This book is a real page turner! But definitely one I would prefer not to read while I was alone in the house. After all, nice people are getting murdered & the murderer could be just about anybody-a long-lost mother, a former boyfriend, a crazy Bible toting father still grieving for his long-dead daughter, the dead girl's sister, Laurel's guy friend, or maybe it's someone she's just begun to trust. Then again, it could be none of the above. You won't know until the end. By then, everyone is on your list of suspects.

Laurel Damron is a 30-year old single woman who lives with her two dogs in the house where she grew up in Wheeling, W. Virginia. Her parents vacated the house when they moved to Florida & left her to run their, busy floral shop. What nearly no one knew, however, was that Laurel has a secret-along with five other girls. Thirteen years earlier they had formed a club. They called it "The Six of Hearts". This club was different from the usual teenage clubs. They dabbled in Witchcraft. One night something happened, something so awful that they vowed never to tell anyone. They've all gone separate, diverse ways, but now someone wants them dead. The story begins with the first murder & the murderer's MO: A six, a heart & alongside, a Tarot card known as the "Judgment card". It leaves little doubt who the targets are, & each member of the group knows she could be next. You'll find yourself having a hard time putting this book down.

Having said that, I felt that the writing wasn't as good as some I've read lately. Little things like, "She pulled the car up to the two-story colonial house." made it sound as though the author was writing for a younger age level. (Most people would just say two-story colonial.) It seems redundant. I never actually felt that I'd been to Wheeling, W.V.--not the way I feel when I come away from other authors' books, i.e., Nevada Barr or Rita Mae Brown. I realize this is nitpicking though & really doesn't diminish the story's ability to frighten & to keep you turning pages.

This book was very suspenseful and dramatically written.I didn't want to stop reading it.It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it .This book kept me wondering who the killer of the remining six of hearts was until the very end.And even when I found out I was so surprised I didn't believe it.The author did a tremendous job keeping you in the book and making you you feel like you are a character in the story, and you can feel all the different emotions they are going through. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would definately read it again.

I loved this book. It was my first Carlene Thompson book. But it only made me want to read everything she has written. I was on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured out I was thrown a curve. Who was the killer? I changed my mind several times.

It all started when 6 teenage girls formed a group called the Six of Hearts. They would practice witch craft and have secrets. Then something bad happened one night. They swore each other to secrecy. It is 13 years later and someone wants the girls dead. Laurel is still in the same hometown. And she is getting scared. Who does she trust? The last surviving girls are afraid as the others are being killed. You won't want to put this book down. And yes you will be surprised!

POP. 1280 is in the tradition of other great Thompson books, such as THE KILLER INSIDE ME. The protagonist is a seemingly respectable, law-abiding citizen -- small-town Southern sheriff, Nick Corey. He's been pushed around by his wife, brother-in-law, and most other town folks. In the beginning it's clear that Corey has been a very passive sheriff, and his anger at being considered weak is building. The book chronicles how he slowly and dramatically strikes back. Corey's much smarter than most of the town thinks, but he's also probably delusional, which is what ultimately makes this book such a black comic gem. There are more laugh-out loud moments in this book than in most Thompson books. The plot depends on a number of coincidences and stretches of logic, but it's great fun and there are some truly great surprises along the way. Overall, I think it's one of Thompson's most enjoyable and funny books, with some memorable moments and characters.

It seems that just about everyone I know gets their start with jim Thompson by reading THE KILLER INSIDE ME, and I was no different. And as good as that book is, POP. 1280 quite simply floors it. POP. 1280 is a maniacal ride through the life of Sheriff Nick Corey. He plays himself off as the town fool while wickedly orchestrating both pranks and murders. You will laugh out loud when you read the dirty little stunt he pulls on the bank president. It is truly to Thompson's credit that he is able to make Corey so unashamedly ruthless. And the thing is, you grow to like the guy. Make no mistake, he's every bit as evil as Lou Ford, except you just wouldn't mind sitting down to have a beer with this guy. In the end, almost all of Thompson's novels are, at the very least, worth reading. The man was a true american novelist who was unfairly tagged as a "pulp" or "mystery" or "crime" writer. The man wrote about people. Bad people, yeah, but still people, just like you and me. Do yourself a favor, read POP. 1280 and just see if you don't get hooked.

It would appear at the start of this book that Nick Corey, the sheriff of the town of Pottsville, is to be the hero of the story. He seems like a gentle, somewhat simple man who believes that inaction is always the most prudent course of action. He feels it "just wouldn't seem right" to have to arrest people, so generally, he doesn't. But slowly it began to dawn on me that this is a Jim Thompson book and there simply aren't heroes in his books.

