a small town in about 1990. One main character is freak is disabled and is short but has a big brain. Another main character is max. People call him names like dumb, slow, and stupid. When they become best of friends they are known as freak the mighty. In the book Maxs dad goes to prison for murder but brakes out and kid naps him.

My favorite parts of the book are when freak and max go on secret missions and adventures together, so freak think thinks in his mind.

This book is about to friend named freak and max. Freak is disabled and short but does not let any one get him down. Max is tall, strong but not that smart. I think that the theme of the story is even though some on is disabled they can be good friend and fun to hang out with.

I liked the book freak the mighty because it is a fun book to read. I would not change any thing about the book. You should read this book because it is about two kids freak and max that don't let any one get them down and have each others backs.

A reveiw by Brandon Cooke.......2007-05-25

Freak the Mighty Summary
By: Brandon Cooke

Freak the Mighty is a story of two kids who are challenged in life and meet when Freak moves in next door to max. They become friends and are soon known as freak the mighty. Freak is deformed, he has stopped growing on the outside but his organs are still growing normally. Where Freak is very smart, Max is considered mentally challenged. Max is always growing and is very big for his age. So Freak would sit on his shoulders and consider himself freak the mighty because of how he felt. Freak teaches Max about King Arthur and they go on imaginary adventures together. Max finds out that his father was released from prison. Freak believes that he will be given a mechanical body someday because of the growth of his organs will inevitably kill him someday. But on Christmas Eve Max is abducted by his father and tied up and held against his will. Will Freak rescue Max from this threatening fate? Will Max be able to put his father behind bars because Max witnessed what he really did? Can Freak overcome his illness? Freak The mighty is a moving and adventurous story of those who are challenged in life but complete tasks of the impossible. I highly recommend this book because of its great story line, Morals and attention to detail. It's a memorable story about friendship.

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Wow
Holy Spirit Filled
Ignites a fire of faith and desire for God
A life-changing life-giving and inspiring testimony
This Book is in a Class by Itself

Like a Mighty Wind
Mel Tari
Manufacturer: New Leaf Press (AR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0892211237

Book Description

Millions of copies sold, translated into nineteen foreign languages, top of the national best-seller list for thirteen consecutive months: these are just some of the superlatives this remarkable book can boast. This is the powerful story of incredible miracles in Indonesia. This is the book that swept America with the reality that miracles are for today!

Customer Reviews:

Wow.......2007-09-01

This book really helps you understand the Holy Spirit. A must read for all Christians period.

In the 70's God poured out his Holy Spirit in a small conservative, humble and powerless Presbyterian church on a small island in Indonesia.

The book accounts the results afterwards: many were saved, people were miraculously healed, the dead were raised, and they crossed a 30ft deep river by walking on top of it.

This book will really increase your faith in the power of God for today.

Mel Tari is such a wonderful and humble man of God. I learned more about deliverance in his 2 page description of it than any other book could have told me. His agenda is the Kingdom of God.

Holy Spirit Filled.......2007-08-28

If you want a closer walk with God and a real-life FAITH building book, this one is for you............. It will blow you away.........Like A Mighty Wind

Ignites a fire of faith and desire for God.......2007-06-22

My heart longs for revival and renewal in greater measure - the real Jesus movement - salvation poured out and the earth filled with His glory.
Reading this book reminds me that God is able, willing and desirous to do so - All He wants is simple, childlike faith.

This book is about a 1960's Jesus revival in Indonesia - the revival began in a Presbyterian church and spreads throughout the country. Miracle after miracle occurred, all in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - including such awe inspiring ones as: 1000's at a time coming to Jesus, literal walking on water, raising the dead, healing the sick, preaching the gospel to the poor, staying dry while walking in a rainstorm (without an umbrella), being led by lights at night and a cloud by day, and so many other God miracles.

I believe that God is eager to inhabit His people - people who are earnestly seeking Him. This is the hour. This is the time for God to pour forth His Spirit, bringing many to repentance and into the fullness of Christ Jesus. Revival is coming - heed His voice and follow Him - all of His ways are good - He is faithful and true. Be holy. Pursue Him from a pure heart - lose your life so that you can find it in Christ. Yes. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one can go to the Father but through Him. Yield to Him and surrender your life to Him - and you will find rest for your soul.

A life-changing life-giving and inspiring testimony.......2007-05-12

This book was absolutely amazing. Revolutionary. Shane shares his own humble testimony of following Jesus, revealing along the way simple truths of God's love that have profound impact on your heart. Do you want to love like Jesus loves and follow him? God has used this book in my life to accelerate and spur on love and good deeds. It's just outside our front doors and Shane expresses the heart of Jesus for his believers to be faithful - just show up! Walk out your door, meet a neighbor and get to know God's heart.

