Stolen is a credible and fitting follow-up to the debut novel from Kelley Armstrong, Bitten. Like the other reviewers here, I would highly recommend one reads Bitten before picking up Stolen, though it isn't absolutely necessary.

The strong and complex female werewolf, Elena Michaels is back front and center. And her voice comes across stronger then it did in the first book. Also back from the first book are Clayton Danvers, Elena's human hating, overly intense lover/mate. And Jeremy Danvers, pack Alpha, parental figure and voice of reason. Unfortunately Tonio and Nick, other pack members, aren't back for this book. And if you ask me, there isn't enough Jeremy. But thats understandable given the story.

The best thing about this book are the other creatures of legend and lore that we get introduced to. Witches, Shamans, Half-Demons and the ever popular vampires. Armstrong plants the seeds for her proposed "Women of the Underworld" series. I'll be anxious to see where her books will go. I'm not sure she can duplicate the personality of the pack members, but I wish her the best in her effort.

I took away a star for a reunion that seemed too rushed, a love scene that seemed extremely unwise, and a lack of Jeremy.

Elena Michaels is a werewolf, in fact, the only female of her kind. She is part of the Pack, and is responsible for sniffing out troublesome mortals who threaten to expose their race - like Tyrone Winsloe. He's a mad billionaire with an obsession of performing scientific experiments on the "supernatural" races: witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, etc. He's a threat, and a big one. Big enough that the Pack of werewolves team up with those witches, vampires, and demons to stop him. Yet while trying to stop him he gets his hands on Elena.

This was generally a good book. A small disappointment after reading Bitten, Kelley Armstrong's first book in this series, but a good book nonetheless. It's extremely detailed and it seems as if you are actually inside the story. Elena Michaels is strong and has no hesitation in "biting back." She's a heroine for all women in the real world. This is an action packed book and was humourous as well as exciting. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Bitten and even books by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.

In this second installment of Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series, events focus once again on our heroine, Elena Michaels. Elena is a highly perceptive, intelligent and attractive Canadian journalist who also happens to be a werewolf and a member of the exclusive werewolf group known as the Pack.

Elena's responsibilities include investigating rumors and information about werewolves that seem to come close to the truth. One of these investigations turns out to be a lure set for her by a couple of witches. They are seeking to enlist the aid of the werewolves in helping them thwart a threat caused by a wealthy technogeek who has been kidnapping supernaturals. After a preternatural summit meeting, Elena herself is kidnapped and held in a seemingly inpenetrable secret prison where she becomes the subject of both scientific study and the twisted desires of the technocrat ubervillain.

Armstrong skillfully introduces us to new characters whose varying talents complement the physical skills of Elena and her highly-focused werewolf lover/partner/mate Clayton Danvers. The author wantonly reinvents witches, shamans, vampires, demons, and other supernaturals in her story; all of which work remarkably well. As in the author's debut novel 'Bitten', pack werewolves are neither repulsive or evil but change into completely natural and beautiful animals.

Elena's eventual escape and the subsequent assault on the prison by the supernaturals provide a satisfying build-up to the climax. When the werewolves begin to take care of business, they go through bad guys like a chainsaw through wood.

Humor and subtle nuance spice the novel like a beautifully prepared gourmet meal. The repartee between young witch Paige Winterbourne and the delightfully energetic half-demon Adam Vasic can't help but make the reader smile. The sprinklings of nuance throughout the novel give the reader the feeling of plausibility to the characters. We feel that Elena really is Canadian, the villain really is a computer mogul, and each of the characters really are who they are supposed to be. Most of all, the intense bond and romance between Elena and Clayton is really something special.

Although 'Stolen' is an excellent and skillfully written novel on it's own, readers will enjoy it much more if they read 'Bitten' first. The development of the main characters is so much more satisfying having first been introduced to them in Armstrong's outstanding first novel.

It is not possible for me to rate this novel highly enough. Readers will revel not only in the story but also in the artful way in which it is presented. Of course, I'm a complete sucker for a happy ending which the author serves up to us like dessert and coffee. Top ratings are well-deserved.

This book is excellent for those unfamiliar with ATL. It provides a good overview of COM basics, template basics, and how ATL works and how to use it. My only complaint is that it could have more details and depth, but perhaps that belongs in another book. His approach is clear, step-by-step and great for learning (as well as for simple reference). I highly recommned it.

