One cannot over state Robert Moses' impact on New York's very landscape. Nor is it possible to underestimate his almost rapacious ability to amass political power, his skill at manipulating the political system, nor the degree to which he was able to out maneuver and bully elected officials to his will. As someone who has spent ten years making a living in politics there can be no doubt that Moses was the maestro of politics with an unmatched ability to call the tune. For this reason, this is a must read for those interested in politics.

That said, Caro goes too far in attacking Moses on a broad front, often on charges that are spurious. At the same time, he does not sufficiently acknowledge the contributions Moses made to the City and the Nation. This book follows a problematic habit of Caro of needing to paint his subjects in a purely negative light, attacking them viciously and always underestimating their positive contributions.

On the unfair attacks, Caro charges Moses with ruining NYC riverfront by running highways along them. While that is true as a matter of fact, he fails to explain that, at the time, driving was seen as recreation and every American city followed the identical path. On another score, Caro criticizes Moses because his highways generated traffic thus requiring the creation of more highways. Again the charge is unfair. Traffic studies were at best primitive and the effects of traffic multiplication were little understood.

At the same time, Caro fails to appreciate the sheer scope of Moses vision and the works he built. Nor, while he attacks Mosses' manipulation of the process, does he ever deal with the really tough question of whether another way to build great public works exist other than with a man like Moses.

For all that, Caro's book is still an essential read for those interested in the art of politics and power as well as urban planning. While the book is long, occasionally over written, and shares with Caro?s other works a rather unfortunate tendency towards melodrama. it still offers the reader much that they cannot learn elsewhere. Moses was an artist who used America?s greatest city as his canvas. Sadly, his masterpiece showed signs of early wear and mistakes by the artist.

I too read this book shortly after it came out. At the time, I had just graduated from college and was working at a series of odd jobs while I tried to figure out what to do with my life. I happened upon this book and was swept away. By any measure, it sets a standard that few writers can hope to equal (and Caro himself may go the rest of his career without ever writing another book as good as this first effort). Whether read as a work of biography about a larger-than-life, repellantly fascinating character, an engrossing history of New York, or a penetrating critique of politics and urban planning, you will eat this book up. "In New York City, in the postwar era, the discretionary power resided principally in Robert Moses, and like filings to a magnet -- or, more precisely, like flies to a sugar bowl -- the corrupters, the men who possessed influence over the city's political or governmental apparatus and who were willing to sell that influence for money, were attracted to Moses, and to the seemingly bottomless sugar bowl for which he possessed the only spoon. And Moses did not send them away disappointed." (p. 718) If you like to read, it simply doesn't get any better than this. I've never read anything like it.

This massive work, published in 1975, is unfortunately just as timely today as it was a quarter century ago. It is the story of Robert Moses, arguably one of the most important and influential men of the second half of the 20th century. He, for better or for worse, gave us our models for the modern highway transportation system and wielded enormous power in the city and state of New York -- without ever being elected to a single public office.

At 1,162 pages, Caro's work will undoubtedly always face the charge that it needed editing. But to address large themes, a writer needs to expand, and Caro does, brilliantly for the most part. "The Power Broker" takes on the question of whether democracy in America really works. Using Moses' life as a model, the answer is "no." Moses began as a passionate believer in reform, a man who wanted to end favoritism and corruption in New York. Yet early on he concluded that to "get things done," he needed to beat the power-wielders at their own game, and he did. He built an enormous network of influence that included politicians, unions, banks and big business. And he used that power to build the most enormous transportation system in the nation, often over the objections of elected officials.

But the book also makes clear the cost of power. For one thing, there were political losers. Moses was ruthless in his attacks on those who opposed him, often lowering himself to attacking character. Mass transportation was a loser during the time Moses wielded power. He considered the automobile the premier mode of transportation, and he steadfastly refused to accommodate plans for subway, bus, and train improvements. And the poor and working class were losers in Moses' power game. He had no respect for the poor, particularly those with dark skin, and he ruthlessly destroyed their neighborhoods in his grand building schemes.

In the end, we have all lost because of Moses' vision. His idea that we can solve transportation problems by building more and more roads, bridges and infrastructure to accommodate commuters who live farther and farther from the places they work has carried the day, and those of us who live in medium-sized and big cities continue to suffer for it with every minute we lose in traffic.