This Book is in a Class by Itself.......2006-09-22

A young Presbyterian Church pre-med student is confronted by charismatic revival in Indonesia in the 1970s. He follows the perceived call of God on his life and goes into missionary work, participating in a series of lessons of how the Spirit moves and dealing with both good and malevolent spiritual issues. This book is colorful on many levels, easy and enjoyable to read, simple and challenging: Do you really believe these supernatural things happen today or no? Walking on water, water turned into wine for Communion, visions, dreams etc. It is a remarkable account of what God can do in areas of this world where conveniences we are accustomed to in the West are lacking. This book polarized people theologically in the 70s and thirty years plus later is still a challenge. My belief is God CAN when necessary, and in Indonesia in the 70s (and more so even today) we need the truly miraculous. But Tari's book shines in that it is Christ-centered and Gospel true, not selling sensationalism but preaching repentance and salvation. It is one of a kind, which makes it (even more so 30 years later) that much more credible.

The Power of Crying Out: When Prayer Becomes Mighty (LifeChange Books)

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This little gem is a must read for the serious Christian!
Need a Break Through In Your Prayer Life?
Life Change Book is a true statement!
Conceptually Fantastic
A great key to more powerful praying

The Power of Crying Out: When Prayer Becomes Mighty (LifeChange Books)
Bill Gothard
Manufacturer: Multnomah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590520378
Release Date: 2002-07-18

Book Description

When members of the early church cried out to God in urgent need, the place shook with the power of their supplication. In this compelling vision for modern-day supplication, Bill Gothard recognizes the key truth that only God's almighty power can rescue His children in times of distress. Using illustrations from Scripture and testimonies from everyday people, Gothard demonstrates the power of crying out -- and how God can shake the world of those who cry out to Him today.

He wants your heartâ¦and your voice!

God doesn’t miss a single sigh that escapes our lips. But historically, God’s people most often cried out in spoken words that sprang from the depths of their being!

God heard their petitionsâ¦and shook their worlds.

âLike fasting or kneeling, crying out is the Scripture-sanctioned way to pray with intensity and commitment,â says Bill Gothard. His compelling teaching will revolutionize the way you prayâfor all time!

Customer Reviews:

This little gem is a must read for the serious Christian!.......2007-07-28

In this slender volume, Bill Gothard reminds the Church of a long-neglected spiritual truth: God wants us to pray with our voices. Gothard points out the myriad of Bible passages that encourage us to cry out audibly, and illustrates the power of doing so with both Bible stories and personal testimonies. He also examines the meaning of many Hebrew words translated "cry" in the Old Testament.

Some have criticized Gothard for teaching that God doesn't hear silent prayer, or claimed that his approach is simply a "formula". In the book, Gothard acknowledges that God hears ALL His children's prayers, spoken or not, but also points out God's special love for the vocal prayer. Such prayer helps produce both the humility and fervency that God delights in, neither one of which is formulaic in the slightest. Gothard also points out reasons why God might not answer our cries (unconfessed sin, for example).

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to revitalize their prayer life.

Need a Break Through In Your Prayer Life?.......2007-06-29

I am so glad that I found this book, cause it has certainly helped me. It has been a source of inspiration and teaching in many ways. I especially enjoyed how the author, Bill Gothard, goes into the original meanings of Hebrew in reference to different prayers. It has helped me to understand the conflict in my own spirit in times when prayer seems difficult to express, and supplied me with scriptural tools to break through. This book will remain on my shelf of prized books forever.

Life Change Book is a true statement!.......2007-05-06

Just cry out and see what God will do for you. This book gives examples and suggestions for how to cry out but it is the Lord who can and will work in your life when you do.

Conceptually Fantastic.......2006-09-19

In this "buy a solution to any problem" world there are few new things that really are worth a darn... Well this book is based on a old idea from scripture re-discovered and it makes perfect sense. IMO this is one of the best concepts when you are sincerelly calling upon God.

WARNING: This book challenges believers to call out to God with a passion. It may infer short of "calling out" could impact God's favoring our prayer. Not sure if that's so but prayer is an expression to God that we want to be in alignment with his will. It's not getting some genie to do something at our command. I don't think that it will hurt us to "Cry Out Loud" to God when it's from a sincere heart wanting God's will to be done. Does God hear us pray if we don't cry out loud? Of course he does.

A great key to more powerful praying.......2005-04-22

I can't believe how I missed the truths found in this book all these years. Dr. Gothard shows how over and over the Bible says to "cry out" to God and yet we usually assume it means to simply pray. I have seen in my life and in my wife's life how God answers these cries of prayer.