This book gives a very good description of how to use ATL. It gives very good examples of CComPtr, connection points and using native 5.0 com support. If you want to learn about ATL this book is for you

It reads like a novel. It has some mistakes here and there, but for the subject matter Tom Armstrong did a terrific job. If you know VC++, but don't know COM, or ATL, this is just the book for you man.

It is definitely a good overview, but I think it's understandable why you might wind up wishing you'd bought the individual countries instead. My previous experience with Lonely Planet publications has been excellent; therefore, I may have set my expectations a little too high. There were a lot of major cities of interest and note missing from the France section and corresponding maps. This book is best for anyone who tries the "21 countries in 30 days or less" style of travelling. Personally, I depend on the Lonely Planet guides to help me stay a little off the beaten track at a leisurely pace and within my budget. I certainly credit their Costa Rica guide with keeping me safe, well-fed, and satisfied for a month! Do note, that I've come across accomodations listed which are no longer in existence or closed for longterm renovations, so phone ahead!

i thought the authors provided a wonderfully comprehensive account of western europe. on those long train rides i found myself reading up on the political history of greece or the history of the plantaganets in great britain. i loved this book! there is so much to see in western europe, i'd like to ask those who don't like it exactly what they expect for a book which covers a couple dozen european countries. you buy a book about 20 different countries, and then don't like the fact that it covers them too quickly? what do you expect? anyway, lonely planet provided a good, concise guide to the most interesting countries in the world.

The Lonely Planet guide book series is by far the best set of books I have found for travel. Let's Go, Rough Guide, Frommer's, etc do not live up to these books. LP offers a great blend of interesting facts (history, etc) with the travel information that we all really want.

I am a student who spent the summer of 1999 traveling through Europe - poor, but free. I did read a number of other books before and durring the trip, and will always buy Lonely Planet as they have impressed me as being the best, hands down. If you want to go on a drunken tour, buy Let's Go and end up in the same run down American hostels and American bars as the rest of the American students, but take my word, you will have enough ability to do that with LP, but you will not be forced to either. LP will help you to actually experience the culture, and take in a more European version of Europe than Let's Go, and still give you the opportunity to party like a rock star when you want - its up to you.

It is the most complete and most versitile book I have found. It will cater to budget and intermediate travelers of all ages and groups. I will buy the same series even when I can afford nice resturants and hotels, because LP tells it all.

The same experience is true for my trip this last spring to Ireland. Lonely Planet Ireland is as good as Western Europe, but more detailed.

This was one of my favorite textbooks from design school. It's the one I refer back to most often, because I know what I want will be there, and will be presented clearly. It is the most complete reference I have in my library for flat-patternmaking, and covers everything from making basic slopers from measurements (the book provides measurements for standard sizes, or substitute a real client's), through all sorts of bodices, sleeves, collars, skirts, pants, and other details. Also included are sections on knitwear, including swimwear, and a good portion of the book is devoted to children's clothing. Highly recommended and well worth the price.

I was introduced to this book through a pattern making class, and though I have not read this book page-by-page, I found to be very useful. I have a sloper of my own measurements that I use for my own designs, but this book provides a copy of various half-scale slopers you can use to practice with. There is also a chapter on making your own sloper, but I just skimmed over it.

This book teaches you the basic principles behind pattern manipulation. You can use the principles in this book to make original designs of your own. There is so much information in this book that I cannot touch on everything and keep this review short, so it's a bit long. Once you have your own sloper made, and understand the principles that this book teaches you, you will never need to buy a store bought pattern.

