Book Description
On January 21, 1998, the night before his thirty-eighth birthday, federal prosecutor Stanley Alpert was kidnapped off the streets of Manhattan. This is the story of what happened next. . . .
Alpert was taken by a carful of gun-toting thugs looking to use his ATM card, but when they learned his bank balance the plan changed. They took him, blindfolded with his own scarf, to a Brooklyn apartment, with the idea of going to a bank the next day and withdrawing most of his money. But the later it got, the more the plan changed again . . . and again . . . as his captors alternately held guns to his head, threatened his family, engaged him in discussions of "gangsta" philosophy, sought his legal advice, and, once they learned it was his birthday, offered him sexual favors from their prostitute girlfriends as a "birthday present." All the while, Alpert, still blindfolded, talked with them, played on their attitudes and fears, tried to figure out where their mood swings would take them next, and memorized every detail he could in the event that he ever managed to get out of there alive.
In the meantime, his friends and law enforcement colleagues, worried that they hadn't heard from him, launched a major police and FBI investigation. It, too, would take many twists and turns before it was done-and some of them would be very strange indeed.
Filled with immediacy, drama, and extraordinary characters, told not only from Alpert's memory and notes but from police reports, interviews with NYPD detectives, FBI agents, and witnesses, videotaped confessions, and court records, The Birthday Party reads like a thriller-but every word is true.
Customer Reviews:
Could not put it down.......2007-10-15
The Birthday Party is the best true crime drama I have ever read. Stanley Alpert, a US attorney is kidnapped off the streets of NYC just prior to his 38th Birthday. The story of his escape from this terrifying situation is amazing. But what truly strikes me is to learn of his loving kindness and sense of humor that shine through in many pages in this book. I actually feel as if I know the writer after reading his book. I cant wait to see what he comes up with next.
Thrilling and thought-provoking.......2007-10-14
In addition to being a plain old good read, this story makes one ponder the classic, If I knew I would die (or be kidnapped) tomorrow, would I be doing what I'm doing today? The author's examples of ways he decided to live life fully--buy the sushi he really wants instead of the cheaper special, have a car even on Manhattan--are great exactly because they are mundane: we don't have to run off to an ashram to live more and live now, joy can be found in small things and small tweaks to our current lives. Joy can also be found in doing something meaningful with our work life, such as prosecuting polluters, about which I hope Mr Alpert will write another book.
You'll be glad he lived to tell it........2007-10-11
You're not going to enjoy this book, if all of the following statements are true of you:
1. You regularly skip over newspaper stories about crimes or criminal trials, and don't ever watch any episodes of "Law and Order."
2. You're not comfortable reading about protagonists facing dangerous situations, unless the protagonists are Clark Kent, Clint Eastwood, or detective Spenser types.
3. You, yourself have never been confronted by one or more menacing individuals brandishing deadly weapons, you don't believe it's conceivable that it will ever happen to you, and you've never wondered how you'd react if it does.
4. You can't risk putting yourself in a situation where the story you're reading is riveting enough to interfere with your ability to put the book aside at the end of the chapter and turn out the light.
As you have probably already deduced from the foregoing criteria, "The Birthday Party" is a true-crime story with some unusual twists, written by a victim who resembles you and me more than he resembles Kent, Eastwood or Spenser, and who, against all reasonable odds, faced the dangers posed by the perps and their deadly weapons and lived to tell about it.
You might easily glean as much from the publisher's blurb on the book's cover: "On January 21, 1998, federal prosecutor Stanley Alpert was kidnapped off the streets of Manhattan. This is the story of what happened next..."
Let me tell you just a bit more: The chief perp's street name was "Lucky," which, as you can already easily deduce, in his choice of victim he wasn't. The victim, equally obviously, had to have run in some good luck in order to survive the ordeal inflicted on him via Lucky's gang's kidnap-to-raid-bank-account caper.
But as you'll discover when you plunge in, Mr. Alpert's survival didn't depend only on luck; it required him to deploy some skills, also. And some of the lessons you may derive from thinking about how he did so, may alone be worth the price of the book.
But there is more: it turns out that Lucky and his colleagues also picked a victim who really writes well. Mr. Alpert's style, which I'd describe as a kind of Elmore Leonard meets Donald Westlake (believe it or not, much of his telling of this potentially horrific tale is funny), is so well suited to his story that you may find yourself doing as I did: looking back at the front cover once or twice, to make sure the book wasn't written by him "with" somebody.
I see that "The Birthday Party" is going to come out in paperback next year, and I'm told that there's already been a movie sale. That leads me to ruminate on the final irony with respect to who's been lucky and who's not, in connection with the unusual events surrounding Mr. Alpert's 38th birthday observances. The perps may well end up with reason to regret the unavailability of a reverse "Son of Sam" law, which could ultimately entitle them to share in Stan Alpert's earnings from the book and film versions (maybe also a Broadway musical version, the way things go these days) of "The Birthday Party."
