"The Other Israel" is truly a gem and will probably be the best read of the year. Not only for the historic perspective given, but also for the way these writers have literally bared their souls on a subject they feel so strongly about.

In today's oversimplified coverage of the Middle East conflict that we see on the media, "The Other Israel" will take you on a journey to places you've never been before, and may very well make you doubt what you once believed.

These 37 essays are a contribution by Jewish novelists, historians, journalists, activists, as well as several military officers who have refused to serve in the occupied territories. All who hope that their voices will be heard around the world, and especially by their own people who, like most in America, will have their perceptions shaped by what the government tells them, what they see on the media, and often more than not, what they don't see.

As a collective, the essays represent a growing discontented movement within Israel itself that questions the morality of the occupation, the mindset upon which it has endured, the terrible hardship on the Palestinian people, and the effect on Israeli society as a whole.

No longer able to ignore their moral convictions, and acutely aware of the turmoil beset both sides, these writers expose the failings of the past peace processes, the myths that have been perpetuated over the years, and the apartheid conditions the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land has created. They condemn what the occupation has done to the moral fiber of their military, along with not only the price they pay as a society, but with their standing in the world community as well.

None of these essays are terribly long, and some are amazingly short. But they are sophisticated in that they manage to convey complicated accounts of history along with deep personal perspectives in a relatively short amount of space due to the exquisite writing. Almost all are haunting. Some are point-blank in your face accusations and I was caught off guard, but I witnessed more in these pages then any documentary video I've seen on the subject. If these pages don't strike some deep nerve within you then nothing will.

As you read, it will become apparent that these essays took much courage on the part of the writers, knowing full well that they might, at the very least, be labeled as 'self hating Jews' and at the very worst, traitors by the hard right Zionist wing. The essays were written last year just falling short of the current roadmap process, but nonetheless will still give an incredible insight into what has been going on over there.

Often the writings depict the internal struggle within the authors themselves. On one hand there is a great need to be part of the greater Jewish solidarity, the wish for their country to live peaceably and prosper, while on the other as one essayist points out, the anguish that comes from "knowing all this, yet crying little, and keeping quiet too often."

Finally, a book written by insiders in regard to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Certainly a rare find. This book is actually a compilation of papers/essays/letters written by numerous authors all of Israeli Jewish decent. Noted authors include Uri Avnery who fought in the '48 war and served in the Knesset, Ishai Menuchin who is a Major the Israel Defense Forces reserves, Dr. Yigal Shochat who served as a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force during the War of Attrition, as well as numerous well-known and published professors of Political Science, all of whom teach at universities across Israel.

The book subverts many myths about Israeli politics in the OPT, but it does not do so in a black and white manner as so many other books do. It is a critical analyses of how certain decisions by those in power are creating a threat not only to Israeli citizens within Israel proper, but also a to Israel's democracy itself. This book criticizes key flaws in Israeli politics in regard to the Palestinian issue and provides solutions in their place; rather than simply attack Israel for all it's worth.

In addition to the logical, critical, thought-provoking, Jewish-perspective information this book provides, it also serves to effectively undermine anti-Semitic attitudes towards Israel. Many other books simply criticize Israel without providing alternate solutions given from Israeli Jewish perspectives.. those types of books end up in the hands of some anti-Semites who use the text (most often taken out of context) as metaphorical ammunition. This book is no such source for such idiocy.

To criticize one's own government is nothing new, but to do so in such a well-articulated manner, without ostracizing 1000s of years of Jewish culture, and all the while defending democracy while putting your public reputation on the line is not only genius; it's heroic. Read this book!

A book that challenges so much that one hears about the "justice" of Israel occupying Palestinian land is an important, necessary book. Although the title makes somewhat grandiloquent claims on the part of its individual writers (there is no risk whatsoever to these people, in terms of social position or even income, in writing these articles), it is important for Americans to hear other perspectives coming from Israel. Most of the articles are worth reading, although Anthony Lewis's contribution to the volume unfortunately shows his characteristic clunky prose and banality of polemic. But that is a minor quibble to make. This is a fine book.

There is only one review of this tape and I bought the tape based on that solo review. Well, thank God, she was right. I am a naturally shy person, but in the few weeks I have had this tape and did what it said... it has worked so well and helped me so much, I too really look forward to events like I never have before. The information presented here is practical with clear steps that are easy to apply. Even your most socially challenged person can benefit from this book. Take it from me!