There are 36 chapters in this book; and just to give you an idea of how broad a scope of pattern manipulation this book touches on I'll list the chapters:
1. The work room, 2. Model Form and Measurements, 3. Drafting the Basic Pattern Set, 4. Dart Manipulation (Principle #1), 5. Designing with Darts (Tuck-darts, Pleats, Flares, and Gathers), 6. Stylelines, 7. Added Fullness (Principle #2), 8. Yokes, Flanges, Pin Tucks, and Pleat Tucks, 9. Contouring (Principle #3), 10. Collars, 11. Built-up Necklines, 12. Cowls, 13. Skirts/Circles and Cascades, 14. Sleeves, 15. Kimono, Raglan, Drop, Shoulder, and Exaggerated Armholes, 16. Buttons, Buttonholes, and Facings, 17. Plackets and Pockets, 18. Dresses without Waistline Seams (Based on Torso foundation), 19. Strapless Foundations, 20. Patternmaking for Bias-cut Dresses, 21. Shirts, 22. Jackets and Coats, 23. Capes and Hoods, 24. Knock-Off-Copying Ready-Made Designs, 25. Pants, 26. Knits-Stretch and Shrinkage Factors, 27. Knit Foundaiton, 28. Actionwear for Dance and Exercise, 29. Swimwear, 30. Introduction to Childreswear, 31. Drafting the Basic Pattern Set Measurement taking Standard Measurement Charts, 32. Collars, Sleeves, and Skirts, 33. Dresses and Jumpers, 34. Tops, 35. Pant and Jump Suits, 36. Bodysuits, Leotards, Maillots, and Swimwear,

After receiving this textbook for my third level patternmaking course in design school, I managed to read through after the term was over and realized how much we had skipped over - this book is packed with how-to information on developing not only the basic block (bodice F/B, skirt F/B, fitted sleeve) but variations of all sorts. I think a reader with good skills at visualizing a fashion design could, with this text, learn to pattern and build almost anything. First, every single exercise she covers is more than adequately illustrated, with fashion figures (or portions thereof) modelling the particular neckline, sleeve, skirt silhouette, etc so you can accurately see, not guess, what the style line in question looks like on a body. And technical drawings are clear and plentiful, so one can easily understand whether she's overlapping the skirt panels to compare hip curves or pivoting the bodice back to transfer a dart from waist to side seam. No confusion here, which is quite an accomplishment given the complexity of the subject. Second, the accompanying text is abbreviated to make the read easier but not so much that you will get lost in following from step a to step b. And at the beginning of each section the author given a little introduction which compares the efficiency and difficulty of the given method, outlines its uses and end results, and possible further adaptations. In the first 2 chapters, author covers the workroom (incl. list of tools, photos from manufacturing, completed sample cost sheet/pattern chart/design specification sheet, basic fabric and pattern terminology used in later chapters, and summaries of computerized patternmaking and development processes) and model form measurement. Chapter 3 covers drafting the basic pattern set. Chapters 4-9 cover the three main principles of flat patternmaking: dart manipulation, added fullness, and contouring. Author then devotes a chapter to each of: collars, built-up necklines, cowls, skirts/circles/cascades, sleeves, kimono/raglan/dropped/exaggerated armholes, buttons/buttonholes/facings, plackets/pockets, dresses without waistline seams, strapless foundations/interconstruction, bias-cut dresses, shirt foundations, jackets/coats, capes/hoods, knockoff methods, pants, knits, knit foundations, actionwear/dancewear/exercisewear, and swimwear. Then follows this with 7 chapters covering various aspects of childrenswear. Yep, REALLY comprehensive. This text will function quite well as a reference volume, because it's logically organized, well indexed, tells and shows WHY the principles in question are true, and addresses problems to be solved in addition to just explaining basic elements. In addition to patternmaking instructions, the author includes lots of useful reference material, for example: names of different types of pleats, standard sizing for childrens' wear, definition of a peplum (with illustrations), recommended methods & materials for knocking off (copying) a ready-made garment, whole page of button size technical drawings, definition of parts of a classic blazer, and blank pattern charts and cost sheets (useful for manufacturing, not really for home sewing). With 821 pages nose to tail, this isn't a light read, nor will you find any color photos of designer name work. Don't buy it for your coffee table or plan to tuck it into your purse for reading in waiting rooms. But do buy it to add depth to your understanding of patterns and to expand your skillset at pattern alteration and development. If your goal is to leave behind commercial patterns and flesh out your own fashion concepts or to really figure out how mere measurements can gel into a working pattern, this text will help you do it. Since the author is an instructor of fashion design at LA's Trade Technical College, she knows how to teach and what information will really be needed. So stock up on large sheets of pattern paper, clear off a table, and dig in and enjoy!

I went into reading this book as an absolute neophyte when it comes to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. I was fascinated with the "myth" of brevet Major General/Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) and wanted to find out the inner workings of Custer's last campaign with the infamous Seventh Cavalry and the tragedy that ultimately overtook it. I found Sklenar's narrative to be easy to follow and enjoyable.