Read it, so you can say, "I knew it when."
an inspiring story of survival.......2007-10-11
Truly an inspirational read! This book was picked as a Book Club selection for our club and we all found it to be a testament to man's will to survive.What could have been a tragic story, turned into a story of hope.
Cliches Galore!.......2007-10-08
This was a fun sort of read, much like eating popcorn. You know there is no nutrition it but something about the crunch satisfies.
Sadly our writer needed a better editor. The writer's urge to rely on chestnuts was rarely denied. It became something of a sport, however, to see how many pages Mr. Alpert could type before he gave into another worn cliche. That combined with his strange "hero-worship" of himself made what might of been a good story probably more self-revealing than this author intended.
Amazon.com
Asked why the writing of the My Side of the Mountain trilogy took Jean Craighead George more than 40 years, she responds, "My mother disapproved of sequels. 'Those are trashy books,' she told me when I was a child. So I grew up and did not write them.
"But kids are wiser than adults, I learned. Letters kept arriving from schools and homes, saying, 'We want to know more about Sam, Frightful, and the wilderness.' 'Sequels,' they said, 'are important.' They were right."
Now, all three of George's remarkable novels about the wilderness adventures of young Sam Gribley and his falcon, Frightful, are available in one handsome volume. In My Side of the Mountain, a Newbery Honor Book, Sam leaves home to fend for himself in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. For a year he lives in a hollowed-out tree, befriending animals and depending on his wits for survival. In the sequel, On the Far Side of the Mountain, Sam's sister has now joined him, and his falcon is confiscated by a conservation officer. Frightful's Mountain is an interesting departure for George. Written from the perspective of Frightful the falcon, the concluding novel in the trilogy follows her efforts to learn to depend on her own instincts in a world crawling with dangers.
Jean Craighead George is the beloved author of more than 80 books, including the Newbery Medal winner, Julie of the Wolves. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter
Book Description
In 1959, Jean Craighead George published My Side of the Mountain. This coming-of-age story about a boy and his falcon went on to win a Newbery Honor, and for the past forty years has enthralled and entertained generations of would-be Sam Gribleys. The two books that followed--On the Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful's Mountain--were equally extraordinary. Now all three books are available in one deluxe yet affordable volume for veteran devotees and brand-new fans alike.
Customer Reviews:
Not Just for Children.......2007-07-19
As former wildlife rehabilitators of birds of prey, my wife & I now retirement age, completely enjoyed the narative and are amazed at the the accuracy and depth of JCG's facts. Truely a heart warming trilogy in todays not so warm world. JCG has been given a great gift to combine depth of knowledge and story telling. We are fans of hers and now have read many of her books.
I mentioned this book to the very best rehabber we know & she was so happy to have the title as she had forgotten it & read it when she was 11. Said today it has influenced her life ever since, a very highly educated abd sophisticated woman who lives in the woods. As a child, her father would drop them off in the Adirondack woods, with meger supplies, a section map etc, and then pick them up at a pre-arranged spot 3 or more days later. This went on till she was sixteen. Now she will purchase & pass this trilogy on to her grandson. Ractions from others to whom I have introduced this series include, from a VP of a multi billion corp. who was fascinated with it, finished it quickly and gave it to the son of his "Boss" and wants his report back. etc etc.
An OK book.......2007-04-19
i thought that this book was an ok book. i didn't like it that much because i kinda got bored with it. some of the good parts were when Frightful caught an animal. it didn't have enough action in it. If you like books that aren't thrilling and and books that are calm then this is your kind of book!! but if you like action and books that make you think than i suggest the Artemis Fowell series!!!
An Adventure.......2007-04-19
My Side of the mountain is about a boy who is sick of the city and runs away to the Catskill mountains. He learns that he can survive all year in a hollowed out tree. I liked this book because it had some adventure. i also liked how Sam trained Frithtful to hunt. another thing that i liked was how Bando made whistles for music.