It turns out that Nick Corey is quite similar to another Jim Thompson character, Lou Ford from The Killer Inside Me. In fact, it's worthwhile reading both books to compare these two characters. They are so different, yet incredibly similar.

The chilling thing about this book lies in how deeply convinced everyone is that Nick is a simpleton who is a harmless, lazy man. But the truth is apparent to the reader how rat-cunning he actually is. The desire to be re-elected to his post as sheriff drives his day-to-day activity and everyone underestimates just how far he'll go to ensure his re-election, myself included.

Apart from the sinister actions of Nick Corey, the story is actually quite amusing, told in the first person in a light and witty tone of voice. Nick manages to put an amusing spin on all aspects of his day-to-day life, most especially the parts in which he's doing absolutely nothing at all.

This is a typical Jim Thompson story. There are no heroes, as a matter of fact; there are few, if any, likable characters in the book. The main character narrates in a style that feels as though he's saying: here are the facts, make of them what you will. It's a chiller rather than a mystery and events took me by surprise more than once.

I must admit, I was skeptical at first - tsumais in the East, Iraqi submarine. But, I decided to buy the book. I made the right choice. This book is a blockbuster.

My only complaint (that's why the 4 star rating) is the author didn't offer more detail on the damage to Norfolk as a result of the tsunami. But, as I read the book, I realized this wasn't all too important to the overall plot. Which, by the way, is great.

This book starts off fast and never slows down. The author takes us from Russia to Catonsville, MD in the first chapter and quickly establishes, "where this story is going." Some novels are choppy, moving aroung too much, but this one takes you on a ride that you soon won't forget. Truly an exciting, spellbinding novel that is sure to find its way as a movie one day. At least I hope so.

The description of the anthrax strain that the Iraqis plan to dump on America is chilling and down right scary. The CIA spy running the show from his London office - Knox Jones - is a great character - I see Gene Hackman playing this part.

This book is a winner. Get it!

Well, I had heard the phrase "tiger cruise" before but wasn't really sure what it was. I am now. Although I'm sure most tiger cruise's are not as exciting as the one depicted in this book (perhaps with the exception of the Greeneville incident), I wish I could place myself in the fictional story so brilliantly detailed in the book.

Tiger Cruise is one of the most exciting books I have ever read. I have to admit, the first 30 pages or so were somewhat of a struggle - most books take time to get moving - and I almost put it down. Well, I'm glad I didn't. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It was absolutely wonderful. The plot is outstanding, original and the characterization (although somewhat lacking for the antagonist, but understandable for a new author) was well done - especially for one Knox Jones. We'll see him again, I'm certain.

A truly wonderful reading experience; I anxiously await the next one.

I don't usually leave reviews, but this book is the exception. I have never read a book that kept my interest like this one, down to the very last page. Talk about a page-turner, this is it. I look forward to Thompson's next book. I hope it's as half as good as this one was. I highly recommend The Tiger Cruise for an exciting read.

I purchased this Chicken Soup book for my eight year old son, although the book states 9-12. The younger version for kids seemed too "slight." And his teacher had read a few stories from this version, so we decided to buy it for him as an Xmas 2000 book.

I have found it riveting, and many of the stories can bring tears to your eyes. The stories are concise. The writing is fluid and easy to understand. I was struck, however, by the intensity and hard edge realism of some of them. There is a section on death and a number of the other stories touch on grief, divorce, loss and death. My son just lost his grandmother in March (my mom) so I believe some of these tales will be helpful. They touched my own heart. Parents should be aware however that there is a heavy dose of despair--albeit overcome by strength and love. Also some nine year olds are more mature, wiser and perhaps less innocent than others. A nine year old from an otherwise happy, intact family who has yet to face a great deal of loss or grief may be taken a back, perhaps even a little frightened. This is a good work that should be reviewed first by a parent. Certainly consider the age prescribed. Also examine your own views on death, dying and marriage dissolution. These stories may helpfully support them, or they may not.

As a consultant in the child and youth development field, I would be more likely to steer the 11-13 year old grappling with specific issues to this Chicken Soup.