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Wasted opportunity
A Must Read Book
Hated this book, definately a big NOT!!!!
Read This Book
Terrible In Comparison to Freak(2 Stars)

Max The Mighty
Rod Philbrick
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0590579649

Customer Reviews:

Wasted opportunity.......2007-07-03

After being charmed by "Freak the Mighty," I was anxious to read this sequel. To say it was a letdown would be an understatement. It's an example of everything to do wrong when writing a sequel. The story, such as it is, is terribly contrived. The action moves along simply because the plot demands it. Worse, the charming voice and character motivation Philbrick created for Max in the first book is wholly absent here. In "Freak," Max's friend Kevin was a strong character, one who stood on his own (no pun intended). The second character in this sequel, Worm, spends nearly all of her time buried in a book. Max has no one to play off of. While it's admirable to promote reading within a book (something I'm trying to accomplish in my own children's books), actually showing the character reading for most of the story effectively removes that character from the story.

I must also address the villain of the piece, Worm's stepfather, the "Undertaker," a cardboard villain who might as well be twirling his moustache and tying helpless damsels to the railroad track. Compare him to the juicy menace of Max's father and his seedy partners in crime of the first book.

All in all, this book that appears to have been come from the pen of an amateur than from that of Philbrick. It feels like a bad film novelization, and it trades on the memory of a much better book. What a shame.

A Must Read Book.......2007-02-14

This is a story about these two kids named Max and Worm. Max is a strong kid for his age. Worm is a 7-year-old girl that loves books, so she is nicknamed bookworm.
One-day Max is walking home from school. He sees that Worm's mom's husband is hurting Worm's mom, and Max doesn't like it. He breaks the door off the hinges. Max barges in like it's his house and the Undertaker (the husband) backs off from the wife and says," Get out of here, kid," in a rude kind of way. Max opens the door to Worm and grabs her so she's safe from the Undertaker. He runs out and hears her mom saying, "Get her out of here!" Then Max and Worm go to Montana, hoping that Worms's dad is there and can help them. (Sorry I can't tell you the rest.)
(This was a sequel to Freak the Mighty) With Kevin gone, I thought it would be boring but it wasn't. I liked the characters in this book. Worm was tiny and weak, yet she was able to help Max gain self-confidence. Max was big and strong, yet weak inside. If you like adventure, there is a surprise in every chapter. I thought it was a very good book; I recommend it for other readers.

Hated this book, definately a big NOT!!!!.......2006-11-07

This book is great. It is about a kid that lives with his grandparents and he meets a suspicious girl. When my friend Alex told me this was a great book, I didn't beieve him. It definately was. Talk about being scared, filled with action and excitement all at the same time. I finished it the first day. It is for all ages to enjoy.

READ THIS BOOK or else you will be missing out!!!

Read This Book.......2006-11-07

This book is great! It is easy to read and it keeps your eyes glued to the pages. It also has drama and the suspense you deserve. It is about a boy who is a giant and he is an innocent giant. Read this book to see if the boy is innocent. This book is Awesome. You need to read this book to see what happens, Everyone should read this book!!!!!!!!!! It is so good, I read it in one day.

Terrible In Comparison to Freak(2 Stars).......2006-05-04

First of all, to the reviewer 3 reviews below me, JEEZ!!!!! Would it kill you to put a spoiler alert before the review. Well, thanx for spoiling it for me before I even finished it, idiot!
Secondly, I didn't buy this. I read it in my school library from time to time and eventually finished it. Of course I read Freak the Mighty first, and loved it alot better than this. This is such a corny book(with names like, Dippy Hippie? Flower Hogey Fogeys? What the hell was the writer thinking?!?!). If there wasn't an original Freak the Mighty, I might've given this book an honest 3. But Max the Mighty sucks bad. The only returning characters are Max and his grandparents. No Gwen. No Iggy. No Loretta. No Killer Kane. No nothing.
Freak the Mighty should've never had a sequel. The story was basically complete at the end of Freak the Mighty. A true fan of FTM, like me, expects so much from MTM, but gets so little. You should only read this book if you absolutely NEED to know what has become of Max after Freak's departure. But if that is not the case, then you should just shun it, don't bother to even touch it, and pretend it was never written.