A Young Boy's Walden.......2006-12-14
Granted, there are still some places like the one imagined by Craighead in My Side of the Mountain, and there are some boys and girls out there who still explore in the woods, some parents who allow their kids to spend the night out there, but this book, like Thoreau's, is much more important for kids (and parents) who have no real wilderness in their lives. Unlike so many young persons' books these days, which try so hard to help readers through difficult times (divorce, peer-pressure, death of loved ones) in predictable, heavy-handed ways, the premise of this book is not dramatic. The young narrator is just tired of the city (not in any committed political way), and more importantly tired of living in a large family in a small space. When he says he's going to run away to find the spot where his grandfather once had a farm in the mountains, his family ignores him--his father dares him to do it, and he takes the dare. Granted, there's a bit of drama here and there (his capture and training of the young falcon is more than improbable), but mostly the book is content to chronicle the boy's slow growth--not from some tenderfoot to a fully capable survivor (the story of "Hatchet")--but from a boy who knows something about nature from books to a boy who figures out, through his experience of nature, something new about himself and his relation to other people and the world. Here Craighead is above all PATIENT--able to chronicle the pace of a life that puts into question much of what kids and their parents might consider "normal" interests, or attachments, or social behavior. The best experience of this book won't drive kids to try their hand at survival in the woods (though that wouldn't be such a bad thing for many)--rather, it will show young boys and girls that there are other ways of seeing nature and the world than those they see on the Nature channel. The second in this series, The Other Side of the Mountain, is different--more of a detective story in the woods--but equally a good read.
a wonderful adventure ! (By Ian in Plano ,TX ).......2006-11-11
My Side of the Mountain is a wonderful adventure about a boy named Sam Gribley who is getting tired of living in the city and runs away to the Catskill mountains in New York. He learns how to use different plants and animals to make food and shelter in the wild. I like it becaus it has so many wonderful adventures and information about living in the mountains. if you like nature, and reading about it, you will probably like this book.
Book Description
Dennis Smiths worldwide bestselling account of life as a fireman in the worlds busiest firehouse, Report From Engine Co. 82, still resonates. Bringing the reader ruthlessly into the raging fires that sweep through tenements, he describes in painful detail what it feels like to fight a fire in freezing cold, to enter a collapsing building, or to save a life. Meals interrupted by false alarms, injuries ranging from a burned hand to a broken back, are all vividly portrayed in Smiths gripping day-to-day journal. After 25 years, Report From Engine Co. 82 remains the most brutally honest, poignant account of firefighting ever.
Customer Reviews:
A good look back.......2006-08-28
During the tumultuous period of the 60s when author Dennis Smith wrote Report From Engine Company 82, the book was a cry for help from exhausted, frustrated men. Men who cleaned up in the aftermath of other exhausted and frustrated inhabitants of a society stretched to the breaking point.
As I type this, a younger firefighter in a comfortable, air-conditioned fire station among a population that by-and-large respects my profession, it's easy to forget the sacrifice of our past brothers who unceasingly fought fires, city hall and the population they served, until they had forged the modern fire service.
It's an important book for new firefighters to learn how the iron men of old did the job. And for the general reader it's a testament to both a volatile period in our nation's history, and to the timeless strength and courage by which good men have always worked to keep back the chaos of barbarism and destruction.
My Perspective on "Report from Engine Co. 82".......2006-08-23
I spent 10 years in the fire service in both engine and truck companys. While I have many memories and stories to tell, the author, Dennis Smith, sums up the life of a fire fighter in an urban environment about as well as can be possibly told. Trying to balance the unpleasantries and sadness against the satisfaction of saving a life or helping a family overcome one of life's most agonizing moments is very well portrayed in this book. This is what a fire fighter's life is about folks. There is no other book that I can remember that tells it any better than this. If you're thinking of a career in a big city fire department or for that matter, if you're even thinking of becoming a volunteer fire fighter this book is a must!
For those wanting a career in fire, this is step one..........2004-10-13
Before anyone decides to dedicate their lives to becoming a firefighter, they would be wise to start their research here. Some 30+ years after it was first published, this book still shows remarkable insight into the lives, struggles, and emotions of a professional firefighter. When I started on the road to becoming a firefighter, being a volunteer and reading Dennis Smith books asserted in my mind that my life would be wasted doing anything else. For others, this may convince you that the job is not for you. It isn't for everyone. Either way, this is a very enjoyable read and worth the time and money for anyone, not just firemen and wannabe's.
Firefighting on the mean streets.......2004-07-13
This is an extremely well written and easy to read book. The narration draws you in and transports you to the streets to ride along with the author. You can almost smell the smoke...
While there are many aspect of this book that are seriously dated (such as the seventies-era street slang and some of the firefighting equipment and procedures), most of this story could still be written today. This is the gritty reality of firefighting in the toughest sections of an urban center. You can feel the exhaustion and exhileration mix together as we ride through the decaying ghetto from one fire alarm to the next. What really stands out in my mind, though, is that Smith never loses his empathy for the people of the South Bronx. Even with all the abuse he and his company endure, he still understands their plight and wishes he could make their world better.