Do you think you have a tough life? Maybe you also want to check out other kids' lives. Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul is a great book for preetens who think they have hard lives. This book is emotional, and it really made me think of what other kids have to deal with. The kids in this book have courage, faith, and pride. It also made me think of growing up and outgrowing things. This book is definitely a good way to express your feelings. It even has some famous people in it. Mia Hamm, Beverly Mitchell, N'Sync, and Karl Malone have stories in here about their lives. If you want a book that you can express your feelings with, Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul is definitely that book!!!

Recently I purchased Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul. I have just turned 11 years old. So far, I have enjoyed my newest Chicken Soup book. I have already received Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul as a gift, but now I believe I am growing out of it. I am almost a teenager who is going through her preteen years. This book has helped me find myself inside myself. I really love the authors who write Chicken Soup and the contributors who send in their funny, sad, and meaningful stories. This book talks about changes in life, getting older, the tough stuff we go through as preteens. My favorite stories are the ones of the people who are actually in their preteen years and how they deal with this tough time in their lives. Overall, I enjoy the book very much.

This book kept me guessing til the end. Good plot...just enough characters and questions to keep me wondering and good storytelling. I will definitely buy more books by this author.

I've been hooked on Carlene Thompson ever since I read In the Event of my Death. Ms. Thompson has a knack for writing the perfect suspense/mystery books without a lot of voilence in them.

Deborah Robinson seems to have the perfect life, a wonderful husband, Steve and adorable twins, it's Christmas time, what could be better? Until her husband disappears one day, after he's been acting strange all week. At the same time a serial killer is brutally killing women, it couldn't be Steve, could it? Deborah's seeks help from her friends and soon discovers strange things begin to happen to her. Someone is watching her family's house, calling in the middle of the night, breaking and entering, Deborah knows she must find out the truth about her husband before it's too late.

I loved this book because everyone looks guilty and you'll never figure out who the real killer is. The ending is so suspenseful, I got goose bumps while reading it. Ms. Thompson has crafted a wonderful story full of twists and turns and surprises. I highly recommend this book, but don't read it just before bed time. You'll be too scared to sleep!

this book was a 5 +, but then all her books are. i've read them all and even the very first one was great and can't wait for black moon to get on the shelves. i wish she would write 3 or 4 a year. thanks carlene (i feel like we're on a first name basis) :-)

This book was the second in a proposed "trilogy" of Hunter S. Thompson's personal letters. This book continues were the Proud Highway left off.

Where did that leave off, well it was 1968 and Nixon was slowly becoming one of Hunter's people to pick on. This volume of letters were just as good as the 1st volume if not better! He writes to KREX TV in Grand Junction and complains about their programming or lack there of, and that was in 1968 and I want to do that myself here in 2001! He also writes Senators, Presidents, and Editors! We learn about his attempt to become Sheriff of Pitikin County on the "freak power ticket," whether or not Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was fiction or real!

All in all this book is great and anyone who likes Thompson should pick this one up and prepare to never put it down until you are done! I have to go and read his column on ESPN.com page 2 that is posted every Monday, titled Hey Rube!

This 2nd volume of letters written by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson covers the years in which Dr. Thompson was writing his opus on the death of the American dream, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Picking up after the publication of "Hell's Angels" and covering the late 60's and 70's, this collection provides an insight into the often twisted genius that is Dr. Thompson. However, as interesting as some of the letters between Thompson and his editor regarding "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" are, the real prize of this volume is the everyday letters that he writes to fans (who want more information from him on how to join the Hell's Angels), his Dentist (who tries to collect $277 from Thompson at once, a tactic which Thompson calls "sheer madness"), and an outdoor clothing catalog (from whom he wants a refund when he finds that one of their products which is supposed to be made from leather is no longer made of leather). It is these letters that show how normal Thompson thought his actions were, even though they may have seemed anything but normal to those he was writing to. Other highlights include the book's opening essay on Bob Dylan and the hippie dream, his earliest ramblings from his lawyer Oscar Acosta, and a letter to mystery writer Sue Grafton who grew up in the same town as Thompson. Perhaps the most interesting discovery to fans of Thompson are the letters detailing Thompson's plans to have his novel, "The Rum Diary" published as early as 1968, a promise that would not come to fruition for another thirty years. Overall this collection of letters is an essential piece of the puzzle that is Thompson's literary catalog, even more so than the previous volume of letters published in 1997.

Considering there are at least 5 biographies floating around about Hunter S. Thompson, and he doesn't seem the type to write an autobiography, this is the closest thing we will ever get. Picking up where Volume I left off, Fear and Loathing in America is a complete reversal of fortune from its predecessor.