Speak Up And Get Along!: Learn The Mighty Might, Thought Chop, And More Tools To Make Friends, Stop Teasing, And Feel Good About Yourself

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Will it work?
Important information for all kids

Speak Up And Get Along!: Learn The Mighty Might, Thought Chop, And More Tools To Make Friends, Stop Teasing, And Feel Good About Yourself
Scott Cooper
Manufacturer: Free Spirit Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1575421828

Customer Reviews:

Will it work?.......2007-01-04

As we all know, dealing with peers is one of the most difficult - but essential - skills our children need to learn. In a search for material that could be used for teaching effective problem-solving, assertive communication and negotiation skills, I discovered this book and ordered a copy. I found some of the ideas a bit silly-sounding but figured it might work with young children, so I have developed small "plays" using the book's dialogues to set up the scenarios for my kids to enact. They love it! Now I am expanding this activity to include all students from 1st-6th grade with the hope that learning these skills will help reduce bullying and enhance their communication skills. My only criticism is that the material presented in the book is a bit disjointed and hard to read. I'm not sure what audience the author was writing to, but I felt it too childish to be taken seriously as an adult and too abstract to hold the attention of a child; however, the basic principles are sound and the imagery of the language does appeal to the child in all of us.

Important information for all kids.......2006-02-17

I agree with Dr. Ross's editorial review that "everything about this book is perfect for children." Speak Up and Get Along is a great resource to help kids survive and succeed especially in their social worlds at school. It is clear and easy for them to read. The best thing about it is that there are a lot examples of how to actually deal with bullying and teasing, arguments, peer pressure and making and keeping friends. Each chapter has easy tools for kids to use and the illustrations help.The chapter on talking back to negative thoughts was really helpful. It gives very specific ways that kids can do this. I really recommend this as a gift for the children in your life.

A Mighty Heart: The Inside Story of the Al Qaeda Kidnapping of Danny Pearl

Average customer rating:

Poetic Writing Led By A Wife's Heart
Very sad
Madness of the dregs of Islam
I feel terrible saying this but...
Heartbreaking... and surprisingly an excellent read!

A Mighty Heart: The Inside Story of the Al Qaeda Kidnapping of Danny Pearl
Mariane Pearl , and Sarah Crichton
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0743262379

Amazon.com

Most people were unfamiliar with Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl before his kidnapping and murder in Pakistan. In A Mighty Heart, his widow Mariane introduces us to Danny as he was when he was alive while also providing a heart-breaking first person account of his disappearance and death. There are plenty of endearing details about Danny--his insistence on moving his favorite Barcalounger with him around the world, his love of playing mandolin, his private conversations with his unborn son--but the more remarkable portrait that emerges is one of extraordinary bravery. Danny placed himself in post-9/11 Pakistan, realizing full well that region's inherent dangers, because of his courageous dedication to getting the truth about attempted shoe bomber Richard Reid and other terrorist activity. When he is kidnapped and pictures are e-mailed to his wife, she notices that he's slyly showing the peace or victory sign with one hand and flipping the kidnappers off with the other. And while clues to his fate are still being pieced together, Mariane's story, until now, has not been widely told. Realizing Danny has been abducted, she must navigate underworld politics, the international spotlight, and her own shattered nerves in a race against time to save her husband. Along the way, with the broad array of people and agencies assisting the cause, clues are gathered about the kidnappers' identity and the intricate machinations of the international terrorist community. When his fate is finally learned, the spotlight does not abate even as she is devastated and awaiting the couple's first child. Mariane Pearl's candor is remarkable and her courage, along with that of her late husband, serve to make A Mighty Heart, despite Danny Pearl's death, an uplifting story. --John Moe

Book Description

For five weeks the world waited for news about Danny Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped in Karachi, Pakistan....And then came the broadcast of his shocking murder. The complete account of his abduction, the intense effort to rescue him, and the aftermath are told here -- in astonishing detail, and with courage and insight -- by his surviving wife, Mariane.

A Mighty Heart is the unforgettable story of two journalists who fell in love with their work -- and with each other. Together, Mariane and Danny Pearl traveled across the globe, dedicated to journalism that increases the understanding of international politics and of ethnic and religious conflict. In the end, Danny was caught in the dangerous fissure where warring cultures, politics, and ideologies collide. A Mighty Heart is both a portrait of a partnership built on the ideals of love, truth, and justice and a critical look at the methods and structure of the Al Qaeda network.

Customer Reviews:

Poetic Writing Led By A Wife's Heart.......2007-09-05

"I signal to Danny to take the first (cab) since he is in the greater hurry. After he tosses his bag in, he cups my neck with his free hand, pulls me to him, and kisses my cheek."

"In a matter of seconds, Danny is gone."

Wall Street Journal reporter Danny Pearl was kidnapped then murdered by terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan, in February 2002. The person he kissed was his wife Mariane Pearl, co-author (with Sarah Crichton)of A MIGHTY HEART. I call this writing pure poetry.

