All the books in this series are wonderful to read. It is a very clean language book, one where the naughtiest word is "Shoot". This one brings a sad, bittersweet smile to the face of most fans of stock car racing. I would recommend this book with only one small reservation, there are a number of small inside jokes, that only a true fan of NASCAR racing is going to understand. But overall it is an enjoyable read for any racing fan.

I just finished book 8 and have read every book in this series. My first recommendation is that, with the exception of the 1st book, none of these novels should be read by itself. Bite the bullet and buy all 8 books from AMAZON.COM, if you are a NASCAR fan you won't regret it.
The first 4 books in this series deal with NASCAR's formative years when a former moonshine runner attempts to trade one fast-paced high-risk career for another. All four are excellent reads, although at times the attempts to place this fictional race team into established racing history are forced. Most NASCAR fans are familiar with the events and results surrounding the first Daytona and Talledega races, for example. For the most part, though, the authors do an admirable job of placing the Lee Racing team smack in the middle of these formative years without straying too far from the historical facts.
Upon starting Book 5, I was a little disappointed to discover that the authors had fast forwarded nearly 40 years to present day racing. However, by the midway point of that book, I became as interested in the lives of Rob Wilder and his contemporaries as I had been in Jodell, Bubba, and the rest of the Lee Racing clan. The older men, however, remain extremely active in the sport as car owners and senior mechanics.
In summary, all 8 of the books are well written and very easy to read. My only complaint is I WANT MORE!!! There are many story lines that can be followed up on and I can only hope that the authors continue to crank out more volumes!!!

In their book, Perverse Subsidies, Kent and Myers adequately demonstrate how global tax revenues can at times adversely affect the economy and the environment. The book is an expanded version of a 1998 report on the topic of perverse subsidies, focusing in particular on the OECD nations. Given the magnitude of these pervasive, deleterious subsidies, the authors were genuinely perplexed to find that the subject received scant attention from specialists in economics, public policy and the environment. As such, the book's subject matter would serve as an excellent springboard for hundreds if not thousands of graduate level research projects in the fields of economics, public policy, urban planning and development.

On the organizational front, the authors divided the book into three uneven parts, with the second of the book comprising the majority of the text. Part one of the book consists of two chapters that for the most part are readable and understandable. The first chapter covers basic concepts associated with subsidies in general such as: what subsidies are, the various types of subsidies given, the advantages and disadvantages of subsidies, social equity concerns, scale and externality issues associated with subsidies, and finally an extended discussion of how the authors derived their rough estimate for the size and extent of subsidies globally. The authors astutely note the difficulty of tracking down information regarding subsidies in general, and openly admit that their estimate for global subsidies may not accurately reflect the true value, given the hidden nature of subsidies and the active roles of governments to contain detailed information about payments and transfers. The second chapter tells the reader what constitutes a perverse subsidy (which the authors define as having deleterious and distorting effects on both the economy and the environment), delves heavily into economic and environmental values and costs associated with perverse subsidies, and tersely explains the role of (negative) externalities, focusing almost exclusive on the role perverse subsidies play in exacerbating global warming.

Part two contains individual chapters devoted to the agricultural, energy, transportation, water, fisheries and forestry sectors of the global economy and each chapter outlines the type and magnitude of the subsidies given to each sector, and offers specific policy recommendations for policy intervention, change, and/or overhaul. In each chapter, some countries are emphasized more than others, and this I believe reflects the availability of reliable data more than the political and economic importance, however great or small, of the countries emphasized. Part two also contains a final chapter that discusses the combined effects of perverse subsidies across all sectors presented, as well as their political, economic, and social implications. The last part of the book consists of one chapter, and

For the curious layperson, chapters one, two and nine of the book contain the most useful information, albeit of a general nature. Specialists with an interest in the various sectors emphasized in the book may find one or more of the chapters in Part Two of the book to be of some utility. In addition, researchers in the field may find the book's extensive notes section at the end of the text immensely helpful.