I am not joking when I say that with the techniques outlined in this book, not only are you enjoying socializing more, but your new "vibe" makes you attractive... Really!

Susan RoAne takes you into a formal setting and helps you circulate. As I'm listening to this audio while driving, I feel at times as if I'm actually in the room and she's my personal coach! I'm usually a reserved type of individual, but now I CAN'T WAIT until my next social function!

Thanks Susan!

An unassuming university professor and his research team are awarded an unexpected and thrilling opportunity: to program a cogniscent supercomputer: one with such awesome processing potential that its powers seem almost magical.

The team's intent is simple - the results are beyond imagining. In a spate of events that leave the reader breathless, the computer eschews human communication in favour of talking with dolphins, reveals mysteries of the sea hidden for generations, then lets its human questioners into the biggest secret of all: the origin of human life on earth.

It would be too much to expect that such an earth-shattering mystery should remain exclusive to one small group of academics (and the dolphins), and darker forces emerge, intent on the abuse of the supercomputer's power and the destruction of its ill-prepared stewards.

This is no ordinary Science Fiction novel. Stylistically, it resembles hard and dirty American cop fiction in the Ed McBain mould more closely than it reflects Hoyle, Asimov or Banks. Realistic, unstilted conversation, plenty of action, the hint of authorial knowledge and authority beyond that of a mere civilian all provide a unique vehicle for such cosmically challenging themes as the history of Man, the future of technology, the secrets of the ocean and the enigmas of the universe. An ambitious precept, stretching credulity at times, yet masterfully executed.

The result is a thoroughly enjoyable, stylish, pacy, highly intriguing reading experience. Big questions, daring answers, and a message from the dolphins that we ignore at our peril.

Cabrillo University in San Diego was granted Simon, the world's most powerful super-computer, for their experiment. Professor Ross Erricson and his graduate students did their research in a small subterranean computer lab that USED to be an auxiliary storage area. One wall was constantly damp due to the Ocean Park dolphin tank being on the other side of the wall. But the heat Simon generated would take care of that and no one worried.

No one could have foreseen the unintended consequences that would follow! After all, humans are not the only intelligent species on this planet.

***** This is an astounding novel that I found hard to put down. Every time I believed nothing else could happen to surprise me I was proven wrong. Highly recommended reading!

THE DELPHINUS CHRONICLES grabs you by the short hairs & drags you headlong into suppositions about our world that are both new & truly exciting.

Mr. Roane has produced a classic in the genre of intra-species intelligence. I devoured THE DELPHINUS CHRONICLES at one sitting, I could not put it down!

Very well done & memorable too!

(...) This book is specifically designed to address very topical issues, such as: the causes of the latest uprising against Israeli occupation, what the situation in Palestinian land has been since the uprising began, whether or not the American media has been objective in its reporting of events, what actually happened during the negotiations between Barak and Arafat at Camp David, etc. Detailed maps of what exactly was offered at Camp David are provided - something that you never see in the general, mainstream media.

Why do I give this book five stars? Because it reveals many things that it is simply not possible to learn from reading the NY Times, Washington Post, etc., and because it is very well presented - both well argued and complete. The descriptions of what life is like in the occupied territories is quite stunning, not at all what I was expecting. It is also quite shocking to see what it is that was offered by Barak at Camp David - and what the media so gratiously refer to as a "generous offer." It may very well have been the best offer ever, but it was still a far cry from adequate - a literal swiss cheese, full of holes. And on that point, there are some very objective and scientific studies that explain why it is that so many people refer to the American media as biased.

The arguments made are very strong and very convincing. The book brings together writers of varied backgrounds - Jews, Arabs, and westerners. It may not as some people have correctly pointed out be a complete account of what the entire history of this very old conflict, but that wasn't the point of this book. Its purpose is to address the New Intifada, and it does it extremely well.