"There might be dozens of reasons for Danny to turn off his cell phone, but he doesn't usually. 'Your correspondent cannot be reached at this moment. Please try again later,' says the cheerily robotic, feminine voice... I will come to detest that voice."

This is Mariane-as-narrator's first intimation something's wrong. As a reader, I know Danny's been kidnapped and soon will be beheaded, but her words "I will come to detest that voice" grabs my gut and shakes away that knowing. Maybe he'll be okay? Maybe the news was wrong?

Marianne relates this beautifully poetic truth: "I call and call Danny's phone; it is never answered," and still I find myself turning the page, hoping Danny picks up. How does she get me to do this? By leading with her heart. My heart has to follow hers.

Some writers lead with thier heart, excitement, fear, pain, joy. Read A MIGHT HEART for a glimpse of how it's done.

Note: I read the book when its title was A MIGHTY HEART:The Brave Life And Death Of My Husband Danny Pearl. I don't like the new title. It doesn't say the book is a memoir. Perhaps this is a way to appeal to a broader audience.

Very sad.......2007-08-28

A very sad story. It also makes the anger towards these terrible people come out. I wish that Bush would stop being a sissy and go after these people. I also lost my husband but to an auto accident. Nevertheless, the pain is the same. I would hope that her story will stop people from going to these countrys for any reason. The US also needs to be more militant in going after the hostage takers.

Madness of the dregs of Islam.......2007-08-07

The writing is extraordinary! I felt the frustration of the auther in her
struggles with the Pakistani security services and as she progressively
learned about the madness of the subculture who had kidnapped her husband.
I felt the pain and cried for Marriane and Adam as the facts that I
already knew became clear. Fortunately, there were also Moslems who were
heroes in this drama. Sadly, many paid with their careers for their
commitment to the search. However, in her global view, Mariane had the
ability to rise above her tragedy and provide us an inspiring glimpse into
these people's behavior, as well. Despite the heart-rending pain, I am
glad that I read the book and saw this world through the eyes of this
extraordinary woman.

I feel terrible saying this but..........2007-07-09

This is a strange book -- and the first time I have ever been tempted to lie on a review. Why? It feels wrong to say that I thought the book had some major flaws, as if I'm tarnishing the memory of Daniel Pearl, rather than just judging the book on its literary merits. (I am also wondering why the title was changed...?)

Strangely, the biggest problem with A Mighty Heart is that it lacks emotion. It is essentially a 234-page newspaper article, filled with names, dates, and movements -- so many, in fact, that I had a hard time keeping track of who all the characters were. I didn't know that much about Daniel Pearl going in, and I don't really know anything more about him now -- he owned a mandolin, and occasionally wrote inappropriate emails to his friends. But that's not knowing a man. Perhaps that, most of all, makes me sadder than any part of the book...as a journalist, to read a book about a journalist who gave his life for this profession, and to admire that, while he still remains pretty faceless. I know that Mariane loved him, and it sounds like they had a wonderful marriage -- but her love doesn't shine through on the page, but more in the labor of love that is the book itself. (Reading other people's reviews, I think that's where everyone gets confused.)

The most moving section of A Mighty Heart are, oddly, the letters in the back that were sent to Mariane and the unborn Adam, from people around the world. Some letters are from politicians, like President Bush and French president-at-the-time Jacques Chirac, but then others are from ordinary people. It's amazing how many people wrote to them, just to say, I'm sorry and have hope. It's the strength of that book, that ending.

But on a different track, the other bit of oddness is being plunged back in time, to 2001, but that's that resonated. Terrorism is still so real and present in our lives, but it's like we live in a completely different era, even though today it's only 6 years later.

But that's not really what A Mighty Heart was about. The book itself was a very detailed description of a search that, up until page 143, was on a wild goosechase. The grammar was bad (I know she's French, but she had co-writer), and some information was badly organized. At the same time, A Mighty Heart made me rememember, and more importantly, think. And that's it. I both liked and disliked it at the same time...and feel bad for saying so.

Heartbreaking... and surprisingly an excellent read!.......2007-07-03

I picked up this book after being incredibly shocked and moved by the movie. I had conflicted feeling about watching because I felt like a very recent tragedy was being exploited. So, I decided to read the book. I had little expectations.

But the more I read the more invested I was in the account. Mrs. Pearl shares this tragic experience with incredible detail. I honestly expected the prose to be a little awkward or perhaps heavy, but it wasn't like that at all. The style is very light and engaging.

One thing that I honestly liked was that Mrs. Pearl does not assume that the reader knows much about the situation in the Middle East. She gives us just enough background for us to get a basic understanding of the climate in which her husband was abducted. And for me it was extremely helpful and useful.

