I bought this book based on the rave reviews listed here. I was looking for insights into the requirements specifications process based on case studies, experience, etc. The topics discussed are very abstract, and the organization of the book (in alphabetical order of topics) contributed to this abstraction. One of the topics I found extremely interesting throughout the book was the use of mathematical notation to accurately specify relationships and concepts. In my own software engineering consulting practice with Fortune 500 firms, the use of mathematical notation in requirements specifications, such as is used for mathematical and logical proofs, is rarely used, primarily because most users, stakeholders, and developers cannot read or understand mathematical notation with respect to logic! Nevertheless, the book's treatment of mathematical notation in software specifications is refreshing and a keen reminder that the purpose of requirements specifications is precision and to eliminate misinterpretations. If you are looking for a textbook that provides insights into the practice and successful techniques of requirements engineering through case studies and anecdotes, I recommend reading other texts that are aligned with methodologies and techniques such as UML, CRC, etc.

Let's face it, writing a book about software requirements is tough. Michael Jackson does a great job here exposing the core disciplines, the historical growth of the process and introduces some great approaches to the probem space (notably his Problem Frames). The book is succinct, to the point and written in language that just about anyone can follow. The Predicate Logic sections are the only areas where he assumes any prior knowedge with regards to following the notation.

The only reason I gave this book four out of five stars is becuase the author got too cute with the structure of the book. The chapters are listed in alphabetical order based on chapter title. The book is presented as a "Lexicon" so I'm sure this was why the book was ordered in this way. Still there where many chapters that, in my opinion would have been more powerful if they had been grouped together.

This is not a good enough reason not to buy read and enjoy this book. I strongly urge anyone interested in the topic to do so. I just wish an editor had taken the time to encourage Jackson to create sub sections .

Many thanks to Michael Jackson. His book is full of wisdom and insights. I just wonder why there is only one more book (Practical software requirements - as far as I know) so far on this topic since Michael published his book 5 years ago. I am looking forward to further elaboration of his approach by Michael or other writers.

One might argue that the hallmark of great men is that they fundamentally and permanently alter the world they inherited - its beliefs, its practices, its conception of itself. Andrew Jackson is one of those extremely rare individuals.

In this first of three volumes, which he subtitles "The Course of American Empire," Remini highlights the central role that Jackson played in opening up the early American frontier in the first decades of the 19th century. Long before the expression "Manifest Destiny" ignited the expansionist and nationalist passions of Americans in the 1840s, Andrew Jackson fought single-handedly - and occasionally circumvented direct military orders, the Constitution, local judges, and officially recognized international treaties - to advance American territorial expansion along the southern border and promote the removal of the Spanish, British and myriad tribes of native Americans.

Other salient events that Remini chronicles in this volume include Jackson's humble roots and tragic childhood during the American Revolution in the Carolinas; his move westward to the Tennessee territory to start life anew as a lawyer; the "facts" behind Jackson's much-disputed relationship with his wife, Rachel; his entry into local politics and emergence as a militia leader; his military exploits against the Creeks, the British at the Battle of New Orleans and the Seminoles; and, of course, the many duels, fist-fights and other outlandish events of his early life that he somehow managed to survive.

Much of Volume I reads like a "wild west" novel, but Remini is careful to accentuate how Jackson's natural rough hewn character, along with his experience on the frontier, melded to shape a political philosophy that ultimately altered the course of American government. There is little direct reference to the principles that would become known as Jacksonian Democracy in this volume - an undying faith in the virtue and wisdom of the people, the inviolability of the Union, the pernicious effects of deficit spending and "soft" currency, etc. - but it is easy to understand how and why Jackson cherished those ideals after reading the story of his early life.

Finally, it must be noted that Remini assiduously avoids holding Jackson's conduct in relation to slavery and the Indians to modern standards. In all fairness, that is understandable and not especially offensive. However, Remini does neither himself nor Jackson any service by going out of his way to stress how relatively humane (in Remini's mind) the president was to his human chattel and explaining that he really had the Indians best interests at heart when he forced them from their land to the barren plains of modern day Oklahoma. In this volume and the others, Remini offers some strongly worded criticism of Jackson's political, military and social performance, but his many heinous crimes against humanity are treated with kid gloves throughout.