Tremendous book -- grand in its vision, grand in its documentation, grand in its achievement.

Lucinda Bassett offers practical and easily applicable techniques for overcoming anxiety disorder. The techniques can be applied right away. Everyone who has anxiety can benefit from this book. I have read A LOT of books on this subject, but most were not very personable and just overloaded me with theories that just did not hit home. However, this book really helped me to look at the reasons for anxiety attacks head on. It explains why people "create" attacks as an avoidance mechanism of the *real* issues they just don't want to face in their lives. Each person has the power to talk themselves out of the negative ruminations, the anxiousness, and the scary feelings. So anytime I feel anxiety coming on, I just pick up this book and refer to the sections I highlighted so that I can put what I am dealing with in perspective and face life with more courage. As Lucinda said, life is lived in each moment, in the little things we do. I think it is important to appreciate that, because those moments are all we have. It's a shame to waste away so much energy and potential on anxieties that are merely imagined! Why not focus precious time and energy on making a better life and reflecting on things you can control and deal with in the here and now? Lucinda Bassett shows you how!

Several months ago, I started having panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety on an everyday basis, and I didn't know where to turn. Finally, in desperation, I bought this book...and well, this book literally changed my life! It made me realize that I was 100% in control of my anxiety and panic attacks, and only through changing my thoughts could I conquer my fears. Now I haven't felt overly anxious or had a panic attack in over 6 months, and my life has been so much better!! I also loaned this book to a close friend of mine who suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, and the next day, after reading almost the whole book in one night, she gave me a big hug and thanked me profusely for recommending it to her, because she now knows that she, too, can recover!!!! I can't say enough good things about this book!! If you have anxiety and/or panic attacks, buy this book! Buy this book! Buy this book!

I was very skeptical of Lucinda Bassett. I was annoyed at her many commercials on TV & the radio promoting her tapes. I figured she was much more concerned with money than helping people. And after having anxiety disorder for 18+ years, I'm pretty much skeptical of everyone....

But let me tell you, Lucinda Bassett is a 'real person' from a very difficult background of anxiety & panic and everything that goes with it. I felt really connected to her and her background. Her book has motivated me significantly. The book is wonderful! It has recharged my batteries, but more important, let me know that I am responsible for myself, and I have the tools and techniques and attitude to successfully deal with my anxiety and my life.

Giving praise and honor to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I want to thank Him for allowing me to come in contact with Stormie's book, The Power of a Praying Wife. My marital affairs were pretty bleak. I was praying for all the wrong things. Praying first, then reading this book opened my eyes to a alot of things that needed prayer in our life. It wasn't just my husband it was me. I was praying for God to change him. I needed changing, I needed to let go of many issues pent up inside of me. Once God dealt with me, then I was able to move on within my marriage. I am so greatful. My husband and I are now loving, and caring, and respecting each other. My home is truly one that is filled with love and the spirit of Christ. I strongly suggest that every woman read this book, whether married or not, there is something for each of you. I am now persuading my sister to read it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Thank you for walking me through, step by step and for making it easy to read. The prayers are the key. There's one for each chapter. I am working on starting a Praying Wives Ministry as a result of this book. God bless you Stormie!

This book covers every aspect of marriage. It is for every wife who desires a marriage blessed by God and a closer relationship with her husband. It is backed by God's word. God truly uses this author to teach women about their relationships with their husbands. It is an especially effective tool which helps you to summarize your thoughts on different subjects and put them into your prayers. Whatever your concerns may be (health, fatherhood, etc.), Stormie has covered a variety of subjects. You may go into this book thinking about changing your husband, but this book will also change your life in many ways and bring you closer to God. God Bless You, Stormie Omartian.

I have had this book for two months. It's a book with specific chapters for specific needs. It does not have to be read front to back. I recommend reading through the first chapter "His Wife". You think you're reading about how to "help" or even "change" your husband...you soon discover the Lord showing you things in your own life that need prayer and change! Don't you hate it when that happens? Me too. But, if you allow the Lord to speak to you through Stormie's writing and experience, you will not believe what happens! It is difficult to put into words the change that has taken place...in me. Attitudes, expectations, desires, wants, and needs, are all addressed. Biblically. I go to different chapters at different times on different days. Lately, I have been reading it along with Scripture in my personal time. I've known my husband since 7 yrs. old and have been married for 23 yrs. God is always faithful and always good. He will teach us if we take the time to listen. Married? Engaged? Hope to get married? Get this book. Then, read it. Then pray. Then apply it. God Bless.