Average customer rating:

Decent Sequel to I Stink
Terrific!
My toddler's favorite book
An outstanding book . . .
Another Smash Hit!!!

I'm Mighty!
Kate Mcmullan
Manufacturer: Joanna Cotler
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060092904
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Book Description

When big ships get to the harbor, they need me! 'Cause I'm MIGHTY! And I can nudge, bump, butt, shove, ram, push, and pull 'em in.

You think this tug's too small to pull in ships twenty times his size? Think again! This guy is 100% MIGHTY!

Kate and Jim McMullan's follow-up to the multi-award-winning I Stink! is a raucous tribute to a tireless harbor hero.

Customer Reviews:

Decent Sequel to I Stink.......2007-04-12

Compared to the classic "trash talk" from the garbage truck in "I Stink", this tugboat doesn't have show nearly as much personality--he likes to brag about how big and heavy the barges he tows are, and that's pretty much it. This is still a lot of fun, though; the illustrations are terrific, and it's very good for explaining to a young child just what a tugboat is, and and what it does.

Terrific!.......2007-03-09

The children at the Library love this one! You should check out the other two books in this series, they're alot of fun too.

My toddler's favorite book.......2006-01-13

I have a Thomas the Tank Engine obsessed 2 1/2 year old, but Mighty the Tug Boat has his ardor when it comes time for bedtime stories. He cheerfully announces "read Mighty!" and thoroughly enjoys the story and the drawings. He traces Mighty's path to the Anchorage, helps me to read the "toot"s and the "vrooms" and the word "tug", and he even is starting to recognize the large-facetype of AARRRUUUGGGGAAAA! (which means "Thank you" in boat). I get to use a silly voice when reading this book, which is fun for me. The typeface and font size and color changes, to give you an idea of what is loud and what is soft, which I haven't seen very much of in children's books. I think it is probably helping with his pre-reading skills (even though I'm mainly focused on just having a fun time reading stories together). I highly recommend this book for the preschool set, especially the ones who like vehicles with facial expressions!

An outstanding book . . ........2004-07-02

. . . that suffers only in comparison to its predecessor, I Stink (about a garbage truck). Buy that one first, then try this one, which is rich in illustration and story line but not as engaging or complex in attitude as I Stink.

Another Smash Hit!!!.......2003-11-26

If you loved I STINK! (and who didn't?) you love the McMullans' raucous follow-up. This time it's a tug with attitude that leads the charge and shows that even if your tiny you can be MIGHTY!!!

Another hit-- I can't wait to see what the McMullans come up with next!

Average customer rating:

An old favorite meets a new favorite

Female Empowerment? Nah, Just Routine Male Bashing...

Surprisingly solid Black Widow story

Not too shabby

Morgan's Widow has fangs!

Black Widow Vol. 1: Homecoming (Mighty Avengers)
Richard K. Morgan , and Bill Sienkiewicz
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Black Widow Vol. 2: The Things They Say About Her (Mighty Avengers)

Woken Furies: A Takeshi Kovacs Novel (Takeshi Kovacs)

Thirteen

Black Widow

Market Forces

ASIN: 0785114939

Book Description

The deadliest agent in the Marvel Universe has finally gotten out of the spy game, and she's not asking for much, just a life of her own. When a sudden assassination attempt provides a harsh reality check, the former Soviet agent tracks a string of international killings that will lead her back to a Russia she can barely recognize. Collects Black Widow #1-6.

Customer Reviews:

An old favorite meets a new favorite.......2005-12-09

The old favorite is Marvel Comics, which I devoured during my formative years. The new favorite is Richard K. Morgan, whose work I've been reading ever since he published his first novel, _Altered Carbon_.

The combination is terrific. Natasha Romanova (the Black Widow) has always been a comparatively minor character in the Marvel lineup, and her treatment hasn't always been consistent. Here she finally gets the focused treatment she deserves.

Frank Miller and Alan Moore pretty much spoiled me for other comic-book writers (oops, "graphic novelists"), so it takes a lot to please me. Morgan isn't quite Miller, but his handling of Black Widow is at least in the same ballpark as Miller's run on _Daredevil_ and comparable in flavor to Miller's _Batman: The Dark Knight Returns_. The quality isn't quite there -- most notably because Morgan has a tendency to make his protagonist spout militant-feminist cliches a little too often -- but the approach is similar.