This first instalment in Remini's biography is not only the most detailed accout I have read, it is also the most human. Most biographers of Jackson paint him as simply the first super-patriot in american history. After reading this and it's companion volumes one sees just how much Jackson changed this contry that we all love so. Remini shows how J set us on the course of first continental, then international conqest. Without his seizure of the floridas there would have been no precedent for the future "annexation" of the remainder of the land we now call the United States. Anyone interested in american history would do well to study Jackson's life as well as his carrer in public life. Remini's biography is definetly the place to start.

I liked this book so much that I had to buy the accompanying volumes. Being a Floridian, I was interested in learning more about this state's history and Jackson's involvement as our first territorial governor. Even though his governorship here was shortlived, I got out of this book a richly detailed history about the man who shaped this country. I liked him because he was a tough, courageous, no-nonsense man of the frontier who achieved greatness even though he appeared to have many political enemies trying to destroy him. I liked him because he was real, and human and a true patriot who believed that his actions were in the best interest of the country. It was interesting to learn about this man's personal life too; his lifelong ill health and the love of his life, Rachel. He loved his wife dearly even though it was said that she was common and unpolished. I have begun reading volume II, The Course of American Freedom, and, so far, find it to be as interesting as the first book as Jackson becomes so disgusted with the Administration and the rampant corruption, that he comes out of retirement to run for President. I can't wait to see how Jackson gets his revenge on his enemies when he enters the White House as I'm sure he will after learning from volume I that he was a very vindictive man.

This book is not only about Michael Jackson, but also about Motown Records, Berry Gordy, and the dynamics of America's #1 dysfunctional family, The Jacksons. Plenty of psychological profiles by a licensed therapist, which help to explain Michael's seemingly unexplainable motivations. Much more than a mere Michael Jackson bio, it also covers the rise to fame, and world surrounding Michael and his family. Taraborelli really did his homework, and you can tell that he really loves "The Motown Sound" regardless of the good and bad sides of the stories that unfold in this book. It's terrific reading whether you are a Jacksons/Motown fan or not. - Paula Martin -

Mr Taraborrelli is a most gifted biographer, as is shown in this book. This book tells the true story of Michael Jacksons life, it is sympathetic to Michaels problems without hiding anything. I think that this is one of the only books that tells Michaels story in an un-biased way. This book is a must fr M.J fans and sceptics alike. At last the truth is told ! in a constructive a detailed manor.

This book blew the roof off of what I thought I knew about my all-time entertainer, Michael Jackson. This book tells you everything you ever thought you needed to know, and then some!!! I felt so close to the real man after reading this book, and although Taraborelli does expose some of his "warts", you still feel that he genuinely likes Michael and isn't out to simply "get paid". An excellent, excellent book and essential for every true MJ fan. NOW you know!!!

It is very possible to go into this book not knowing what to expect and come out fully educated about Martin Luther King Jr.'s and Fred Shuttlesworth's endeavor to desegregate Birmingham, Alabama. In his eloquent style of writing, King patiently explains the situation for African Americans before, during, and after his movement for equality. One admires him as a human being much more after reading his own heartfelt words as he remembers these times. King uses simple logic to delineate exactly why he did what he did. Suddenly, after reading this book, a nonviolent direct action movement makes so much sense. History lesson? Story? Documentary in words? Why We Can't Wait is all of these, but above all, this is the work of one man's private and public struggle for civil change. Why we can't afford not to read this book: It looks back at a darker time in American history, more specifically, in 1963. As a student, just knowing that these turbulent times were not too long ago is somewhat upsetting. However, this book serves as a document marking how far America has come since then. The afterword by Jesse Jackson demonstrates this purpose perfectly.

This is a fantastic work by Martin Luther King Jr discussing the 1963 situation in Birmingham, Alabama, where King and others took a big step towards bringing down racism.

King's words and ideas are truly provocing, and should be read by all - they are not just applicable to the situation in 1963, but also to our lives today.