Having only the cursory knowledge of Iwo Jima from the immortalized "photograph" and monument near Arlington National Cemetary, reading "Flags of Our Fathers" was an eye-opening experience. Born in the late 60's, I grew up in with war and its after-effects having little impact on my own personal life (somehow my immediate family escaped any time in the military). In this deeply personal account of the events surrounding Iwo Jima, James Bradley gives the reader a detailed account of the famous battle that no high school history class lesson could do justice to. From the "underground city" of Iwo to the facts surrounding the quite accidental photographic capture of the incidental second flagraising, the book is both educational and fairly quick read.

I was a little put-off early in the early stages of the book. In leading up to the actual battle, Bradley seemed to have already elevated the six flagraisers to godlike status. But having finished "Flags," one can easily forgive the author for the high reverence he holds for these individuals now knowing how each of their stories ended. Having recently visited Washington, I stopped at the US Marine Corps Memorial near the end of my trip. I did not know the names or stories of the men behind the impressive statues. Reading "Flags" made me initially regret what, at the time, had been a fairly unemotional visit to yet another DC monument. While that changed as I read "Flags" (I pulled out the photos I had taken several times while reading), I ultimately believe that the surviving flag raisers (particularly the author's father, John Bradley) would be quite happy that I did not associate them with the celluloid or bronze images that dogged them for the remainder of their lives.

It is heartening to see the success of this book. While not a scholarly historical work, Bradley has done a great service in recording these men's stories and the brave efforts of all who have ever fought for their country.

Seriously, five stars are just too few for a monumental book like this one. This book is an instant classic that should live for all time! If you are like me, you have a whole story built up in your mind around one of the most famous photographs in American history -- the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. If you are also like me, there is little reality behind that story in your mind.

Written by the son of one flag-raising Marine, this amazing story should be read by everyone. It tells a tale of heroism, horrible circumstances, and the lasting consequences of an unexpected event in a compelling, unforgettable way. This book rivals All Quiet on the Western Front for its revealing insights into the nature of war, comradeship, and courage.

To set the stage, Iwo Jima was the first Japanese soil the Marines invaded. The Emperor had issued orders that the ground was to be defended to the last man. Iwo Jima was filled with tunnels that harbored over 20,000 Japanese troops who could shoot from relative safety while Americans were out in the open. The tunnel system was so extensive that Marines would literally be kidnapped while standing next to their buddies, and no one would know where they had gone. Rocks would suddenly open up to reveal mortars.

Tough fighting went on for days. The Marines lost 7,000 dead and had another 15,000 or more wounded out of 70,000 men. Ironically, the worst of the fighting came after the flag photograph, and three of the six Marines in the photograph died in this later action.

As tough as Iwo Jima was, living with the aftermath of the photograph was even harder in many ways. Two of the three survivors had their lives deeply affected in negative ways. The story of all three riveted me more than anything I have read in years.

I read fairly few books about war, but I cannot recommend this book enough to you. As Americans we owe it to those who fought in this battle to remember what actually happened and what the repercussions are. You will be moved at a deeper level than you can possibly imagine by this outstanding book.

Remember Iwo Jima!

I was only 5 when the attack on Iwo Jima took place. My own father, by virtue of age, good luck and a naval officer's commission escaped conscription into this particular hell. My personal wartime experience is a vague one of watching free movie musicals at the Ottumwa Iowa Naval Air Station, squashing and saving tin cans for the war effort and finally weaving red white and blue crepe paper into the spokes of my junior bike in celebration of VJ day. Thanks to a new book about World War II, I am discovering what it was really like back then to feel true patriotism. It is a bittersweet revelation, but a very valid one.

"Flags of Our Fathers" is a book which appeals not only to the die-hard WWII buff but to any person, male or female, with an interest in a teeth clenching, powerful and poignant story. It describes a horrible battle, the incredible selfless sacrifices of young men and the angst of their families.