The story here is most definitely told on Morgan's own turf. I won't spoil anything for you, but be prepared for some revelations about Natasha's backstory that will satisfy both Marvel fans and readers of Morgan's noir SF. (Marvel readers may be pleased to know that Nick Fury is around as well -- and although Daredevil isn't, you'll at least spot Matt Murdock's name on Natasha's cellphone. Other readers have objected to the treatment of the relationship between Nick and Natasha, but I don't share their objections.) And yes, Morgan has cranked Natasha's brutality up several notches. I think that's a good thing all around, but your mileage may vary -- at least if you prefer your Cold War-era spies warm and cuddly.

The art by Bill Sienkiewicz and Goran Parlov is magnificent, of course -- consistently fine throughout, and some of the compositions are downright stunning. (And unlike Miller on Daredevil, Sienkiewicz and Parlov don't sometimes forget which body part they're drawing and make somebody's left leg sprout a right foot, or double the length of someone's sideburns between one panel and the next and then add a mustache in the panel after that.) Dan Brown's colors are every bit as magnificent.

And more good news: apparently Morgan has an ongoing relationship with Marvel and has been doing some further work on Black Widow. I don't subscribe to any of the monthlies, so I'm looking forward to reading it when it's published in book format.

And hey, while we're rescuing second- and third-string Marvel characters whose potential hasn't previously been fully realized -- can we get somebody busy on Iron Fist, please? (As with Black Widow, there's been a movie in the works on and off for several years; a graphic novel like this one might be a big boost.)

Female Empowerment? Nah, Just Routine Male Bashing..........2005-06-16

Good fiction has a venerable tradition of subtly weaving relevant social commentary into the strands of its plot and character development. Sadly, what writer Richard Morgan has given us instead in "Homecoming" is an oversimplified, tired, and in-your-face message: Women are superior and they're victims, men are inferior and they're predators. And by virtue of her superiority and victim status, the Black Widow apparently has the moral justification to play judge, jury, and Punisher-with-extreme-prejudice to every man who wrongs her or another woman -- which, as it turns out, is EVERY major male character in this book! One reviewer praised this collection for not being misogynistic; but if fairness and equality truly mean anything, how can Morgan's swing to the opposite extreme be any better?

On page one a woman speaking at an abortion rights rally is brutally murdered. This story involves a conspiracy to kill all the women who went through the U.S.S.R.'s top secret Black Widow program. So of all the settings Morgan could have chosen, why this one? Because Morgan wants the reader to believe that people who don't share the feminist viewpoint must be small-minded, intolerant savages. So by contrast, are all of Natasha's acts of violence committed purely in self-defense with no hint of being judgmental? Well... not exactly.

Our heroine stabs a man who attacks her in the desert. When he won't talk about who sent him, she lets him bleed to death. She takes another man into the bedroom, ostensibly for some bondage love-play, and then threatens to castrate him if he doesn't talk. She sees two neanderthal-type truckers chase and grab a young woman; when they refuse to release her, Natasha, convicting them both as rapists, kills one and cripples the other. But she never hesitates to fall back on the sweet but helpless female stereotype -- that is, if she can use it as a weapon against a man.

In case anyone has missed the point, the sloganeering dialogue drives it right into the earth's core. "Like most men... he underestimates me," "What happened to the latest blonde? Silicone leak?" "...are you going to do the man thing and let me down?" "...I don't like guns... they're more than a little symbolically suspect" (so I guess we should ignore the cover image), "...you're not a woman. You're under no pressure to care about your looks or appearance," "...I was perhaps encouraged by irresponsible men to risk the damage," "The thought of a genuinely powerful woman as an active independent agent... well, you can imagine the reaction," and "It's what most women are up against. If you want to succeed, you've got two choices... pole dancer or hard-faced harridan." Hey Richard, I've known plenty of women who are successful who don't fall into either one of those categories, and they did so without ever sacrificing any of their feminine strengths or gifts.

Morgan catalogs every anti-female behavior perpetrated by evil men that you can imagine. The men lear at women, tell degrading jokes about them, and call them "baby," "sugar," and "bitch." They lie, cheat, steal, brainwash, assault, rape, torture, and murder. They give alcohol to underage girls and give dangerous drugs to women of all ages. They threaten to take away a woman's right to choose, take away a woman's ability to reproduce, and deny women equality in the work place and everywhere else. Yup, "All men are scum." And that's not me reading between the lines, that's right out of the script. The problem is not that Morgan is portraying things that don't go on every day -- any reasonable person would agree that they do -- but that every single man in Natasha's world is guilty of at least one of these crimes, whether he's an enemy, an informant, or a so-called ally. In one scene, Ms. Romanov admonishes her reluctant male assistant to "stop looking at my ass." She is bent over in front of a mirror, putting on make-up, and wearing nothing but lacy, skimpy, black lingerie -- all rendered beautifully by Bill Sinkiewicz. Is she kidding?

