During the years that George Pickett so vividly describes in The
Brave, I worked in a neighboring fire company in the "west village." On many shifts, I worked in the Great Jones Street Firehouse that was the quarters of Engine 33 and Ladder 9. I knew most of the men who are mentioned in this action packed story. George Pickett's accounts of what went on in the firehouse, the detailed description of the firehouse and the unrelenting fire activity of the "lower eastside" is so real, that I felt as if I was working another tour there as I read The Brave. Pickett's writing style is superb as he takes the reader
from a harrowing fire then back to the mundane moments in the firehouse. He skillfully weaves the lives of the residents of the east village into this fast paced story that speaks of a changing society, changing fire service and a changing America. This book is worthy of becoming a movie.

"The Brave" is a must read for anyone in the fire service or is contemplating or training to become a firefighter such as myself. Mr. Pickett does an exceptional job of telling the history of the FDNY as well as,the fun, the sorrow, and the action he experienced as a firefighter in New York. His book provides a great portrayl of what trainees can expect when they become a firefighter, using his own personal story to tell the storyl. Mr. Pickett's writing style makes you feel as if you are there with him in the fire house or in a burning buliding. Mr. Pickett's book has inspired me to continue in my endeavors to become a firefighter. Thank You Mr. Pickett for writing an incredible account on your experiences as a New York Firefighter.

I read the book "The Brave" by George Pickett. It's about the personal life of a New York City fireman and the firefighter duties he performed throughout his career. The book is full of action, joy, sorrow, and personal accomplishments. It was an excellent book to read and hard to put down once I started reading it.

Ms. Reardon's wonderful book underscores the challenge that we all face as we read and attempt to separate fact from fiction and fancy.This book is a case study in the mysterious confluence of objective history and subjective history. Ms Reardon deftly takes the reader from July 3, 1863, the day of Pickett's Charge, to the present day and shows how elusive the truth is. As an avid student of the American Civil War in particular and history in general,I learned three very important lessons from Ms Reardon. First, the thundering violence and confusion of battle make the search for the truth exceedingly difficult. The actual participants in Pickett's Charge were able to vividly and tellingly relate their emotions at the time. However, their reports of actual events and actions were understandably contradictory. Second, as Ms Reardon illuminates throughout the book, the careful reader must consider the possible motives of the author while reading the work. Ms Reardon demonstrates that the Virginia Historical Society was more interested in protecting state pride than searching for the truth. The numerous instances of conflicting accounts of this single day of the Civil War reminds me of Richard Nixon's resopnse to the question of how history will judge him : "It depends on who writes the history ". One can call Nixon's response cynical, but Ms Reardon reminds us that the wise reader will posses a healthy skepticism. Finally, when one pores through a Civil War book,or any book on warfare for that matter, the reader must understand that the neat maps of the terrain and the formations belie the utter confusion,terror, and violence inherent in battle.

Ms Reardon won me over with her eye for the telling detail when she pointed out that the terrain prevented both Union and Confederate soldiers from a panaromic view of the battlefield.The rolling hills prevented the Union troops from seeing large parts of the charge. Meanwhile, a gentle ridge split the attacking Confederates in half. Ms Reardon ruefully notes that numerous historical accounts from both sides provide intimate details of things that were not visible from the participant's location.

Ms Reardon quotes a grizzled veteran who summed it all up when he said,"Picketts Charge has been so grossly exaggerated and misrepresented as to give some color to the oft-repeated axiom that 'history is an agreed-upon lie'."

With new books on the Civil War hitting the stands every day it's nice to see that hard nosed research with attention to detail is still alive. Carol Reardon has brought forth past memories, mirrored with a modern day look at Pickett's charge. As the book unfolds, her style of writing lends itself to a wonderful portrayal of the efforts made to fully understand what happened on 3 July 1863.

No matter what the outcome, American lives were lost during a bitter struggle at a time when brother fought against brother. This book, unlike others that try to de-bunk the stories and battle statistics, goes to the heart of the matter. Truly remarkable and most enjoyable to read!

This book is well worth reading and rates as one of the top Civil War books needed on your library shelf.