If everybody read this book and listened to its message, the world would be a better place.

Dr. King's "Why We Can't Wait" is a remarkable book. The chapter containing the famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is one of the great political, religious and social works humanity has ever produced. If you read nothing else about the civil rights movement, or about Martin Luther King, this letter will show you why it was the right thing to do, why he won a Nobel Peace Prize, and why America (and the world) is a better place because King lived.

Every American should read two documents: The Constitution and "The Letter from Birmingham Jail."

"Heart of the Home" isn't the thickest vegetarian cookbook I've ever seen, but it's perhaps the most useful and practical ever published. You'll be hard pressed to find another cookbook that has so many recipies that become staples in your regular weekly diet. From "Fried Chicken Tofu" to "Dirty Rice," the recipies are easy-to-follow, tasty, and usually made with a "southern twist." The vintage illustrations are hilarious and worth the price of the book alone. Any vegetarian wanting great traditional southern recipies will love this.

ahh...my fear of the kitchen has been conquered. For someone that is all thumbs in the kitchen, I found this book to be funny, informative and most of all encouraging. The fried chicken tofu recipe is to die for. I found it a joy to read...who knew a cookbook could be filled with such great stories. Who knew I could be a good cook.

when asked how he lost all that weight reggie whitesaid "if it tastes good dont eat it". he should have read ann jacksons book. young or old-- fat or slim this book you will love--- to-fu fried chicken....,gingerbread, corn bread yum,yum . if you like to eat- get this book you will not be sorry.pass the vegetarian gravy.-

To hardcore sci-fi fans, some parts of this story will look familiar, and I noticed most of the positive reviews seem to be from newbies to sci-fi, which seems fitting. The writing has a tendency to read like a script, but this didn't deter from what I thought was good character development and flow. The story creates an urgent manned mission to Mars in 2009 using many recently popular concepts to achieve the mission. The eventual discovery of a transmission source occurs on Mars after setting and characters are convincingly established. It becomes progressively suspenseful, and pleasingly soft on technical jargon, in my opinion. I had some suspicions, but was still surprised by the ending. The story includes a somewhat spiritual message, reminiscent of the Tim LaHaye series, though not quite as dark in that aspect. If you are a Mars fan, or just into reasonably credible adventure-fantasy, this book should be on your read list. While I did not purchase this book for a CD, the included song 'Red Skies' CD spun in my player at least 100 times in the first two weeks I got it. I actually wrote the author, and suggested he market the single separately. He replied, saying "No, but I could send him a check for my free CD if I wanted." A sure sign of an up and coming author!

D. Morgan

I found the characters interesting in this novel, particularly the main Character, Tyler.{not Mr. Anderson ;)} The Mars mission was also interesting and seemed reasonably real to me, but it was the characters and story that kept me hooked. There was not really that much hard science, or hard core science fiction in my opinion. I enjoyed the story very much, and found it difficult to find stopping points in the end. Was very surprised by the ending, particularly after seeing so many almost cliche stories about Mars lately. For most main stream readers into adventure stories I would highly recommend this book!

This story is so suspenseful, I didnt want to put it down! i read half of the book in one sitting, couldnt wait to find out what was going to happen next!I felt as if I personally knew the characters, and the imagery was so vivid, I could picture each scene!
this story is not only for science fiction lovers, but for anyone who would like to take an adventure to a place never visited before.
I would hope to read more Ronald reed Jackson's stories in the future.

Warning! Anyone who thinks Michael Jackson is a horrible, disgusting criminal and wants to continue to believe this, DON'T READ THIS BOOK!!!--I repeat-- If you want to believe the tabloids and such about Michael Jackson, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!...... Now for those of us who don't believe the tabloids or want to learn more about Michael, this is the book for you. No one else can describe Michael's life better than the King of Pop himself. His words are amazing. There are parts that will make you laugh. There are parts that will make you want to scream in anger. There are parts that will bring you to peace. All in all, Michael is an inspiration and no one can relate his story better. I highly recommend this book.