Nothing in my experience can compare with the magnitude of serving an area like the South Bronx, but many aspects of this story still reflect my career. The commaraderie of the fire station is the same, as is the sense of duty and willingness to risk everything to save a life. This is a terrific book for anyone looking to understand what it takes to be a firefighter, especially on the busiest city streets in the country.
The Bravest.......2003-11-27
When I first read this book I was in grade school. My dad thought if I wanted to be a firefighter I might want to read this book. I sit here right know and look at the inside of the cover, which is a hardcover and there is a price tag for $4.16 from Boscov's (which is a department store).
This book brings alive the fire service in New York City in the 1960's. This was one of the most challenging times in the New York City. During this time there were riots,a serious drug abuse problem, and politically charged agendas. But through all this the firefighters of New York City still had to provide fire protection to the citizens.
How many people can say that they know how it feels to be going to a fire to only find yourself a target for rocks, bricks and beer bottles. The men of Engine Company 82 and Ladder 31 found themselves in the situation more then once. These men had to deal with the pain and suffering of people that they went to help, and found that children involved made the job even harder.
Every shift they could look forward to arsons, malicious false alarms and the uncertainty of what might happen next. Did these men do this job for the money? I can say no they did not. They did it for the love of the job. That is why most firefighters do it. Most people and even some firefighters today do not realize the history and the changes that have been in the past 40 years.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to reads a book that they do not want to put down. Once you pick it up, you will not put it down until you are finished.
Average customer rating:
- Good Read About NYPD
- interesting to read
- Good stuff.
- telling it like it is...
- Great read for those thinking of becoming a officer
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NYPD: Stories of Survival from the World's Toughest Beat
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
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ASIN: 1560254122 |
Book Description
New York has always inspired larger-than-life tales and great writing—but on the topic of cops and crime it provides more raw material than almost anywhere else. A long history of classic films, television hits, and of course, books, have turned the New York City Police Department into a symbol for the dark drama of urban police work. And the rich and colorful vein of literature which has grown up around this culture makes NYPD not only a gripping read but a literary tour de force. Adrenaline Books takes you inside this gritty, tough life of being a cop in New York City. In addition to works by best-selling authors such as Peter Maas and Tom Wolfe, the book will include selections that offer a broad and deep look at the department’s many faces: Carsten Stroud tells what it’s like to track down a killer; Richard Rosenthal offers a sense of the pressures and risks of going undercover; and Bill McCarthy and Mike Mallowe offer a guided tour of the city’s dregs and the pressures of working with its hardest cases. Philip Gourevitch’s account of a cop’s dedicated efforts to resurrect a cold case; Marcus Laffey’s already near-classic articles on life as a patrolman; and Peter Hellman’s best-seller Chief, written with an NYPD chief of detectives help round out this fascinating view of the NYPD and the forces that have made it such a compelling subject for so many good writers. “ ... Try Adrenaline Books.... In three years, this 20-volume anthology series has earned a cult following.”—ESPN the Magazine
Customer Reviews:
Good Read About NYPD.......2006-04-28
This is a compilation of stories from eleven authors. The time frame is from the 1800's up to the case of Abner Louima in 1997. Along the way the reader learns about the Civil War riots, corrupt and hero cops as well as visits to the tough precincts on the Bronx and Brooklyn. Good collection.
interesting to read.......2005-08-24
I can recommend it for pro's and non-Police related readers. It gives you an in depth look into the history of the NYPD and tells stories from today and a hundred years ago. You can feel what the writers survived.
Good stuff........2005-02-02
Any law enforcement officer or just one who likes to read about the beat will enjoy this story of cop tales. Good reading material.
telling it like it is..........2004-11-17
As a native New Yorker from Brooklyn and an aspiring police officer candidate, I'm glad I picked up this book. It gave me some insight on what I'm going to be dealing with...the thugs out there don't care if you're black or white..they see blue. I really felt like I was sitting in the seat in the first chapter: "brooklyn bounce"..and the "buddy boys" chapter about the corrupt police officers...great read for anyone who likes true crime stories
Great read for those thinking of becoming a officer.......2003-12-18
The stories in this book tells the many different aspects of policing. From stories of ghetto cops,corrupt cops, draft riots, hero cops, and many more. I myself am planning to become a cop, and these stories help me realize what it takes and what i will be dealing with.
If you are thinking of becoming a cop, or like cop stories, you must pick up this book, its simply great.
Average customer rating:
- Not Happy
- Australian SF Reader
- Outstanding Debut
- The Ultimate Contest
- This is why you don't want be trapped overnight in a library...