Whereas Volume I documented the lament and poverty of Thompson as a young, struggling writer, dealing with the rigors of hustling a career in journalism or literature without working a "real job"--this volume covers Thompson in his shining glory years. Fresh off the success of Hells Angels, he conquers with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail. Not only that, but it covers everything in-between, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the extreme surreal elements of his gonzo journalism, showing us the facts that exists outside the books and the articles.

Thompson almost always portrays himself as the smirking, all-knowing, invulnerable watcher of things. Even when writing from his own point of view, he becomes the omniscient narrator and the cruel god watching over the world he is describing. Very rarely does he get really personal and revealing in his writing, nor does he need to.

This volume is filled with personal correspondence, journalistic entries about Thompson's life and times. And his writing here is just as solid as it is in any of his books. His ability to bend language and make it bark and snarl at the end of his leash is what makes Thompson an irreplacable American writer, and a perfect vehicle to have documented the turbulence of the last 4 decades. This volume of letters is the perfect companion to the flash and bang of his books, giving us an altogether different point of view of Thompson's life and lets us make our own conclusions about how much life imitates art and helps us realize that it works the other way 'round as well.

In contrast to some of the other editions of the complete works of Shakespeare, this book really is value for money. All plays (and poems, etcetera) are printed in a lavishly, pleasing way, very easy to the eye (one of the biggest drawbacks of some editions is that they use a very small font to keep the number of pages to a minimum). As others have commented, not much can and should be commented on the works themselves, they have stood the test of time, and the (normal) spelling that is used in this edition makes each reading an enjoyable experience. All the plays are given a brief (and somewhat succinct) introduction, which is, at best, okay. The strange things, in this book, are, for example, the order of the plays, the way King Lear is printed in two versions (that differ only in small details), and the inclusion of fragments that are attributed to Shakespeare (a bit controversial to say the least). Still, if you want to buy a good, thorough, and well-researched edition of the complete works of Shakespeare, you will not go far wrong with this book.

Pretty much any edition of Shakespeare deserves 5 stars for content. I think the question most people must have is "Which edition?"

I purchased "The Complete Pelican Shakespeare" because I wanted a relatively portable, high-quality book featuring text that benefits from modern scholarship (including brief notes and glossary). I wanted an edition to read and to treasure.

I should say that I didn't need extensive commentary with the text (as in the Arden paperbacks). That bulks it up considerably, can be had in other places, and can be left behind once one has read a play once or twice.

While I'm no Shakespearean scholar myself, this edition seems to meet the editorial criteria quite well. The text appears to benefit from modern, authoritative editorship, the introductions are brief but useful, and archaic terms and phrases are defined on the page where they occur.

The binding is high quality, as is the paper.

This is the most portable of the modern hard-cover editions I've found, with the possible exception of the Oxford edition, which is thicker, but smaller in the other two dimensions. I decided against the Oxford because the binding is of lesser quality and Oxford has a relatively idiosyncratic editorial policy with which I don't entirely agree.

Sadly, this is still a pretty big book, just small enough for a good-sized person to hold up and read in bed, and too much for an airplane or trip to the park. I wish someone would make a truly portable version! There is no reason that the entire thing couldn't be compressed into the space of a smallish bible (for those with the eyes for it!).

This weighty tome brings together authoritative versions of the complete works of Shakespeare. The excellent and informative introduction provides the historical context for the plays, the author and the folios. It also explains well how the plays tended to evolve with re-writes and performances. I have not read all of the plays and sonnets, but of the Shakespeare works Henry V and Hamlet, for example, provide high drama with stories that are compelling and language that is unique, beautiful and powerful. While the Taming of the Shrew and a Midsummers Night Dream provide humor, and other plays provide tragedy and pathos. A thousand phrases from these great plays and sonnets have probably carried into modern usuage. Shakespeare is best enjoyed first as a play by fine actors, such as those of the Royal Shakespeare company, that can give life to the often archaic and unfamiliar words, phrases and language constructs that come late 1500s. Once you have been captivated by a good live performance, reading the text becomes a joy and the strange language an exquisit pleasure. Some movies based on Shakespeare are more interesting than others (Kenneth Branagh has been quite successful, while Mel Gibson and Sir Lawrence Olivier were less so to my mind) but a live theater performance is far better and the written word is probably a close second. If you are interested in Shakespeare then this is a wonderful book - the only one you need really. If you have children then you really should get this and encourage them to read it. I have started reading selected passages with my 5 year old son and he loves it, he is absolutely enthralled with the language -- be bold, try it.