The only weakness I found with this book was perhaps the author's reliance upon unnecessary and negative adjectival descriptions when it comes to both Major Marcus Reno and Captain Frederick Benteen. This "usage" only made what was an incredibly astute argument against, or towards, perhaps, the two other "leaders" of Custer's three headed pronged attack against the United Tribes' village weak and immature. If you can ignore this lack of an editor's omnipotent blue pencil, this book is rewarding for both the beginning LBH student and the more advanced.

If you are in anyway interested in the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the ultimate tragedy that unfolded on Last Stand Hill, this book is worth the money and time! Perhaps "To Hell with Honor" is not a beach read, but it could easily hold the attention of even the most informal history student.

Get this book. You won't regret it!

Larry Sklenar's "To Hell with Honor: Custer and the Little Bighorn" is a boldly presented picture of the most famous battle of America's Indian Wars. As might be expected after more than 35 years of study of the subject myself, I have more than a few ideas about the battle. I concur with much of what Sklenar writes, but disagree with other parts. He has come up with some definitely new twists on the old story, and for this reason his book should be read by anyone seriously interested in the Little Bighorn.

Sklenar's basic stance can be characterized as strongly pro-Custer, and he sharply criticizes Custer's two principal subordinates, Major Marcus Reno and Captain Frederick Benteen. And I personally won't disagree with that view. His analyses of Reno's and Benteen's actions (or inactions) are arguably the strongest portions of the entire book.

Sklenar has reached some quite startling conclusions regarding Custer's initial battle plan and the position occupied by the rest of the regiment during their abortive effort to locate Custer late in the day. Frankly, I do not think that the primary evidence supports Sklenar's deductions about these points, but I would encourage Little Bighorn students to read what he has to say, then evaluate the questions for themselves. His reconstruction of the fight by Custer's battalion, on the other hand, does not break much new ground, and is in good agreement with a number of books in recent years.

All in all, it is a Little Bighorn analysis worth adding to the bookshelf, but I would urge the reader to go beyond the book to read the actual evidence before deciding whether all of Sklenar's conclusions are valid. People have been writing about this battle for nearly 125 years, and no one ever has the last word.

In "To Hell with Honor: Custer and the Little Bighorn," author Larry Skelnar presents an exceptionally well-researched and documented recounting of THE classic tale of military disaster, the defeat of George Armstrong Custer's Seventh Cavalry Regiment in the valley of the Little Bighorn River. He offers a new perspective on a 125-year-old problem that is as remarkable as it is unconventional. While serious students of the Custer phenomenon will find some of Skelnar's major points lacking in substance, overall the book is well worth the investment in time for the reader.

Skelnar's stance is stereotypically pro-Custer, anti-Benteen/Reno, which prevents the author from delving into the nuances of character, personality, and human nature. Therein lies the Achilles' heel of "To Hell with Honor." In his analysis of the Little Big Horn debacle, Skelnar presents nothing new with respect to the complex, dynamic nature of the human dimension present during the battle. It is doubtful that with the complicated nature of the personalities of Custer, Benteen, and Reno that events could have been so black-and-white, so utterly "cut and dry." Maybe next time.

Personally, I enjoyed "To Hell with Honor." Despite some obvious shortcomings, Skelnar has still managed to produce one of the finest volumes on Custer in recent years. Readers will enjoy the writing, not to mention some very interesting hypothoses concerning the tactical aspects of the battle.

For someone considering Lasik, this book is a lot to wade through. There is good info here, but I think it could have been edited down by a third. It's also a bit dated by the amount of PRK-centric information and relatively small section on lasik.

'How to see like a Hawk ...' by Matthew Ehrlich, MD is a much easier read, with better explanations and illustrations on physiology, the lasik procedure, and potential complications. But if you want a lot of history and personal stories, get 'Beyond Glasses' too. You'll then have the two best consumer books on refractive laser surgery so far.

I am scheduled for eye laser surgery on January 6, 2000. While I am excited about this prospect I am not very well informed! I felt that I needed more information to feel prepared and to understand the entire procedure. A magazine ran an ad for the book BEYOND GLASSES!THE CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO LASER VISION CORRECTION which I ordered. It was well worht the money! I found the answers to the questions I had in this book. Any consumer interested in laser correction surgery for his/her eyes should purchase this book. It is well worth the money! Plus the author has had the surgery, herself, and understands what someone considering the surgery needs to know. She has researched this subject well!