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Contest
Matthew Reilly
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
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ASIN: 0312286252 |
Book Description
The New York Public Library. A silent sanctuary of knowledge; a 100-year-old labyrinth of towering bookcases, narrow aisles and long marble hallways. For Doctor Stephen Swain and his daughter, Holly, it is the site of a nightmare. Because for one night this historic building is to be the venue for a contest. A contest in which Swain is to compete - whether he likes it or not.The rules are simple: Seven contestants will enter, only one will leave. With his daughter in his arms, Stephen Swain is plunged into a terrifying fight for survival. The stakes are high, the odds brutal. He can choose to run, to hide or to fight - but if he wants to live, he has to win. For in this contest, unless you leave as the victor, you do not leave at all.Readers all over the world have been cheering about Matthew Reilly's lightning fast adventure thrillers. Contest, the action-packed extravaganza that launched this international bestselling career, is vintage Reilly at his explosive best.
Download Description
The action-packed extravaganza that launched an international bestselling career! Fans have been clamoring for Matt Reilly's first novel!
Customer Reviews:
Not Happy.......2007-08-09
Not happy, I got this copy thinking that it was the unabridged version as nowhere on the web page said any different. It has been cut down so much that you only get three hours worth of audio.misses a great deal of the original story.
Australian SF Reader.......2007-08-01
An academic and his daughter get caught in a library. This is not so bad, apart from the fact that is currently the site for a fight to the death between the best warriors or several alien races over the leadership of their particular reason.
Not being an alien, a warrior, or armed, he only has his knowledge of the territory and his wits to help him survive and to try and keep his kid alive, because he is forced to participate in the contest.
Outstanding Debut.......2007-07-06
The debut novel from Matthew Reilly is a roller-coaster of thrills. The author populates this survival game with fascinating creatures, quite different from one another in appearance and strategy.
The protagonist is clever, but not inhumanly so, making him relatable. A Reilly staple is the child added to the mix, so the main character must constantly look out for the safety of an innocent. This plot device tires in some of Reilly's later works, but in this book, it gives a vulnerable edge and sense of real concern about the survival of the characters.
A fun, original tale, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
The Ultimate Contest.......2007-04-26
I don't usually read science-fiction...but I picked this one up and read it because the character has my last name (it's close...spelled different but said the same).
This book was actually really good. Exciting action packed story.
This is why you don't want be trapped overnight in a library... .......2007-04-18
I had no idea this was a sci-fi story when I bought this off the shelves. I read the back of the book and was drawn to the premise of seven contestants trapped in the New York Public Library and given the directive to kill all other combatants because only the last man left standing will be granted egress. I thought, "This'll be a cool thriller." But pretty early in the pages I realized that CONTEST is more a hybrid thriller/sci-fi/horror story, and I was fine with that, too.
The outrageous premise, really quickly: For the past 7000 years, every millenium, a contest called the Presidian takes place which pits to the death the representatives of the seven known sentient alien races in the galaxy. For the past two contests, an Earthling has competed but, each time, was embarassingly the first to be eliminated. This time, the Presidian takes place in the confines of the New York Public Library, which has been sealed from outside intervention by an electrical force field. Also, should the combatants somehow end up outside the library, a bomb strapped to each of their bodies will detonate after a given amount of time. Mild mannered and intellectual, Dr. Stephen Swain unknowingly and involuntarily becomes the champion of Earth, and, from the get-go, it seems as if our hero is supremely inadequate to the task. Nevertheless, a world of hurt, terror, and predatory nastiness is about to land on his cerebral noggin. Let the game begin...
Don't look for in-depth characterization here or scintillating dialogue. The writing is no frills and almost pedestrian. The author doesn't waste too many pages laying down the story groundwork (just enough time to introduce the protagonist Dr. Stephen Swain and, also, certain set-up events at the sprawling New York Public Library). Fairly soon, the novel gets to the nitty gritty of the author's strength as it coalesces into a slam bang, non-stop action set piece replete with harrowing chases and last-second derring-dos. On a certain level, I enjoyed this story tremendously. It reads quite a bit like a combination of what the films PREDATOR and ALIENS would've been like if in book form. CONTEST is like a good quickie, redolent with cheap thrills and instant gratification, but, then, in the morning, it slinks out your door whilst you lay sleeping, probably absconding with your watch as well.