I found the book to be somewhat lacking in three key areas. First, the authors devoted much of their attention to explaining the flaws and holes in their research methodology, data and conclusions. Judicious readers will expect a considerable degree of uncertain in the numbers, data and results, given the magnitude of the challenge before the authors. Because of the breadth of the topic, rigorous statistical analysis may have been difficult to perform, and any attempts to perform such analyses, given the lack of hard data on the topic, may not have been of sufficient utility. However, I felt that too much space was devoted to justifying their numbers in every chapter, and such detailed justification could have been sufficiently presented in the first chapter. Second, graphs and charts would have done much to make the text more readable, and key points presented within the text-rich format would have been better understood in graphical or tabular form. Pie charts, bar graphs and other descriptive, graphical methods would have the reading much more brisk and enjoyable. Third, some key concepts, such as the subsidy, were explained in great detail with skill and precision, but other concepts and issues, such as externalities, costs, values and political dimensions of subsidies, were not very well delineated. Yet, in spite of these moderate criticisms, the authors have managed to write a good introduction to the Hydra-headed, shadowy and amorphous topic of subsidies in the global economy.

Frankly speaking, expositions on dry economic subjects such as subsidies tend to be more effective at eliciting yawns and putting people to sleep than sleeping pills. Nonetheless, not only did the authors convincingly argue that the problem of perverse subsidies is a gargantuan one indeed, they also made their case using an active writing style that engaged the reader, as opposed to making him or her yawn. One can not expect one small volume to do adequate justice to a topic of such magnitude, and for these reasons, the authors should be applauded for bringing some aspects of this gargantuan topic to the public.

Norman Myers and Jennifer Kent have written a comprehensive and engaging book about what turns out to be one of the biggest impediments to environmental quality and sustainablity - perverse subsidies. The book does a splendid job of documenting and quantifying perverse subsidies in six main sectors globally. One thing it lacks, however, is a really concise definition of what perverse subsidies are. Here is what is meant: A subsidy is a payment by a government to an individual or firm. In theory, the intent of this payment should be to decrease the divergence between private and social costs/benefits - to internalize externalities. A perverse subsidy is therefore a payment by a government to an individual or firm which, instead, increases the divergence between private and social costs/benefits. This can include both direct and indirect perverse subsidies. Direct subsidies are direct government payments to agriculture, fossil fuel and nuclear energy, road construction, water, fisheries, and forestry (the six major sectors documented in Myers' book). Some part of these subsidies are, of course, not perverse. They serve the intended purpose of reducing the divergence between private and social costs/benefits. But a large proportion of current direct subsidies are perverse. Myers and Kent estimate that globally 60% of conventional subsidies are perverse. This amounts to $860 Billion annually. Indirect subsidies are the failure of government to internalize externalities (especially environmental externalities) - leaving an unaddressed divergence between private and social costs/benefits. All of these indirect subsidies are (by definition) perverse and Myers and Kent estimate their total at $1,090 Billion annually. The total direct and indirect perverse subsidies worldwide are therefore estimated to be almost $2 trillion annually. As Myers and Kent point out, this is almost three times global military spending, larger than the annual sales of the twenty largest corporations, and four times the annual incomes of the 1.3 billion poorest people on earth. In other words, perverse subsidies are a huge problem, but an inherently "solvable" one whose solution would yield a "double dividend." Eliminating perverse subsidies would first help to reduce the divergence between private and social costs/benefits, thus making the economy function more efficiently. Second, it would free up funds to help solve other pressing problems. Critics will, of course, ague that these estimates are far too uncertain and "mushy" to have any meaning. Myers and Kent acknowledge the huge difficulties, but point out that "As long as the issue of perverse subsidies remains untackled, there tends to be an implicit presumption that their total must effectively be zero: there is the asymmetry of evaluation at distortional work. Of course, this is not what is intended. But as long as a problem is not accorded adequate attention, it is implicitly viewed as if it is not a problem at all." (pp. 21). Myers and Kent "resist the temptation to say we simply cannot appraise perverse subsidies in quantified fashion at all." (pp. 21) Instead they take on the challenge and ask the reader to accept the well documented qualifications that must always accompany any difficult analysis such as this. They also point out that their estimates are almost certainly conservative - further analysis and better data would reveal even larger numbers. Why do perverse subsidies persist? The answer is obvious, given the way our political systems work. One example is enough to demonstrate the magnitude and recalcitrance of the problem. Between 1993 and mid 1996, the American oil and gas industry gave $10.3 Million to political campaigns and received $4 Billion in tax breaks. This represents a benefit/cost ratio of about 400 to 1. Few investments in our economy are anywhere near as lucrative as this! Given these kinds of returns, it is little wonder that perverse subsidies exist and that they will be very difficult to eliminate. But they can be eliminated if they are exposed to the light of day and the substantial public benefits of their removal are brought into the political debate. Campaign finance reform is finally beginning to be seriously considered in the US and removal of perverse subsidies could be the next in line.