I'm very fortunate that my mother was a big fan of MJ back when this book came out. I decided to read it for a report that I was doing on the King of Pop in my dance class. I'm so glad that I did. Michael is openly honest in this book and it gives you a very good idea of what it might be like to have lived the life he has. Of course, this was written before either of his marriages or the incident with the 13 year old. But it still is a very good read. It's rather simple and easy, which makes it quite nice compared to some of the autobiographies that you read nowadays. All in all, a very pleasent reading and highly recommended, especially for those who think that Michael is just some wierdo, eccentric person. You might be surprised.

This book was clearly written from his heart and is the truth about his life.Only Michael himself knows how he thinks and how he feels in his heart.Michael Jackson is one of the most misunderstood person on earth.He tells about his relationships with his brothers,family,and fans.If your a michael Jackson fan you will find out new things about Michael,and if your not a fan of him you will see you totaly misjudged the King Of Pop.His Autobiography is a great book and only takes about 3 hours to read.So take the time to find out things you never hear about him,and get the truth instead of the rumors.

This is an interesting book, about the type of truly eccentric and driven man that can only have been produced by the Victorian aristocracy. It is an interesting mixture of the main character's journal (which is by far the majority of the text) and the observations of the local people and staff on his estate.

It is certainly a fascinating and richly detailed account of what would be considered at any time chronic eccentricity bordering on madness - the endless underground tunnels and odd eating habits alone are enough to convince you of this, but what I feel is a small weakness of the novel is that there is simply not enough external observations of the Duke. Those observations by the house-keeper and the footman etc are little gems of insight, but they are too few.

The prose itself is beautiful, and once again invokes the feeling of the time wonderfully. It is a fine novel, well worth a read.

Mick Jackson's debut, a part fictional novel based on the life of the Duke of Portland, is one of the best novels I have read this year. It's written in the style of a mystery - the secret is unveiled only in its final pages - and told through the eyes of the protagonist via his journal entries and those around him. Jackson is a brilliant writer - his prose is sharp, witty and even poetic in places and he has that rare ability to hold you spellbound and on knife's edge as you partake in the unraveling of the mystery. There are hints along the way but the secret is preserved right till the very end. A small criticism - I found the middle section dealing with the Duke's hypochondria a little long and slow. This trips up the natural velocity of the plot which otherwise moves briskly along. As if to compensate for this minor hiccup, Jackson's prose tightens up again as he gives a truly unnerving account of the final stages of the Duke's physical breakdown. The sharpness and pinpoint accuracy of this descriptive passage makes your stomach queasy and your knees want to buckle. Jackson's writing is deceptively simple but it hits you right between the eyes. Beautiful. Stay tuned. You will hear and read alot more of him. In the meantime, enjoy this wonderfully sad and terrific novel.

Jackson's novel about the eccentric Duke of Portland is one of the finest pieces of fiction I have read. Told through the voice of the Duke, Jackson indulges in the Dukes eccentric viewpoint and gives The Underground Man a sense of humor and humanity - and later terror - which few works of prose can claim. Despite the books brevity, the character of the Duke is strongly developed, and his deteriorating sanity self-evident through the diary entries.

In brief, The Underground Man was a thoroughly entertaining book, and should be read by all.

Jeremy Jackson does an amazing job of bringing the reader into his novel. I would find it unimagineable to believe that there is a person who can't feel in some way connected to the characters. For runners looking for a strictly running plot, you probably won't find this story to completely enrich this hope, but should read it anyways for its brilliant character development and touching story line. I'm not a runner but after reading this book I'm inspired to follow in Kevin Schuler's footsteps and live my emotions through running. This is a must read.

My favorite novels are character-driven and Life at These Speeds is a beautiful example. Witty, sarcastic, but ultimately vulnerable, Kevin draws you into his private world. I was brought to tears as I went through the tragedies that shaped the young adult Kevin becomes. I take exception with the Publisher's Weekly review that said the book was unbelievable. I think it was meant to be more allegorical, and therefore, the characters may be extreme displays of archetypes. Jol's father is the very definition of the parent who lives his dreams through his son. Andanda is the sophisticate every high school intellectual would yearn to be. Kevin is the one grounded character who is strengthened by the good or bad relationship he has with every character he meets.