As already mentioned, the author forgoes much insight into and development of his characters, going, instead, for the taut pacing, tension, and space alien elements to carry the day. But the lack of depth in the characters prevents the reader from truly warming to them, and this is especially with regards to the main protagonist. Imagine how much more concerned we'd be with his welfare if we actually cared more for Stephen Swain? Nevertheless, Swain seems like a pleasant enough guy and there is added investment in his young daughter being trapped in the enclosed building with him as each of the six lethal alien monsters seems to take turns in lurking at every corner. Apparently, Swain was selected to be Earth's representative because of his combination of wits and combat skills. This is where I have a problem. First of all, his combat skills are practically nil, irregardless of one particular, violent encounter in his past. Secondly, even though Swain is a doctor and must, therefore, be fairly intelligent, surely the alien powers that be could've chosen another more brainy than him. Admittedly, however, he does make good use of his lobes in extricating himself from several tight spots. I like the fact that, in times of peril, Swain doesn't resort to Rambo-like skills. He overcomes by dint of his bravery, his intellect, and his sense of decency. By the way, I was hoping there'd be even more interactions between Swain and his daughter, Holly, who, by the way, seems to be one of those young, cute wunderkinds who remain mostly (and unconvincingly?) poised and quiet when the fit has hit the shan.
CONTEST is Aussie author's first novel, which he had to self-publish in 1996; this book perhaps blanketed too many genres, causing it to be rejected by a host of Australian publishers. The version this review is for has been re-published by St. Martin's Press in 2003, and, as Reilly himself notes in his interview in the back of the book, some alterations were effected - the biggest of which is that his fictional New York State Library in the original became the actual New York Public Library here (when the author finally had enough cash to visit New York and take notes). The overall story structure remains virtually the same; but this version, mostly for its audacious, careening-off-the-tracks storyline and despite the lack of character and story depth, gets three and a half stars from me.
Book Description
Culture Shock in Texas can be intense and is exacerbate by local rules of propriety that tell us to keep out mouths shut. But here in this book we are going to talk all about it with good old Yankee outspokenness. We'll clear the air, share experiences, orient newcomers, and have some good laughs.
Customer Reviews:
Right on target!.......2007-08-23
Since moving to Texas, I've been puzzled by some 'odd' behavior by friends. Now I GET IT. This book is hilarious, well-written, and absolutely on target.
A New Transplant.......2004-03-09
As a new Texan, and yes a Yankee Chick, I found this book extremely helpful. I understand my new adopted state a little better, but I understand how different I may appear to my new found friends due solely to this book. Thanks to my best friend up North for buying this book for me as a going away present. I read it on the way here on the plane, I could not put the book down. It is time again for me to read it... it's that good.
What a GREAT read!!!.......2003-10-24
This should be required reading for any Yankee Chick moving to Texas as well as any one who embraces the many cultural differences that make this country great. Ms. Dembling's insight and sharp wit had me laughing out loud many times and I don't even live in Texas or the South; I'm just a Yankee Chick living up North in Yankee land. Before reading this delightful book (which I read on a lark during a biz trip to Dallas) I had no interest in Texas, but now - hell, I think I'd like to plan a vacation there, perhaps find my self some good old boys to hang out with! Her pride in being a Yankee Chick and her love of Texas is evident throughout and it translates into a sincerity that makes this book so special. Hurry, buy this book!!!!
Useful ... and funny.......2003-08-05
I'm contemplating a move to Texas, and this book is just what I needed. It's funny, the author is charming and the info is perfect. As a native Californian, I really had no idea what to expect from Texas, but after reading this, I think I do. It seems like everything is different in Texas, from customs to state pride to guns to food, and it would be easy to be confused. It would be great if someone could write this book about every state in the nation. I think we'd all understand each other better.
I also think this would be a great gift to give someone who has moved to Texas in the past five years or so. It's really funny.
Waiting for the sequel.......2002-11-22
The book was well-thought out and researched. It explained parts of Texas and attributes of Texans never explained publicly so well before. I recognized myself in it, I must confess.
She needs to write "The Texan Guide to Yankeeland". Now that would be very useful to us 5 remaining Native Texans in the whole state.
Book Description
On September 11, 2001, FDNY Battalion Chief Richard "Pitch" Picciotto answered the call heard around the world. In minutes he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center began to burn-and then to buckle. A veteran of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was eerily familiar with the inside of the North Tower. And it was there that he concentrated his rescue efforts. It was in its smoky stairwells where he heard and felt the South Tower collapse. Where he made the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, while he stayed behind with a skeleton team of men to help evacuate a group of disabled and infirm civilians. And it was in the rubble of the North Tower where Picciotto found himself buried-for more than four hours after the building's collapse.
This is the harrowing true story of a true American hero, a man who thought nothing of himself-and gave nearly everything for others during one of New York City's-and the country's-darkest hours.
Download Description
On September 11, 2001, FDNY Battalion Chief Richard "Pitch" Picciotto answered the call heard around the world. In minutes he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center began to burn-and then to buckle. A veteran of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was eerily familiar with the inside of the North Tower. And it was there that he concentrated his rescue efforts. It was in its smoky stairwells where he heard and felt the South Tower collapse. Where he made the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, while he stayed behind with a skeleton team of men to help evacuate a group of disabled and infirm civilians. And it was in the rubble of the North Tower where Picciotto found himself buried-for more than four hours after the building's collapse. This is the harrowing true story of a true American hero, a man who thought nothing of himself-and gave nearly everything for others during one of New York City's-and the country's-darkest hours.