As this book succesfully demonstrates: Israel's treatment of the Palestinians has always presented a moral problem to the West, as that treatment has violated every law and moral standard on the books. Some 750,000 Palestinians were driven from their homes in 1948-1949, and since then scores of thousands more have been pushed out by force, their houses demolished or taken over by Israeli Jews (not Israeli Arabs). Under the supposed "peace process" following the signing of the Oslo Agreement in September 1993, a UN Special Report of November 13, 2000, says that "In the past seven years...Israel's confiscation of Palestinian land and construction of settlements and bypass roads for Jewish settlers has accelerated dramatically in breach of Security Council Resolution 242 and of provisions of the Oslo agreements requiring both parties to respect 'the territorial integrity and unity of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.' Since 1993 the settler population in the West Bank and Gaza has doubled to 200,000 and increased to 170,000 in East Jerusalem." The report also describes and condemns the demolitions of Palestinian houses, the diversion of water to Israeli cities and settlements, the policy of closures that has damaged Palestinian social and economic life, and the "widespread violation of their [Palestinian] economic, social and cultural rights" both within Israel and in the occupied territories. It also assails Israel's use of excessive force against Palestinians and hundreds of Intifada killings, "most of them unarmed demonstrators."

The settlements have been made in territory outside of Israel, technically "occupied" by Israel and subject to international law that clearly prohibits dispossession and settlement by the "belligerent occupying power" (the Palestinians are "protected persons" under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949; violations of that Convention, including dispossession and settlements, are "war crimes"). This systematic violation of international law has been going on for several decades, just as the creation of new "facts on the ground" in brazen violation of Article 31(7) of Oslo has proceeded since 1993, but as the United States does not object, and in fact has supported these law and agreement violations by massive economic and military aid, and by vetoing any hostile UN actions (it has used the veto an estimated 60 times to give Israeli ethnic cleansing and law violations free play), international law is inoperative.

As an American citizen who has been living in Israel since before the 2nd Intifada began, I found this book to be both accurate and insightful. Probably the most important information to be found in this book is the actual maps used in the various Oslo Peace agreements, from Camp David to Taba. These are the maps never shown to either the US or Israeli public. The maps of the "generous" land offers given to the Palestinians. The maps by themselves explain why Arafat had to reject the offer and why the Israeli occupation of Palestine is referred to as apartheid. In addition, other details that were never fully disclosed in the general public include continued full Israeli control over water resources, electric and phone service, and economic expansion. Settlements were to remain along with the system of newly constructed highways (off-limits to Palestinians) which connect the settlements and completely surround all Palestinian controlled areas.

My only disappointment with the book is that I thought there could have been more about the Arab citizens living in Israel. There is one interview with Azmi Bishara, the Arab Knesset MK who is facing trial for exercising his freedom of speech, yet a lot has happened inside Israel since the 2nd Intifada began. The 2nd Intifada has significantly affected relations between Arabs and Jews living inside Israel. It has directly affected unemployment among Arabs and detrimentally affected the economic conditions in Arab Israeli towns and villages. I would have liked to see more about how nothing has happened to the police who killed 13 Arab citizens and wounded hundreds during demonstrations. How hundreds of Arabs were put in jail, including many kids as young as 14, and held without charges while very few Jews were put in jail for firebombing mosques, throwing rocks, and beating Arabs. It would be enlightening, at least for American readers, to see how "democracy" in Israel really works depending on whether you are Jewish or Arab.

The books an easy read. It starts out in the standard way with reasons we don't perform as well as we should etc. After a few chapters, I started to get useful information. The yiddish words through me off until the end of the book where the glossary was located; should have been at the beginning of the book. The edition I read was published in the late 80's. There's a more recent edition out by the author. There are many references to California personalities mainly in the bay area in the examples. The ten commandments at the end of the book is a handy reference sheet. Chapter 13 though interesting regarding how she meet her husband and got the book deal; it really wasn't necessary. This is a must read for those starting out in business working conventions and trade shows espeically in the tech industry. Making connections is a must.

I suggest not wasting your time with this thin-on-substance guide. Beyond some poorly written musings of common sense, not much is offered aside from the occasional jab at persons Ms. RoAne apparently has issues with. (This is quite hypocritical considering that her basic message is to make friends and play nice.)

Attempts at addressing online networking are rather pathetic, uninformed, and blatantly appended to text from previous editions. A savvy internet "maven" she is not.

One must also wonder about the need for, and her constant references to, the Yiddish glossary she has so painstakingly included. Call me slow, but I just didn't get the connection between it and a better understanding of "working a room".

As recommended to me, and I to you, "Power Networking" by Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas is more comprehensive, directed, and references RoAne's few meaningful insights briefly and concisely.

This book will probably be helpful if you want an easy-to-read guide to the very basics of networking and socializing.