Well done!

About 3 years ago, I read the 3 books Gary Gallagher edited that are essay collections on the battle of Gettysburg. While the books dealing with the first and second day had interesting material in them, the one on the third day had a truly interesting essay on Pickett's Charge, by a woman who's a military historian. I'm sure she's sick of hearing it, but female military historians are rather rare, so I read it with some interest. It was worth my time, definitely, and this book is an expansion of the themes presented in the essay.

Gettysburg is a controversial subject, and while there has been much ink spilled adding to the controversy, this book instead aims to dissect the controversy surrounding the denoument of the whole event: Pickett's Charge. Reardon first covers the events of the charge very briefly, then wades right in and recounts the memory and history of the event as it developed over the years. There's a whole chapter, for instance, on the efforts of the North Carolina historical societies and veterans' organizations trying to rehabilitate the reputation of Tarheels who fought during Pickett's Charge, because they were blamed (by Virginians in Pickett's division and elsewhere) for the defeat. Watching the history of an event unfold and change as the generations pass is enthralling, and Reardon tells the story skillfully, keeping the pace up nicely and showing a formidable command of publications on the Battle and Pickett's Charge itself...

All in all, a truly remarkable book and one well worth reading. A 9 is the highest rating I've given here; and I've rated 10 or 15 books now.

This translation of the oral epic of Sundiata, the founder of the Mali nation, is African history at it's most entertaining. In 1995, while a college student, I managed to finish this one nght at a laundromat. A real page-turner and example of good history combined with good storytelling. Go for it. BTW-when you finish it, note the similarities between this and Disney's "The Lion King." Hmmmmmmmmmmm........

It is amazing how the author re-discovered such a far-away subject, revitalizing it and bringing it back to our days and our society, in a way that will be fascinating and enjoyable for the average reader. Had it not been for the book, who would ever hope to find such fascinating epic in the tradition of old Mali ? The author did a great job in finding this, and putting it down on paper for posterity.

Read the 84 pages of this text, and you've read a fine piece of West African literature remembered by poets since the 1300's. Read the eleven pages of Niane's insightful notes following this, and you've taken a crash course in the West African tribal/clan system. This epic seeks to explain the creation of the Malian empire of Timbuktu fame. Sundiata's legendary rise to power is presented chapter by chapter, in a fashion that can seem somewhat episodic at times, lending to the book's strong sense of oral tradition. Oral tradition is even defended in this text, with a brief, though thorough lambast of "Other peoples [who] use writing to record the past..."

In addition to its celebration of the adventures and eventual triumph of Sundiata, the book also tracks the adventures of Balla Fasséké, griot (royal poet) to Sundiata. As with many oral traditions from many cultures, a king without a poet to celebrate his triumphs is not much of a king. So their joint adventure, and sharing of duties, is emphasized.

Other side glimpses of West African culture provided (though not emphasized) in the text include: Islamic influences, women's social status, African society before the European invasion, West African sorcery.

In comparison to The Odyssey, this book will fall short for sheer reading pleasure. But it easily outstrips The Song of Roland, Gilgamesh, and The Tale of Kieu, and many another micro-sized epic. Roughly speaking, the epic Sundiata is what Beowulf would be if Beowulf the hero had any kind of human weakness or warmth or personality. Sundiata's conception, troubled childhood, young manhood, his dependence upon others for success, even his moment of confusion on the battlefield---all of this leads the reader to the obvious conclusion that greatness has less to do with one's ability to kill, and more to do with one's ability to remain hopeful in the face of adversity. Sundiata is a fitting hero for Africans, the African diaspora, and for anyone of any culture who is ready to see greatness drawn in human proportions.

Taking us back to that fateful day on July 3rd 1863, John Michael Priest does indeed take us "INTO THE FIGHT" as we are told the story of Pickett's Charge. While reading this book, one can't help but be transported back in time to that smoke filled battlefield on the ridges of Gettysburg. By using first hand accounts by the soldiers who were there, Priest gives the reader a vivid picture of what it must have been like to experience the terror of that chaotic day's fighting from both Union & Confederate sides. Numerous maps throughout the book (25 to be exact) clearly illustrate troop movements and artillery placement making it easy for the reader to follow along as the action unfolds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anybody interested in understanding the third days fighting at Gettysburg. The maps alone are worth the price of admission.