Customer Reviews:
Half Good/Half Bad.......2007-09-03
I just recently read the paperback version of this book. The first half of this book is pretty interesting and heart pounding in detailing what it was like to be in the World Trade Center while it collapsed. The second half was very disatisfying. It was very self-serving and is mostly about Mr. Picciotto praising himself and his actions and criticizing absolutely everyone else. I also find it interesting that Mr. Picciotto said how hard it was for him to return to the site and that it took him a very long time do this. However, in the acknowledgment at the end of the book, he returns barely a few weeks after the collapse and with his collaborator of this book. He had already found the time to get a book deal and co-author!
Disappointed.......2007-05-17
As a firfigther who understands chain of command and the need to work with in an Incident Command System, this book perfectly explains how one FDNY Battalion Chief breaks all the rules, chosing to respond to the World Trade Center Disaster rather than remain responsible for his own Battalion, risks the lives of members of 110Truck to "sprint" to the 35th floor of the North Tower, ABANDONING them on the way to freelance some more in the burning tower, only to ultimately become stuck in the collapse of the North Tower where he goes on to shout at and berade a PAPD Officer who's lost his partner, a K9, to the collapse of the bulidng. This book is a shameful and embarrasing for all American firefighters, those silent heros who risk their lives daily.
Nothing Special .......2006-08-19
I have had this book for a few years but have not been able to read it till recently.The story is quite interesting and astonishing (especially as it is a true story) but the writing is somewhat repetetive - I think this is done to make the story longer - and the Firefighter seems to be too full of himself always going on how great he is and how well he did what a good leader he is ...... and so on.Entertaining and interesting but the way the story is written spoils it.
caught in the middle.......2006-01-07
I am a full time firefighter/engineer in a small town with three stations. This book does a great job of telling the inside story of what happened to our country on 9-11 and also an insight to the world of firefighters, for those with no prior knowledge. My only real frustration in reading this book, is that some of the detail on this thought, or that thought, becomes a little mundane. In one passage, he dwells for a long paragraph, on a sliver of illumination from an emergency light, that some how ended up sharing the void. All in all, it is a great book, but the same story could have been told with out the hovering over so many tiny details. But then you'd have a book only three quarters the length.
One Man's View--.......2006-01-05
I am a little surprised by the negative reviews of this book--perhaps some reviewers don't personally know any firefighters--and that is the point of this book: an inside look at how one firefighter(albeit a chief) experienced and survived the attack and collapse of the World Trade Center.
As a BC, Picciotto, had a company of men under his command who were looking to him for direction and literally commands. Firefighting is a military-style profession where you take orders and do what you're told by superiors. Firefighters are full of "bravado" at what ever level--it comes with the territory. Work hard, play hard, brag hard...that's real stuff.
The best part about this book is the "voice" of Picciotto coming through the writing. His description of the sound of the collapsing tower mixed with his feelings of the certainty of death were very well written. His last thoughts were on his family--that is a part of the job most don't want to talk about. You gain a sense of the confusion, the disbelief, and the frustrations present that day in NYC on 9/11. You are inside his head and thoughts the entire time--it is an excellent book to gain a different/purposefully personal perspective on what that day was like. It is clear this book is about one man's experience, not an entire city or department's experience. I am certain that all New Yorkers and firefighters have their own stories of bravery and despair and hope. Talk to one...they are extraordinary people.