James Bradley & Ron Powers have brought to vivid life the real people behind the famous flag-raising mythos, the surreal war in which they so valiantly fought and the survivors' eventual reentry into civilian life. This is an adventure story of true horrific experiences. On the surface it is a "good guy-bad guy" saga in which our good guys finally triumph. The good guys lucky enough to come home are quiet, self effacing and seemingly forever linked to the ghosts of those who did not survive. In an age before psychologists had discovered and mined "survivor's guilt" and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the luckiest of these largely teenaged boys trained, fought, were wounded, came back and resumed living to the best of their ability. I defy any woman not to bleed for the mothers and fathers who waited and any man not to cry for the "uncommon valor" of these very young sons. Bradley's personal experiences with his own hero father, his intimate interviews with families of these sons and his own quiet faith are melded with the poetic prose of Ron Powers into a seamless whole.

This is a meticulously researched, lovingly crafted and stunning battle book, written by exceptional men about exceptional men. It is sure to become a classic.

I would rate this book ten stars if they gave me the option. This is my favorite book in the world. I was introduced to it almost four years ago and still love rereading it. I think Bryce Courtenay is the most gifted author of the day -- he writes in the most beautiful style that I can only hope to emulate. The character of Peekay is the sort of Everyman you wish you were... I love how he seems to change the world by just his being around. And although a good portion of it deals with boxing (which I have to admit did not impress me too much the first time I read it) non-sports fans will still enjoy Peekay's descriptions and the remarkable dialogue and characters. I can't even put into words how much I love this book. Read it -- you won't be disappointed!! It's a little difficult to find (I had to order my original copy from Australia), but if you can get your hands on it, read Tandia, the sequel to The Power of One. It answers all the questions that TPO leaves hanging.

A gift from a friend, the Power of One became my favorite book. The story concerns Peekay, who is white, growing up in South Africa in a time of racial hatred. Picked on and ostracized because of his nationality, skinny frame, and precocity, Peekay's childhood is spent mostly alone. However, along the way, he meets people who will have later on have an influential impact on his life. Although the subjects of the book concern racism and the sport of boxing, to me the prevailing theme embodied in the Power of One is above all an affirmation of the individual - the recognition of the inner strength and courage that comes with acting upon one's own beliefs and initiative in a largely conformist society. I identified with Peekays's individuality, his ability to think for himself, and his heightened sense of intellectual curiousity. This is a book that will tug at the heartstrings, but one that will also bring a smile to your face at its comic moments. It will also make you think, as some profound insights into the philosphy of life are offered. The novel inspires awe at the sheer beauty and power of Coutenay's prose. The Power of One is a compelling read, it will leave few readers unmoved.

I first read this book at the behest of my English teacher at the time. I was 13 years old. Undaunted by the 800 or 900 odd pages, I plowed in. Little was I to know that Courtenay was to unfold a world before my eyes that would - and I say this completely free of hyperbole - change my life.

The Power of One, at its core, is the story of Peekay - a young English South African at the onset of Apartheid. Peekay suffers injustice at the hands of bigger Afrikaaner school bullies, which sets him on a course for the rest of his life. He becomes a boxer, taught by Geel Piet - a black inmate at the local jail. Geel Piet becomes more than a boxing tutor to Peekay, and teaches him what I believe is the central tenet of this book - Little can beat Big.

Peekay goes on to become a very adept boxer, and also a great academic. This represents the two main adult influences in his life - Geel Piet and boxing, Doc and academia.

The Power of One could be said to be a love story, but not in the general sense of the term. It is a love story with South Africa - a love story with the land, the wilderness and the people. With the country's errors and violence and also its spirit to rise above that all.

Little can beat big.

Well Like I Never Read The Book Before? I Never Even Saw It In Person?... The Reason Why I Gave The Book 5 Stars Without Even Reading It, Is Because The Spice Girls Are Great! And Anything Thats Offical Merchandice Of Theres IS GREAT! They Have Great Work Ahead Of Them And When You Ever Get The Book Back In Stock Please! Someone Anyone Mail Me!

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING AND IS FULL OF VALUABLE INTERESTING INFORMATION THAT ANYTRUE SPICE FAN WILL WANNA KNOW!! IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT YOU WANT IT IT'S GREAT BOOK YOU WONT WANNA MISS

It was a great wonderful book and they should print more because it would be a big seller! I love the Spice Girls especially Emma!