In this book ,as you read, you can't help but keep looking at your watch. A minute by minute account of the famous charge.You feel as if you are in the ranks on both sides in that bloody attack and stalwart defense on Cemetery Ridge. THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC TO COMPARE WITH GEORGE STEWART'S BOOK ON PICKETT'S CHARGE. Amust read for all GETTYSBURG BUFFS.

John Michael Priest has once again displayed the literary art to which he seems born. This book is so utterly enthralling, it is almost like reading a novel. Even the veteran of many Gettysburg book readings will hinge on the story of Pickett's charge as told by Priest. His use of numerous primary sources lends to his telling of the story by the participants themselves. Each individual story then coalesces into a coherent and understandable analysis of how the charge developed and died. Priest gives both Confederate and Union impressions an equal treatment, creating a full veiw of the action. His writing brings out the horror, sadness, terror, pride, honor and exhultation felt by those actually present on that fateful day. Previous knowledge of the battle or Pickett's action is not needed to enjoy this work. Priest follows the action closely, developing it enough for the beginner or simply curious to understand. For those with a background in Civil War history, even Pickett's charge, the personal accounts still make the account a worthwhile read.

This is a fascinating book about Fuchsia Pickett's encounters with God. Most Christians believe that there is a deeper walk than they are experiencing. She not only says it is true, but says how she got there. It will leave you hungering to know more about God.

It will make your heart cry out for more of god. this bookremindsl us of how caring our heavenly father is, and how much hewants to be a part of our lives. a "must read"!! It will change your life!! you won't be able to put it down!!

I went to the Christian book store to get a wedding gift, then I walked the aisles looking at books...I picked up this book and felt the Lord speaking to me, "This book will encourage you." I looked at it briefly and saw that she (the author) had a "glory cloud experience" and I could relate to it! I looked at the price and thought, "What is my husband going to think if I come home with it and say that the Lord told me to buy it?" It sounded lame, although I was so excited, so I looked at another book she wrote that was two dollars cheaper, but the Lord said, "Not this one, the other one." Needless to say, I bought it and my husband was not mad at all. (I did not realize that Amazon books had these spiritual books too!) Let me tell you, this book is so very awesome. She relays her experiences of the Lord visiting her personally and teaching her personally at various times. I believe that this book was meant for me. She wrote how when she had the glory cloud experience that the cloud got darker and heavier...I always wondered why the cloud I saw around me was grey. This is a book that clearly shows that if you turn to the Lord and seek Him, HE will instruct and guide you and come to you. I loaned this book out and now it has been reloaned to the same person. This book I plan to pass further around...it is a book that will excite and change you, I believe. I think it would be an "understatement" to say I highly recommend it. Have a blessed day in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord Jesus bless everything you touch.

My 7 year old and 4 year old asked me to read this book every night since before Thanksgiving. It's December and they are still requesting it. The words are so simple, that they now recognize most of them and read to me! Simple words, but great story.

I picked this book up for the holidays ... hoping it would explain the tradition to my toddler. Throughly impressed! The book explains the traditions and history in enough detail for my two year-old to understand and enjoy! Would highly recommend. Hope the author continues to write books about the holidays for the young!

Nice clear pictures, short, simple, interesting story with appropriate emphasis on God's role in the pilgrim's lives (without being a "religious" book). My favorite thanksgiving book for little kids.

Great textbook. Not the easiest in the world but surely the most comprehensive for a Speech Science course. Thoroughly sound. Don't think there is another like it. Using it in our course with excellent response from students.

A great deal of well-organized, well-presented information regarding the nature of speech, including many spectrograms with formant tracks. The review of speech perception theory is also well done. The technology is treated in only the final chapter, and definitely qualifies as an overview. The only glaring omission is no description whatsoever of the human auditory mechanism. Nevertheless, the book suited my purposes well.