What the authors promise is true: this is a darker, more introspective tale. By flashing forward to Jodell's life today, they manage to foreshadow the tragedies without burdening their characters with an overwhelming sense of dread or foreboding.

Despite the tragic circumstances in this installment, though, readers should still find everything they enjoyed about the first two books. Jodell is still the optimistic young driver who can't dream of ever giving up racing. Catherine, now his wife, still offers her unflagging love and support without complaint. Joe still rates chasing women a close second after working on Jodell's car, but he's still there when he's needed (although there are hints this time around that Jodell may insist that Joe decide more clearly where his priorities are). And Bubba is still eating everything he can get his hands on.

While this book shifts some of the focus onto some of the more serious concerns of the team--finding a sponsor, balancing family responsibilities with the racing life, and the ver real dangers of the sport--the authors don't give us any shortage of action. The racing scenes are every bit as exciting as in the previous two books.

While the Rolling Thunder books may not present a searing insight into the human condition, they're fun, exciting, and action-packed. That's what I'm looking for when I pick one up. When I read one, the authors make me keep turning the pages, wanting to see what happens next. When I finish one, I want to go immediately on to the next one. What more could anyone ask from a stock car racing series?

The third book in the Rolling Thunder series, "Race to Glory", continues the fine characters and storytelling of the first two books.

This book is written with a slight difference, with flashbacks from the past intertwined with the current happenings in the life of Jodell Bob Lee, now a stock car team owner reliving his life spent in the "race to glory".

I highly recommend this book for any stock car racing fan. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the roots of American stock car racing.

I thought White Lightning was great, but the authors had to pack a lot into it to get to Jodell's first big race by the end of the book. With all that background out of the way, in Road to Daytona they can concentrate, for the most part, on the minute details of a single race. That level of detail really gives the reader the sense that they are there, watching the story unfold in front of them, instead of just reading words on a page.

This book particularly gave me insight into the tasks the pit crew has to do. Before, on the rare occasions that I would watch a race, I would think it wasn't that big a deal, filling a car with gas as fast as they could. Novice that I was, I couldn't understand why the tires needed to be changed so often, or the pressures the pit crews work under. Now, when I watch the race, I'm almost as fascinated watching the pit crews work as I am when the cars are on the track.

Just as welcome are the subplots dealing with the personal lives of the characters. Make no mistake: this is a series about stock car racing, but I find myself just as interested in seeing what happens to Jodell Lee and Cathy as I am in finding out who wins the race.

Finally, I appreciate the way the authors work in historical information about racing without seeming overly pedantic. They make it seem like part of the story, rather than shoehorning in a history lesson.

Overall, Rolling Thunder is a really fun series, and the authors promise that it'll just keep getting better.

I just got finished reading "Rolling Thunder - Road to Daytona", the second book in the Rolling Thunder series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It deals with 3 Tennessee racers who make it to the big time stock car racing world by running at the first Daytona race held at the Speedway.

The story kept my attention, and the history and characters, both real and fictional, held my interest.

I can't wait for #3.

These are decent stories, generally a paragraph or two per subject and several pages per person (see the Table of Contents online). Most of them are entertaining and make for quick reading when convenient.

This compendium of stories is sure to delight the baseball fan in any house (even if they're not rooting for the Yankees)! Some of the stories were laugh-out-loud funny. A great gift idea.