Book Description
Thousands of New York tenants are taken to court each year by their landlords and many more give up valuable rights because they don't know what their legal rights are. This book explains in simple language what the legal rights of tenants are and how they can protect those rights. Tenants' Rights in New York explains New York's landlord/tenant laws in simple language so you can protect your rights and your investment. This book thoroughly explains what to do and how to do it, with forms, flowcharts and examples from actual cases. Complete with step-by-step instructions and the forms you need, this book can significantly reduce your costs and potential liability as a landlord. It explains and gives guidelines for: Security deposits Evictions Leases Assignments and subleases Discrimination Repair and maintenance Pets Privacy Using Self-Help Law Books Introduction Chapter 1: General Considerations Relationships Dealing with Your Landlord Dealing with a Manager Dealing with Other Tenants Dealing with Roommates Chapter 2: Laws and Regulations that Apply to Rentals New York Landlord/Tenant Laws New York State Laws Local Laws Federal Laws Condominium and Co-op Rules Deed Restrictions Legal Research Obtaining Assistance Chapter 3: Beginning the Landlord/Tenant Relationship The Application Process Your Credit Report Discrimination Home Businesses Pets Inspecting the Unit Chapter 4: Rent Regulation Rules that Apply to Rent Laws Limiting Rent Rent Control Rent Stabilization Lofts Single Room Occupancies Chapter 5: The Rental Agreement Leases and Rental Agreements Oral and Written Leases Length of the Lease or Agreement Lease Provisions Problems with the Lease Negotiating a Lease Inspecting the Unit How to Get out of a Lease Options Chapter 6: Your Security Deposit Landlord's Method of Holding Notice Interest Getting Your Deposit Back Special Rules Chapter 7: Maintenance and Repairs Landlord's Responsibilities for Maintenance and Repairs Single Family Homes and Duplexes Warranty of Habitability Lead Carbon Monoxide Asbestos Radon Getting Things Fixed Tenant's Responsibilities for Maintenance Improvements by Tenants Chapter 8: Injuries on the Premises Landlords' Liability Landlord Liability for Actions by Tenants Strict Liability Tenants' Liability Chapter 9: Changes during Lease Period Assignments Subleases Roommates Lease Succession Sale or Foreclosure of the Property Changes to the Lease Chapter 10: Problems during Your Tenancy Landlords' Access to Your Unit Retaliatory Conduct by the Landlord Bad Checks Damage to the Premises Death of a Tenant Destruction of the Premises Vacating Early Problems with Other Tenants Neighborhood Problems Chapter 11: Tenant Organization Forming a Tenant Organization Rent Strikes Chapter 12: End of the Tenancy The End of Your Tenancy Damage to the Premises Holding over Tenancies with No Specific Term Early Termination by Tenant Early Termination by Landlord Employment Rentals Options to Cancel a Lease Special Rules for Public Housing Death of a Tenant Chapter 13: Evictions Getting a Lawyer Self-Help by Landlord Surrender or Abandonment Nonpayment Proceeding Holdover Proceeding Courtroom Procedures Your Possible Defenses Your Possible Counterclaims Your Answer Court Appearances Trial Court Personnel Mediation Stipulation Warrant of Eviction Staying the Eviction Yellowstone Injunctions Money Damages and Back Rent Motion for Rehearing Your Appeal Bankruptcy Landlord's Appeal Chapter 14: Self-Service Storage Chapter 15: Mobile Home Owner's Rights Appendix A: New York Statutes Appendix B: Eviction Flowcharts and Legal Holidays Appendix C: Forms Index
Customer Reviews:
Finally Some HELP!.......2000-11-14
This book really helped me know what my rights are and how to handle my landlord. It helped me understand my lease and now I know how to get my landlord to fix things. There is lots of info about anything that could come up while renting. Great book to have around even if you aren't having a problem.
Customer Reviews:
A rewrite of press releases and newspaper articles.......1998-04-29
I was privy to this story and the book is nothing more than a quick rewrite of police press releases and local nrewspaper articles. For shame!
Book Description
This is a complete guide for anyone facing a custody, paternity or support case in New York. The book explains the laws in an easy to understand style. All the forms needed are included with instructions. Topics covered include obtaining custody or visitation, modifying an existing order, dealing with parental kidnapping or abuse, finding an attorney, gathering evidence, defending against a child support case, calculating child support, determining paternity, collecting child support, dealing with interstate laws and much more. The book will assist those who want to represent themselves, as well as those working with an attorney. A detailed resource section provides information on where to get help.
Customer Reviews:
Everything you need to know!.......2002-06-22
This book completely explained the laws about custody and support. I never understood it before but now I do. It made it so easy to understand. All the forms I needed were there with instructions. The book explained about custody and support cases but it also talked about how to enforce child support. The book is filled with useful information and it is so nice to have all the phone numbers I need at my finger tips now. I would recommend this book for anyone who is facing a custody or support case.
Books:
- The Complete Credit Repair Kit (+CD-ROM) (Complete Credit Repair Kit)
- The Complete Guide to Your Real Estate Closing: Answers to All Your Questions - From Opening Escrow, to Negotiating Fees, to Signing the Closing Papers
- The Credit Secrets Bible
- The Credit Secrets Bible
- The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks
- The First-Time Homeowner's Handbook: A Complete Guide and Workbook for the First-Time Home Buyer (Book & CD-ROM)
- The Fix Your Credit Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Lifetime of Great Credit
- The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity: A Simple Guide to Unlimited Abundance
- The Globalizers: The IMF, the World Bank, And Their Borrowers (Cornell Studies in Money)
- The Gluten Connection: How Gluten Sensitivity May Be Sabotaging Your Health--And What You Can Do to Take Control Now
Books Index
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