The artwork is great and the story is accurate. Right on!

I am amazed! I have searched and searched for books that will hold my 2 and 3 year old's attention and I have finally found it!! Not only do they thoroughly enjoy the story and repeat each page I read but they also love the vivid illustrations. Quality Christian books are a rarity for the toddler age and I consider this one worth it's weight in gold. I'm buying them all!

My daughter is 15 months old and loves this book! We have been reading it just about every day since we got it when she was 4 months old. The illustrations are great and the words are very simple. I was looking for a book about Noah that was simple but informative and this is it! Try other Patricia Pingry books also, they are great!

Mr. Hess purports to present the first tactical history of one of the most famous military actions of the Civil War. He therefore sets high expectations for himself, perhaps too high. Mr. Hess does accomplish this forensic and encylopedic presentation, but either this approach to the subject or Hess's style is dry and emotionally unengaging. Hess does a great job in researching soldiers letters and accounts of events surrounding July 3, some of which see the light of day for the first time I have no doubt. These annecdotes are wonderful.

Mr. Hess also does a good job in rebalancing the participation of Pettigrew's and Trimble's commands in the charge. Many accounts of this engagement focus on Picketts' Virginians, partly because these men left a better aggregate written record of their impressions, and partly as a result of post-war prowess with the pen.

There are some gaps. The account of the immediate post-charge Confederate impressions is thin. Is it due to lack of data or just lack of presentation? Does Hess credit the account found in many histories that Lee lets loose his despair that night telling John Imboden "Too bad, too bad, Oh too bad." Did that happen? Is it post-war hyperbole? The account is extant but Hess is silent about what he knows about it. You are begging for a glimpse of Longstreet's post-charge movements that night or over the next few days. Who did he talk to? Did Lee and Longstreet meet within the days following the attack? If Hess doesn't report it you are left to conclude it didn't happen, but is that an accurate conclusion? The Imboden encounter leaves doubt about how thorough the author has been.

Hess explained the storied background of the officers and men who participated in the charge. He mentions Waller Tazwell Patton, colonel of the 7th Virginia, but says nothing about his relationship to WWII's George Patton. Perhaps these ommission's are minor. If Hess sets himself such high expectations, however, the reader has the obligation to call him on it if he fails to deliver.

As a Civil War historian myself, I'm only to pleases to recommend this and all of Earl Hess' other fine works. One of the best tactical studies to appear in a long while

I have thought Stewart's "Pickets Charge" to be the best source for the past 40 years. Hess has written a book that will replace Stewart for more than 40 years. While a master of the sources, Hess is a thoughtful military historian and a writer of a judicious narrative. I have been reading, writing and teaching about the Civil War since 1960 (and graduated from Gettysburg College) and Hess tells me things that I never knew or failed to consider. This is an essential book on the Battle of Gettysburg and one of the better military history works at the beginning of the new century.

Love in the 90s is an inspiring document of a true-life love story. If you despair of ever finding real love, if your view of love in the new Millennium is jaded, if you think romantic love cannot last longer than one full cycle of the moon, you must read this book. The wonder of it is that these two passionate lovers became passionate genealogists, too. They recognized the importance of documenting significant thoughts and moments on paper and handing them down to their progeny. Without that sense of history, these wonderful love letters might never have touched loves in the year 2000. Do read them and glory in the wonderful photographs taken of the Blakeys by their devoted granddaughter, Keri Pickett.

In this day and age of one-night-stands/casual sex, disbelief in a sovereign God, and divorce rates at an all time high (wonder why?) it's refreshing to read a book that reflects two people who truly were in love and as commited to each other, as they were to their relationship with God. I found it very refreshing and instills my strongly held belief that maintaining a strong faith in God, holding onto a higher moral standard, and having faith there is someone special out there (don't settle for less!) will result in an unselfish and loving heart and the morals and values needed to maintain and truly have a rewarding, long and satisfying relationship beyond our wildest dreams.

I just want to say that this book touched the very depth of my soul..... Even though it happen out of an innocent proposition it led to the most romantic and timeless conviction that LOVE is deep and can last a life time......