When this book was first recommended to me, I doubted I'd be able to relate to a junior high track star. Although Kevin's specific struggles were unique, the overall challenges of becoming an adult he faced are universal. Jeremy Jackson's writing style drew me in with each page. I eagerly wait to read his next book.

I know what I want to say, but it's hard to find the right words to describe how much I enjoyed this entertaining story by this talented new writer. I lost some sleep over this book. A riveting and captivating book that is rich with beautiful prose. It tells the story of a boy, named Kevin Schuler from Missouri, who is a gifted runner. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Jackson lets us experience every detail of Kevin's life, through his eyes, as he struggles with grief, small-town celebrity, and conflicting inner thoughts as he prepares for and wins several 800 and 1600 meter races for his high school. This is a coming-of-age story as well, as Kevin finds himself experiencing and accepting the love of a sensitive girl named Henny. If you have never been on a track team, or even if you have, you will find you know everything there is to know about being a track star and what it takes to win after reading this book. I found myself very impressed by Kevin and felt like I knew him after reading his story. This is the mark of a good author, who has had done a magnificent job in developing this character, as well as the other main characters. Kevin has a wise, witty & low-keyed way of looking at life that is really cool. What happens after the accident, the memory loss, his quick rise to fame and other unexpected events will keep you glued to the book and wondering what's going to happen next, and how it will all turn out for Kevin.

Some authors have a natural born talent for writing beautiful, intelligent, and flowing prose. I think Jeremy Jackson is one of them. This is an intelligent and very enjoyable read from a writer who I hope will bring us more of his talented writing in the near future. Enjoy this book, I know I did!

Joe Hanssen

I think this book is very good for people or children who like to play basketball. The book is written by Bill Bradley, who is one of the most famous players and is forwarded by Phil Jackson, who is one of the best choaches in the NBA today. The book does not only cover the surface of the game of basketball; the book also breaks down into few critical attitudes toward the game of basketball. The book starts by letting the readers know how passion is required in a player in order to play a good game of basketball. Then bhe book covers discipline, selflessness, respect, perspective, courage, leadership, responsibility, resilience, and imagination, which are all very important factors and attitudes that a player requires. Another good thing about this book is that, in each one of th ecritical attitudes that the book covers, it provides the readers a few well-known NBA players as examples, both current players and legends. And the author also puts in his own experience, so that the readers can understand deep down the meaning of the point the book points out. Overall, I think the book is very good for people who really likes to play basketball. It tells the reader that the game of basketball is not only scoring, there're a few very important factors which affect whom or which team gets the victory.

This book is about the values of basketball, and is divided into chapters with titles of values. There is a chapter called discipline, for example. The names of the chapters are passion, discipline, selflessness, respect, perspective, courage, leadership, responsibility, resilience, and imagination.

I really enjoyed this book because of it's easy readability and the wonderful pictures. There were many interesting anecdotes about basketball. Bill Bradley talks about his development as a player, and about the values of the game. The importance of teamwork and hard work is stressed. I found Bill Bradley's story fascinating, because of how the values of the game helped him win. This book related the values to many contemporary and old players, like Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and many others. If you are a basketball fan, I strongly suggest this book.

In this inspiring book, Bradley demonstrates the values that have helped shape him as a person, and enabled him to achieve excellence. The book is a colorful and creative collection of eye-catching basketball photos interlaced with chapters on values of the game.

In describing ideals that have helped him and other champions to succeed both on and off the court, he encourages us all to pursue excellence in our own lives- whatever our life circumstances may be.

He names ten core values that he has found meaningful in his development as a player and a person. They are: passion, discipline, selflessness, respect, perspective, courage, leadership, responsibility, resilience and imagination.

Bill Bradley has demonstrated here that he is truly a man of the people. He wants to encourage every American to celebrate the gifts, abilities and values that give them meaning and hope in their lives.

I highly recommend this book to everyone with the courage to reach beyond their grasp and strive for excellence in their lives. The pictures and stories are great, and the essays are even better. Pick it up today, and also, be sure to make your vote count in November- your opinion matters and deserves to be heard!