After reviewing several books, the internet, and tagging along to doctor appointments with a friend who had a LASIK flap complication, I decided to go with the research that seemed the most believable to me. Beyond Glasses gives LOTS of honest information on both PRK and LASIK. Franette Armstrong, the author of the book, is constantly staying on top of the latest in refractive surgery. Her research will help you make an informed decision for your situation. - April 23, 1999

I found this book hard to believe. He makes the capture of some of the most hardened criminals seem simply too easy. This book will go over well with anyone not willing to question some of the stories that he is pushing.

Joshua does an oversimplistic job of explaining all of societies problem. He never really goes into detail about solving any of them.... just keeps complaining about how noone is willing to evolve to stellar manhood.

He also does a not so subtle job of pushing ancient egyptian philosophy or some would say occultic practices. Whatever helps him to do his job....It's a nice read but don't take it too seriously.

The book will make for a good movie because most of it is pretty far-fetched.

The Seekers is an exhilarating tale of Joshua Armstrong's life. The story is an intriguing mix of ancient philosophies, modern day street smarts and extraordinary compassion.

Armstrong founded the Seekers, which is a group of bounty hunters that work out of New Jersey. Unlike other bounty hunters who have less than a 50% success rate, the Seekers have an 85% success rate and have captured over 2000 bail jumpers.

Armstrong is constantly trying to become a "stellar man" and it is this journey of discovery as well as the thrilling adventure of some of his most famous captures that make this tale so captivating.

Where else can you read about Egyptian philosophy, mad bombers, spiritual enlightenment and drug dealers all in one place?

The best part about this book is the stories. Armstrong grows up in New Jersey, and eventually ends up on the west coast, where he is first really exposed to the criminal element. While working on a fishing boat in Alaska, he gets his first experience bounty hunting while trying to earn some extra money. He is not impressed with the guy he was working with, but was intrigued by the profession.

Armstrong goes on to found the Seekers, a group of bounty hunters who are professional, and respectable. His religion plays a part in the book, and is primarily seen in his attitude torwards the criminals he is trying to capture. He does not accept the fact that all of them are automatically evil, and frequently talks about how he is trying to let his mind grow, and that this is what the people he works with need to do as well. The religion is not an overwhelming part of the book, but if you are the sort of person who cannot read about a religious view that conflicts with yours without getting agitated, this is not the book for you.

The best part of the book is the stories about caputres he's made. As a bounty hunter, it is his job to track down people who were arrested, made bail, then did not return for their trial. A typical bounty hunter gets 5,000-25,000 a capture. Most of the chapters in the book describe memorable captures this bounty hunter has made either individually, or with the help of his organization. He would aquire information on his target, then track that person down and capture them in the most efficient and non-violent way possible. It is very interesting to hear about the situations he's been in, and how he survived them, and made the capture. It's a pretty easy book to read, and very engrossing.

Frances Hill does what her subtitle (A Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials) promises. In a Delusion of Satan, the author tells the grippping and horrifying story from beginning to end in a fast-paced narrative that takes the reader through every pertinent detail. Along the way, she discusses motives, both psychological and material, that may have influenced the participants, as well as briefly glancing at the number of theories that have arisen in our more modern times. The author does not provide a large historical context in which to slide the events into, perhpas, but she does give just enough details to keep this story comprehensible and fascinating. The book does not dwell on modern analogies (they are too painfully obvious, at any rate). A recommended look at this terrible time.

Frances Hill is extrodinary in this depiction and overview of the Salem Witch Trials. The title A Delusion of Satan depicts and puts into a sentence the entirety of this book. Frances Hill takes the human imagination and fills it with thoughts and vivid pictures. It seems as if the trials happened just days ago. She brings each character to life giving each of them their own distinct character and personalities. The book brings back to life the reality of the trials and the outcome of the accused. Frances Hill's extroadinary writing jumps at you with her vivid words depicting every word and step that the accusers took. The way the accusers accused each of their victims and the results of the so called spells that were cast. This author is very compelling very vivid and very drawn to the imagination. I rater her 5 stars for her excellent writing and depiction of the Salem Witch trials.