The final book in the Thomas Covenant trilogy does not dissapoint! This book is full of so much action, emotion, and intrigue to keep any reader hooked. The book starts when the Unbeliever is again summoned to the land, this time by a rather unlikely source. Covenant's mission this time in the Land is simple, destroy Lord Foul.

But, how will he accomplish such a thing? Lord Foul has rebuilt his army, and it is even bigger than before. And the army has only one purpose, to destroy everything on the Land. Covenant and some old friends (and enemies) must fight to stop Foul before it is too late. Emotions run high in this final book of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.

The Thomas covenant series - at least the first one - is a classic of fantasy literature. There are few anti-heroes that are so intense and believable, imbided with emotion and intensity.

Donaldson is a master at dark fiction. Be prepared for a rather unhappy novel, but one that grips you with its haunting beauty and crisp character development.

This is a rare book that left me emotionally exhausted at the end, but satisfied with the amazing scope and breadth.

Read and enjoy!

The Power that Preserves is the stunning conclusion to the finest fantasy series since The Lord of the Rings. Once again Thomas Covenant returns to the land, which has been ravaged in the wake of the Illearth War. He must finally come to terms with the rape of Lena, with his leprosy and with The Land. Ultimately, the book is about how even a leper can fight off despair -- or can he? If he can redeem his own sorry self, he can redeem The Land. After the high of the Illearth War, the best of the series, the Power that Preserves is more subdued and philosophical, but you will not be disappointed...After you savor the end of the series for about a year, give the second series a shot. It's not as good, but still far superior to the schlock pervading fantasy shelves nowadays.

Synopsis... Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell didn't think reading a magical incantation out of an old spellbook would work. But it did. Now Prue can move things with her mind, Piper can freeze time, and Phoebe can see the future. They are the Charmed Ones -- the most powerful witches history has ever known.

But being enchanted has its price. There's a warlock out to steal the sisters' awesome abilities, and he'll stop at nothing to get them -- even if it means killing the Charmed Ones!

I am in a Charmed craze, and that may be the sole reason I purchased "The Power of Three". To watchers of the TV show, it's a novella-ization of the pilot episode, "Something Wicca This Way Comes", and, fortunately, it looks as if this book will be the only episode adaptation. Unless you're a diehard fan of Charmed, you may want to skip this one and head straight for "Kiss of Darkness".

charmed is the best television series on television and when i heard there were books coming out i couldnt wait to read it. i wasnt disappointed at all. i cant stand reading infact i hate it but this charmed novel was the best book i have ever read. i never expected some of the things that happened in the book. i saw the first esipode of charmed (infact seen every single esipode)and it was great,. it was amazing to see the loop holes in the esipode. although i knew what the ending was still i enjoyed it. i cant wait till christmas because im going to get all the books.i would just like to finish off by saying to all those people that say charmed promote witch craft you are wrong. i have seen every esipode and i havent taken up witch craft and i dont have plans to.also the charmed actresses are the best shannen doherty holly marie combs and alyssa milano rule 4 eva. 3 girls with real talent see-ya charmed rules

I loved this book when i started it, i had to read it all in one day. I bought the first three, and I'm glad i did; I just got on spring break (YES!) so i can finish all of them, and maybe get some more. I was a fan of Charmed for a while before I heard about the books. I've never seen the first one(of course, one of the good ones:( )So i baught it and i'm very glad that i did! It starts off telling you about how Phoebe is living in new york and her sisters are living in their grandmother's house. Piper later, invites Phoebe(without prue knowing) to live in thier guest bedroom. Earlier, prue found a wedjei(?) board and phoebe uses it and it spells out ATTIC. In the night phoebe decides to go in there alone and finds the Book of shadows and gets a visit from one of their ancestors and she tells them that they're not only witches, but the Charmed ones, the most powerful witches. Melinda(thier ancestor) tells them that a warlock will come to try to get their powers. Now, Phoebe can see the future, Piper can freeze time, and Prue can move things with a wave of her hand. BUT WHO'S THE WORLOCK?! An old friend of prue's, Andy, suddenly comes back just when they get their powers, but phoebe had doubts over piper's boy frind, Jeremey. The ending was very exciting, and MAKES you finish it becuase it's sooo good.Very good begining, if you are starting to read the books, read this one 1st!