The Most Relaxing book I have ever read!, April 30, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from Swindon, Wiltshire United Kingdom
I bought this book for my over-active 6 1/2 year old. The first time I read it to him he was curled up ready for sleep, this from a child who would still be awake long after Daddy had fallen asleep reading to him! Even when upset, this book will settle both my children, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

This book was very well written it had a lot of very old stories that I enjoyed very much. It also gave myself and my children a look at the way Native American families share there lives with each other through stories. I enjoyed this book very much and I am waiting for the next book from this author. Thank you again, Sheri.

McGann and Weaver are two of the leading scholars on think tanks and they have done an excellent job of painting the think tank landscape around the world. Thinks Tanks and Civil Societies: Catalyst for Ideas and Action is a comparative study of public policy research organizations and their role in public policy process around the world that deserves to be read by scholars and practioners alike. I found the regional overview chapters to be particularily informative. This book has a wealth of information in it and will prove to be an inportant reference work on the subject. I recommended it highly for domestic and international donors who support these institutions, policy makers and the media who use their products and pundits and the public who relies on them for ideas and action.

McGann and Weaver have done a commendable job in advancing our understanding of the role think tanks play in the policy formulation process. This book should be required reading for policy makers and students of public policy alike. Well done, an excellent resource for domestic and international policy wonks who want to know the lay of the land of think tanks at home and abroad. McGann and Weaver outline the historical context and create a clear and comprehensive typology of think tanks. Then they to 29 contributors to provide a world tour of think tanks. The breadth and depth of this book is truly impressive

If you're only in the market for a name dictionary (which any educated person should have on his shelf, not just the expectant), the "New American Dictionary of Baby Names" by Leslie Dunkling and Wm. Gosling gives a far beefier entry for each name-- meaning, history, translations, when in and out of fashion, etc.-- than this book does, and for the same price. (Sorry, but the Brits beat us hands down at this kind of thing.)

However, there are better reasons to get this. One is the above-average introductory essay, which goes into parents' reasoning, ethnic and geographic differences, and other issues. The other reason is the survey carried out by Dr. Evans of nearly eight hundred thousand 1990 newborns.

He ranks the top 500 names for each sex, which account for about 5 of 6 babies christened. (That's all, you say? Consider the percentage of children born to immigrants with very unusual names.)

This list speaks volumes, and should be studied by sociologists and historians, particularly those holding to a Gibbonesque or Spenglerian worldview. Grandma and grandpa's names, if here at all, will be near the bottom, and it's a shock to see how far even the "hot" names of the 1950's have sunk. Fashion is king, especially for girls, and the majority of names ultimately have the same meaning: "mommy's an airhead, and daddy humors her". Our ancestors would shudder at the sheer vapidity, and disloyalty, of their descendants.

Prof. Evans plays the diplomat in his introduction, titled "Naming Baby" (as if the new person will always be a baby!). He neither defends nor dismisses the thinking of modern parents, but merely sets forth their reasons. This alone can ruin a thinking person's day.

Dr. Evans has given us, whether by intention or not, the perfect tool to learn how NOT to name your child-- a most valuable service. Get this along with the Dunkling/Gosling book, and it's a well-invested...

I thought this was a wonderful, fulfilling baby name book and shared great ideas for your babies names. I loved how this book was so full of creative ideas and extremely helpful in chosing names. These names were defenitly unuasual or different and are up to beat, popular names. I have no complants or suggestions for this book and just wanted to share how I feel for others. Overall, this book was full of good names and and was emencely wonderful. Thank You , JDG

Karen Kent is both a photographer and a poet. A graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop, she was also a freelance photographer in New York for many years. This book contains beautiful text and spectacular photos. Kent is particularly good with cultural icons and architectural spaces.

With the eye of a poet, this writer/photographer has looked into the land and people of the mid west and captured both in unforgetable images and honest prose. You know she was born there and has been in love with the place ever since. Whether you've seen it in person or not, this place, where the west begins, will long live in your heart. At any price, a bargain.