Having been to Salem, Mass. several times, and visited the historical sites and museums there, I felt that I had a good knowledge of the witch hysteria of 1692. After reading A Delusion of Satan, however, I have found that my knowledge was basic at best.
In A Delusion of Satan, Frances Hill provides a rich retelling of the events that draws from court documents, eyewitness accounts, and other primary sources. Also, Hill places the trials into their historical contexts; explaining the Puritan experiences leading up to the trials and the dangerous situation in which the colonists lived. This context also serves to help Hill hypothesize about what drove the original accusers into a frenzy. Hill's arguments about psychological opression and fear being the impetus for the hysteria are well developed and convincing. Astutely, Hill frequently points out that these are only theories. No one can ever know for certain what afflicted the girls. Equally convincing evidence is presented that suggests that treachery among the community may have fanned the flames of the witch hunt and helped guide the course of events.
A Delusion of Satan introduced me not only to details I had never read about before, but also to the personalities of those involved. Hill gleans this information mostly from court documents, written statements, and testimonies. The condemned, as well as the other key players, become vividly human and relatable.
While no modern writer or historian can declare to know the "truth" about every aspect of this frightening chapter in American history, A Delusion of Satan certainly serves as a useful, chilling, and entertaining witch-trial history. Readers (and some other reviewers) of this book should keep in mind that Hill's arguments and opinions are of course merely that. I have found no place in the book where she claims to have "the final answer" about the Salem witch trials. However, I find her positions sufficiently supported and highly plausible.
I highly recommend this book to readers interested in Salem, witch-trials, or early American history. You will not be disappointed!

Deke Slayton and Al Shepard's book is a fine, well-written overview of the American space program. It unfortunately misses in several ways.

First, the book can't decide if it's an autobiography or not. It's "the inside story," but it concentrates on Shepard's two flights and Slayton's overrated Apollo-Soyuz mission. The plot is skewed towards the authors, which doesn't make sense considering it's written in the third person.

I found this third-person narrative approach irritating. I almost felt as if the ghostwriters chose to describe the events in this manner so they could feed the astronauts' egos further. Apollo books often come face-to-face with the astronauts' infamous cockiness, but this book makes no attempt to hide it. Shepard described himself as a "leading test pilot, astronaut, explorer, adventurer, master of wings and rocket fire, and hero to millions." All this may be true but you're not supposed to say it about yourself.

It also needs more character development. It doesn't go beyond saying that Slayton and Shepard were friends. I got tired of being told outright of the friendship. I wanted to be told about it, not of it. I felt like I wanted to know the authors better, especially since they were the focus. On top of that, several crucial people such as Ed Mitchell (Shepard's lunar module pilot) are just names here- they are not given any substance.

It also concocts stupid commentary for narrative purposes. For example, to get across a point the book may recount a "conversation" between Slayton and Shepard that is so corny as to be all but useless. This is a subtle, but unfortunate problem with this book.

The final downfall of this book is its unwillingness to discuss the other Apollo missions. Apollos 15 and 16 are passed over in a paragraph-- and Apollo 17 got a whole page because the future of the program needed to be stressed to segway into Slayton's Apollo-Soyuz mission.

Most importantly, this book fails to convey the magic and wonder of spaceflight. It fell victim to poor writing-- the descriptions of being on the moon were too often reduced to cliche.

Here's what's good about this book. It does tell the "inside story" of the Apollo missions-- and does faithfully describe the missions. It serves as a decent, quick-read overview of Apollo.

For the complete, longer story read Andrew Chaikin's "A Man on the Moon." For a more specific, personal, and readable story of a specific mission, read Gene Cernan's "Last Man on the Moon." But don't read "Moon Shot."