While the journals in here were really beautiful, it doesn't look like the author put a lot of effort into explaining them. It only took me about an hour to read this book and, even with a few creative ideas(mostly from the pictures), the general content was sparse. Some of the shaded sections on the side looked like space filler (for example, one on "themes" describes a travel journal's purpose as "chronicling your travels"...no way!). It bothers me when writers use pretty pictures to try and pull off the appearance of a quality book. Flip through this book in the library to get some good ideas, but don't expect thoughtful written advice.

Making Journals By Hand is an excellent introduction to artistic techniques that can enhance an artistic journal, not to mention directions for actually making the journals in which you might use these techniques. This is a very unique book because so few how-to books give information about ways to make your journal more artful. The techniques described lend themselves well to edgier, more artistic journaling, rather than cookie-cutter scrapbooking. I was especially excited to see explanations of emulsion lifts and image transfers. As a fan of the journals of Dan Eldon and Sabrina Ward Harrison, I felt that I could make journal entries more in keeping with those styles by using the ideas in this book. Plus there are many inspirational photos of artfully done journals by artists such as Teesha and Tracey Moore. All in all, this book was a great find and I would highly recommend it.

Making Journals By Hand by Jason Thompson - 125 pages, over-size paperback Published by Rockport Publishers

From the publishers of Making Memory Books by Hand also comes this wonderful book - Making Journals by Hand - which enables you to leap tall mental buildings in a single bound and become SUPER-CREATIVE & ARTISTIC PERSON!!! I'm not exaggerating (at least, I don't think I am). Lists of supplies needed and suppliers, detailed instruction for creating journals from scratch or for reusing old hardback books or spiral notebooks, lots of photos of fascinating and unusual journals, reasons to keep your own as well as theme ideas (recipe, travel, garden, and nature to name a few), curious ways to fill them (Remember the wax resist technique from grade school? It's in here, simple to use with wonderful results.) that are not complicated, how to choose lasting supplies and care for the finished product (Did you know newspaper clippings will cause acid free paper to degrade over time? See page 11.) a constant flow of tips and 'jump starters' and . . . well, it made me want to start a journal just for the journal ideas I was getting while looking through and reading the book! Good, good book.

Reading it now, the first 8 issues of the Invisibles seem almost childish. The conspiracy is painfully upfront with little mystery. The Acadia story arc that makes up the bulk of the issues is plodding and really quite dull.

But if you look closely, in the little cracks, you can see a sort of incredible sincerity and a real desire to create something special. Jack Frost is a wonderful character, Buddha as british hooligan.

Grant Morrison was trying to mold all of his greatest influences into one bold series, but it really comes off as a mess. But it's a great mess but a mess nonetheless. Morrison's effort on this was A1 and it's very obviously a great work of love.

This is where it began, and it only gets better to get a little bit worse in the end.

I have to agree with one of the earlier reviewers that this would have been a better book if it had stopped halfway through. In the first half, we are introduced to the eerie world of the Invisibles from the perspective of the young Jack Frost protagonist, with whom we can relate (obnoxious as he might be).

But the second half of the book suffers from jarring time travel sequences, high gross-out content, arcane conversations, and a lack of sympathetic characters. The Marquis de Sade is, I think, *intended* to be such a viewpoint character, but I found him too strange and off-putting to have much sympathy for him. And the Invisibles themselves already seem to know everything.

That said, I have to conclude that it's a very ambitious and engrossing book nonetheless. The high point for me was Jack Frost's initiation to the Barbelo and whatnot, at the end of the 4th chapter. That had me really hooked, despite the fact that things got less interesting as the story went on.

I can definitely recommend this book to people who liked THE ILLUMINATUS! TRILOGY and some of the more paranoid Philip K. Dick novels; that sort of thing.

This book is a MUST read for anyone with Deconstructionist or Discordian views. It is a comic book, but don't let others opinions of comics and their content sway you. This is no juvenile super-hero in tights smash-em-up for 23 pages. The Invisibles is about subversion of the status quo, deconstruction of patterned and controlled thought and trying to make sure everyone benefits from the end of the world. This book could hold some very real changes of perception for you. As the young Dane McGowan/Jack Frost is initiated into the Invisibles, so are you, given small tidbits that the reality we're all being held to is only that way because it benefits others for you to see reality in this light. You create your reality, this book can and will show you that. There are large and sinister forces behind a lot of very shady dealings in government, business, entertainment, etc., not just in the U.S., but in the world. Don't take my word for it, start looking around, question aut! ! hority and what you see on TV, you might start to see what I mean. Grant Morrison has an eye that sees past all of this. If you really get into the Invisibles, it will seem like you're being let in on a very big secret. Admittedly, it can be a very cryptic and challenging read at times, but if you're willing to put in some effort, and research this work outside of this collection or the monthly issues, you may just start to find and see "the big secret" I've described. This book could change your life, and may start us all on the road to true physical and spiritual freedom.

