Simple copies of the secret files that were kept on Michael Collins would have been wonderful enough, but A.T.Q. Stewart's articulate introduction to the material makes for a truly outstanding reading experience. The introduction is well decorated with a number of black-and-white photos, some that will probably be familiar (e.g.- the uniformed General Collins and Collins posing with Arthur Griffith before the Treaty negotiations) and some that will be new to the eye. The actual text of this book consists of just over 100 copies of documents regarding Collins. A particularly telling document speaks of Collins as "a young man of fair complexion, clean shaven, strong jaws and features" who "belongs to a family of 'brainy' people." Stewart mentions this passage in his introduction and relates the astonishing story of how Collins was smuggled into the G-division of Dublin's Metropolitan Police HQs to read the files kept there. He narrowly missed being discovered and was able to read that amusing statement about himself.

This book reveals as much about the Irish struggle for independence and the bloody civil war that followed as it does about the life of Collins. The fact that reading this text is tantamount to reading pieces of history makes the adventure take on a very real dimension; the names you encounter are names of actual people rather than fictional characters. I believe this book to be a great investment for anyone interested in the Irish pursuit of independence, the Troubles, and/or the life of Michael Collins. If, however, you are looking for an introduction to the life and times of Collins, I would suggest that you pick up a traditional biography of him (see the works of Frank O'Connor or Tim Pat Coogan) rather than this title simply because the names, dates and places will mean much more to you if you are already acquainted with the basic story before you dig in.

The last in Collin's Nitti Trilogy is better than it's predecessor (True Crime), but not as strong as the first in the series (True Detective). Still, a fine novel and a fitting end to the cycle as Nate Heller's relationship with the famed gangster comes to an end.

The next in the series, The Neon Mirage, begins a new stage in the charater's existence.

Derek Wolfe was too young to die. The true pain is not Derek's, though. His children, Patrick and Alexandra, are the ones really hurting. They are in a foster home, temporary at best. So Derek demands to return to Earth, but doesn't consider the consequences. His children don't recognize him, and their foster mother, Evelyn Sloan, thinks he is engaged to her! Now he has to become a father to Patrick and Alexandra again, but he can only do that by marrying Evelyn. Derek's problems pretending to be someone he isn't causes some humor. This book has a great cast of supporting characters: Michael, derek's boss with a bad sense of humor; Sharon, Evelyn's cynical sister, and many others. I would recommend this book to anyone. Really. I'm 14, and I enjoyed it.

Yes, never let her tuck you in because you might never wake up in the morning! This audio production had me on the edge of my seat since tape one started rolling. "Mommy" is a suspense filled story about a loving mother who shall we say, wants nothing more then to do whats right for her daughter not to mention for herself. The story begins with an innocent visit to Jessica Anne's school by her devoted mother. As soon as mommy meets up with Jessica Anne's teacher and has a slight disagreement with her, the horror begins and doesn't stop till the very end. This is a story of motherly love, a daughter's affection and about the special bond between a mother and daughter, even though at times such a bond can take on dark connotations. After all, there is nothing a mother wouldn't do for a daughter such as Jessica Anne. Listening to this production one thinks of another special mommy who caused a lot of campers to retire rather early shall we say; indeed if that mommy and this mommy got together for tea, well what a truly horrifying scene that would be. Sunset productions did a great job with this story; the reader was good and gave the right amount of tention and suspense where it was needed. in addition the music and sound effects which are heard along with the reader make this production one you will want to listen over and over again, but do not let mommy catch you reading in the middle of the night, it can prove to be deadly.

I've read this book during a very boring vacation and this book really livened up my vacation. I was thrilled from beginning to end and I recommend this book to anyone looking to curl up with a blanket and enjoy an excellent book. If this were a movie and I were Siskel & Ebert, I'd give it two thumbs up!

Loosely inspired by "Stone Soup," "Monkey's Marching Band" features colorful illustrations of whimsical animals. It was one of my toddler's favorite must-read-every-night books. Monkey, who has a bass drum, inspires other jungle animals with instruments to join him in an exciting parade. The book also features an easy puzzle which helps children learn to identify different musical instruments, and creates a large surprise picture.

Mr. Shaman's work in this area is completely awe-inspiring. His research is impeccable and his writing is lucid. A remarkable achievement.

This book is a bit deceptive--it delivered far more than I expected. It treats the complicated economic developments of the past half-century in a clear and accessible fashion. But it also told me a surprising amount about the politics and presidents of the postwar era. I particularly liked the way it forced me to view Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton in a new light. Indeed, this book offers a new and illuminating interpretation of the entire postwar period.

This is one of the best mountain biking books that I have ever read. I tested a few of the rides and found the descriptions to be accurate. I also enjoyed the sense of humor exhibited by the authors. Is that one of the Ryters on the cover? What a dashing figure!

This selection is quite effective for those children that move from one place to the other. Children try to create an image in their heads and reasons why they should stay where they are comfortable (I guess all of us do this), then we are moved to a new place when can see that things can be quite the same as were we came from. We just have to keep going and looking forward. Life and circumstances continue to fall upon us as we age or things change in our lives. If we just take our time and give places or people that chance and not create a monster in our heads before we even get there, we would be a more peaceful person.

I thought the author did an excellent job of relaying this message to all people, not only the very young but those of us who are aging. She uses a small child that is very much at home in his house. It rains and he says the house is crying because of the changes. His mother brings him a box and says to put everything in it that you would like to take to the new house. Well, he says his box is not big enough to take his favorite tree from the backyard or his best buddy. The day comes and the family moves without the favorite tree from the backyard or the best friends. When he awakes the next morning, he is in his bed at the new houses. He finds the day, bright and shiny and lo and behold there is a tree in his new backyard (not as perfect at the one he left behind) and his mother says there is a boy who lives next door, that could be your second best friend.