'Moon Shot' is an excellent tome that gives a clear and consise insider look at the Space program from Explorer I to Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Apollo-Soyuz! At times, Al Shepard (one of four authors and original Mercury astronaut) seems to take the word processor away from the others and begins to change the story into, "Moon Shot: The Al Shepard Story." If you saw the adaption of this book into a documentary on TBS, you will understand. Page after page is devoted to Shepard's Apollo 14 flight but hardly anything for many of the Gemini missions. Hmmm, Shepard wasn't flying during that program...connection? All together, through, Slayton's views on the events he helped run are the real jewel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This is the only true insiders acount of Americas race to the moon. Co-written by Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton two of the original Mercury astronauts it tells the story from the beginning. The book shares not only what they said and what they did,but also what they thought. It's candid and straightforward. From the tragedy of Apollo 1 to the triumph of Apollo 11 you'll read about how it was to be inside the pressure cooker of the space program from the astronauts themselves. Shepard was the first American in space and ultimately walked on the moon. Slayton flew on the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission that closed out the Apollo program. Their story is the one that you need to read if you want to know how we got to the moon. Don't miss this book!!

I was unable to finish this book because Karen Armstrong's Biblical references are so glaringly wrong. She has the God of the Old Testament splitting a sea monster in half during creation, and Isaiah telling King Ahaz that the Messiah will be his Queen's unborn son, just to name a few. I eventually came to the conclusion that if her Biblical references cannot be trusted, how can I trust that the rest of her research is correct as well? I don't know what Bible she was reading, but it wasn't the Judaic/Christian one!

Karen Armstrong labels herself a "freelance monotheist" and, as a British ex-nun, has some knowledge of religious history. But in this book, as she often does, Ms. Armstrong effusively promotes Islam while maintaining persistently negative characterizations of Judaism, and to a lesser extent, Christianity. These contrasts color her narrative of the ancient city established by King David as a capital of the Jewish people in Biblical times.

The book, for example, describes Islam's "inclusive notion of holiness," the Qur'an's humane attitudes and Islam's benign expansion. In contrast, it deplores Judaism's "separations and exclusions," which the book exemplifies by citing Jewish dietary laws, observance of Shabbat and ancient regulations that controlled who could enter the first and second Temples. The book, however, does not compare these supposed weaknesses in Jewish observance to Dhimmi laws imposed by Jerusalem's Muslim conquerors during Medieval times, as explained in Moshe Gil's History of Palestine, or to the fact that the holy city of Mecca remains closed to all non-Muslims even now.

Ostensibly about three faiths in Jerusalem, the book fails to mention Judaism's strong attachment to it, or that this city of the first and second Jewish Temples (constructed in Biblical times) figures prominently in dozens of Jewish prayers and holiday celebrations, many of which originated here. Omitted are the tremendous devotion felt by religious Jews to Jerusalem and more than 600 citations to it in the Jewish Old Testament.

The book also portrays Israeli's rule in Jerusalem derisively, as one which "cannot be justified in Jewish tradition by the overriding sanctity of Jerusalem," by virtue of the inescapable "moral imperative to justice" emanating from holiness. But in recounting the city's history, the book neglects Jordan's illegal rule over the Old City of Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967, which went unrecognized by most nations and the United Nations. Nor does the book note that during that period 100,000 Jews were evicted, all 58 Jerusalem synagogues destroyed and headstones from the ancient Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives were used to line roads and latrines. This volume, finally, does not acknowledge that Israel's rule opened all previously closed religious sites to all faiths, except for the Temple Mount, which Palestinian Authority administration has closed to all non-Muslims.

In other words, Ms. Armstrong's history of Jerusalem does not fairly reflect the city's religious significance to all three faiths. It favors Islam, at the expense of Judaism and Christianity. Better history can be found in Jerusalem in the Twentieth Century (Martin Gilbert), O Jerusalem (Larry Collins and Dominique LaPierre) or Jerusalem and its Environs (Ruth Kark and Michal Oren-Nordheim). Alyssa A. Lappen

As someone who is not part of the Jewish, Muslim or Christian world, I found Ms Armstrong's narrative well-paced and meticulously detailed. This book is written from the point of view of a religion expert, and the construction of the pre-Christian times of Jerusalem are particularly creative and evocative. Certainly, Ms Armstrong captures the complexity of problems that Jerusalem faces.

Be careful, though, of Ms Armstrong's strongly pro-Muslim bias. The history and present of Jerusalem are convoluted to say the least and Ms Armstrong does tend to paint the Muslim community's role and current stance with flattering brush strokes, and that of the Jews and Christian with disparaging ones.

I do agree with her eventual conclusion - tragically, the history of Jerusalem does not make a solution to the current situation very likely. In fact, it is possible to see history being repeated for the umpteenth time with the most recent events.