For the most part, this book is a great style guide for Java programmers. Most Java programmers' code would benefit significantly by following the conventions listed here.

However, the book gives some bad and confusing advice. The worst advice is the double-check pattern, which is not thread-safe. Some of the other code samples in the Synchronization and Efficiency sections also look like they are not thread-safe. Another example of poor advice is rule 74: Encapsulate enumerations as classes, which doesn't point out that "null" is a valid enumeration value for all such enumerations. The code sample shown in that rule can throw NullPointerException, for example. The advice about "inner classes" is confusing, because it is obvious the advice actually applies to all nested classes, not just inner classes (non-static nested classes).

Overall, the book gives good advice to the experienced Java programmer. I can't recommend this book to the beginning Java programmer, partly because of the above reasons, but mostly because the book mentions so many aspects of the Java language it could easily overwhelm a beginner. Once you've mastered the basics of the Java language, however, this is a good book to take a look at.

A good coding standard should focus on advice that encourages the correct and consistent application of a language. The more widely-adopted a standard is, the more benefit. No less than the Java Language Specification acknowledges this by listing a limited set of naming and usage practices. While the JLS falls far short of establishing a complete coding standard, the naming conventions it established have alone been of great benefit to the Java community. The "Elements of Java Style" nicely fills the gap left by the JLS in other areas, although it too falls a little short in places--thus the 4 star rating instead of 5.

I strongly suggest "Effective Java" by Joshua Bloch as a companion to this book. Whereas the 108 rules in this book focus on style, format and many pearls of practical advice, "Effective Java" provides an excellent set of 57 rules that go much deeper and tackle more advanced aspects of writing correct and consistent code. The two books complement each other well.

Of the 108 rules, the most glaring technical error is rule #99 which promotes the use of the flawed double-check synchronization pattern. Ignore this rule.

The 108 rules are divided into six chapters as follows:

4 General Principles: While I would have added a few, the four here are quite sound.

4 Formatting Conventions: Programmers tend to get weird about code format. After long enough you realize any reasonable and consistently adhered to standard is fine, so just use this well-considered set.

23 Naming Conventions: These are of great benefit as they resolve the ambiguities left by the JLS. I especially like rule #12, "Join the vowel generation".

35 Documentation Conventions: These very well-reasoned conventions will help to produce useful documentation as well as to eliminate unnecessary or excessively wordy documentation. The rules target both internal and external documentation as emphasize the different goals of each.

37 Programming Conventions: While there is a lot of good advice in this section, it also contains some of the weakest advice. Rule #74 on enumerations is flawed ("Effective Java" provides better coverage on how to use enumeration classes). The section on using assertions (4 rules) doesn't mention the important rule to only use tests with no side effects. It will also need to be modified for the assertion facility being added in J2SE 1.4. The section on threads and synchronization is the weakest (7 rules) as it contains rule #99 as well as some weak and incomplete advice in rules #97 and #98.

5 Packaging Conventions: This section contains some good advice not just on how to organize your classes into packages, but also on how to design stable packages.

Particularly on points of style and format, individuals will find aspects of any coding standard (at least any standard they didn't author) that they disagree with. Having written several coding standards in a variety of languages, I too have some rules I would have written differently. However, the benefit of a language-wide coding standard is that if everyone follows it, then everyone benefits from that shared agreement.

My company has adopted "The Elements of Java Style" as its coding standard with as few amendments as possible. You and your company should too.

This book offers a good style reference for programmers to agree upon, enabling them to move on to focus attention on larger issues for discussion. Along with style guidelines, the book offers a good assortment of coding practice suggestions as well. Such as; lazy instantiation of objects, not creating objects that might go unused, and many more. The book consists primarily of concepts most programmers would consider common sense. However, the fact that it pools so many of these relatively simple concepts is what makes it so valuable. For work environments where people care about spending their time debating more architectural and design related issues, this book is a must to snub out any time wasting coding standards bickering. This book coupled with Dov Bulka's 'Java Performance and Scalability' are must-reads.