You might think that the ultra-steadfast Nick Fury would be exempted from the Black Widow's team testosterone hit list... but you'd be wrong. He's in on the whole brainwashing thing, in a totally ludicrous and implausible way. Look, I'm not a continuity freak: any writer who has a legitimate and interesting reason for doing revisionist history on some characters should be allowed a free hand. But Nick and Nastasha have covered each other's backsides for decades. They've always done what was right for each other, whether or not it was easy or consistent with orders. They've had a mature professional and personal relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and loyalty. And yet there's not a single male-female relationship in "Homecoming" about which the same can be said. What creative reason did Morgan have for doing away with all of that? None, he just wanted to push an agenda: treat all people as unique and valuable indivduals and never make sweeping judgments about a person based on membership in a group... except for men. There's nothing unfair about saying they're all the same, right?

Suppose there was an Iron Man story in which Tony Stark learns that Whitney Frost has hacked into various male-run computer mainframes, including his own, and stolen a number of classified schematics for weapons systems. Using the designs, Whitney and a small army of women -- all of whom are gossipy, vain, and sneaky -- set out to blackmail a handful of nations in Europe. While organizing a defense, Tony tries to confide in some of his lady friends, but they're all too busy crying, shopping, or being gold diggers. Iron Man eventually saves the day and to insure that Madame Masque never builds another weapon, he breaks every bone in her left arm and hand. No due process for this she-demon! As offensive as this sounds, Morgan's efforts are even more so -- because he indicts 98% of the book's audience based solely on gender. Thankfully, the days of Lois Lane being an annoying snoop and a simpering hostage are long over. There's no need to replace those stories with stories that are equally objectionable and just as unlikely to build any bridges between the sexes.

Fangs, yes. Scruples, no. Fans who want some decent femme fatale action that demeans neither gender would do better to check out Devin Grayson's Black Widow, Gail Simone's Birds Of Prey, or even the Powerpuff Girls. Richard Morgan, on the other hand, should go write for Desperate Housewives.

Surprisingly solid Black Widow story.......2005-05-21

As a previous reviewer mentioned, the Black Widow has been one of the lesser known and mishandled characters in the Marvel Universe. In the hands of novelist Richard K. Morgan, he has taken to the character back to the roots of her origin, focusing more on action, espionage, and story rather than exploiting a sexy drawing for adolescent boys to slobber over. The story concerns Natasha being thrown back into the spy game (as if she ever really left) after an assassination attempt on her life. Soon, along with her male sidekick, she's kicking butt and taking names, all the while unraveling a conspiracy which evolves into the best Black Widow story Marvel has ever published. This TPB's only flaw is that it wears a bit thin towards the end, but the art by the great Bill Sienkiewicz is worth giving this a look at alone. All in all, if you've been looking for a mature and action packed mainstream comic, give this a look.

Not too shabby.......2005-05-21

I am relatively new to the graphic novel/comic scene so I have not read any of the old incarnations of this character. I enjoyed this book. It was easy to follow and her actions seemed to make sense. I was surprised that this was written by Richard Morgan. Morgan wrote one of the worst books ever written "Fallen Angels". Honestly If I had noticed that he was the author of this I never would have read it. Kudos to him for better writing this time around.

The art is very well done as well. Nice bright colours and good lines etc....

I look forward to more in this series (there will be more?)

Scott

Morgan's Widow has fangs!.......2005-05-09

Over the years Natasha Romanov, the Black Widow, has shown up time and again, often working with The Avengers and Daredevil. Despite the efforts of more recent Widow scribes such as Jim Starlin, Devin Grayson, Greg Rucka and Bendis, she's long been a laughingstock character -- little more than a sex object, "the bike of the Marvel Universe." But now novelist Richard Morgan (ALTERED CARBON; WOKEN FURIES; etc.) has teamed up with artist Bill Sienkiewicz (ELEKTRA: ASSASSIN) and utterly outdone all previous incarnations of this superspy. While keeping to established continuity, Morgan has updated the Widow, making her a much more human, respectable character, and the book much less misogynstic than it often has been. He's scripted a tight, mean, intelligent and topical comic book, aimed at adults rather than adolescent boys, that any fan of espionage fiction, superhero comics or plain ol' good storytelling should enjoy. Anyone picking up this book looking for exaggerated female bodies in kinky poses will be disappointed, but if you're looking for a very fine comic book, look no further. Do yourself a favor, even if you don't think you care for this particular character, and pick up this book. The Black Widow finally has her fangs.

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