She lays out intuitive, easy-to-follow lists of rules and principles, such as how some of the manners you were taught as a child can become obstacles to meeting people, like, don't talk to strangers. And she perscribes some easy-to-remember, non-threatening tactics for overcoming these fears, such as questions like "I've never been to one of these meetings before. Is there always such a good turnout?"

But I found that most of her major points were fairly common sense. Is it really that helpful to know that arrogance, not listening and poor hygiene will impair your ability to meet people? Or that you should bring business cards to a professional event?

If you feel your social skills are really at ground zero and you need help getting started, this will be a useful guide. But if you're looking for more advanced techniques and ideas for to engage people and loosening yourself up, it's way too easy. It certainly didn't change my life.

I'm now reading Bernardo Carducci's book, "Shyness". It has a much more theoretical and holistic approach--I'll post a review on that book's page as soon as I finish it.

This book is indeed quite basic and is not written very well. It's a good try I suppose but it seems as if the author is trying to cash in on the popularity of 'self-help' type books by passing off a sophmore effort book in the guise of some sort of ultimate bible on socializing.

You could and would do better with a different book such as Carducci's "Shyness".

..if you really want to learn how to work a room. The book is written for women who are shy. Even if that describes you, there are better books to read. Most of the book addresses the issues of how to shake hands, how not to wear see-through blouses, and how to avoid having sex at trade shows. Unless these are burning issues for you, you will find nothing of value in this book. I am a professional consultant and attend conferences and networking events several times per month. I bought the book in an airport, read the first half, skimmed the second half and left it on the plane for the next person. It was a waste of an hour and a half and [my money]. Save yourself the time and expense, unless you are a 22 year female college grad in her first sales job who needs instruction on who to flirt without getting in over your head and need to be told that you shouldn't have sex at trade shows.

How to Work a Room is a reasonably good book, but I think women will get a whole lot more out of it than men will. I, as a man, was not terribly interested in worrying about being hit on by my co-workers ("The Intercepted Pass") or dressing in a business appropriate fashion. There are good points for both men and women, but these can also be found in other materials.

How to Work a Room includes very practical common sense ideas that can help overcome fear and shyness as well as offering encouragement for putting the ideas into practice. Ms RoAne set our to write a book that would enable anyone, particularly someone prone to fright at large crowds, to walk into a room and connect with people. Her techniques can help wallflowers move into the mainstream of a business or social gathering and have a more satisfying time (and have more fun). For example, one of Ms. RoAne's more powerful techniques is to encourage moving from guest behavior to hosting behavior. The idea is simple and non-threatening, yet by providing a purpose to interact with others at a gathering, a user of this technique can turn a situation that is usually intimidating into a good experience. Other techniques and strategies are also useful and all are summarized in the final chapter as the ten commandments of connecting with people.

A reader focussing mostly on the techniques presented by the author and not taking some of the examples too literally will benefit most from this book. I have seen her strategies and techniques work first hand and recommend this book.

I found the book to be very simplistic. There seem to be a lot of words, without much being said. Her main advice seems to be, prepare a list of stories to tell in advance, and learn to speak about the weather.

Most of the tips she has are just plain common sense. I guess, if you are having major problems conversing with people, (people leave when you enter a conversation, or the conversation dies when you speak) then you might get this book to find out some of her don'ts.

I expected her tips to include more examples of conversations. Overall, I would look for a different book on the subject.

The book provides lots of common sense tips which we easily forget during daily life, e.g. use 'and' instead of 'but' when disagreeing with people; ask 'how' instead of 'why' to make questions sound less demanding.

However, certain areas like the topic on cross-cultural communication, the auther seems to write only to fill the pages. There is no real practical common or in-depth advices. For someone who has been living in 3 continents and 5 countries in the past 26 years, this chapter is definitely very superficial.

Also, the book seems to start repeating itself half way through, and remedies are only offered only in areas that the author has some opinions. For those she does not have too much to say or anhy clue, it is either skipped or non-value-added opinions were offered.

Other than the above mentioned, I do recommend the book, esp as either a 'refreshing course' or a 'crash course' in social skills.

"What Do I Say Next" is a book filled with practical tips for improving conversational skills. Although the book is not really designed for the super introvert, it will help typically shy folks to become better conversationalists. It also provides much needed direction for the outgoing but rude. Perhaps the best word to describe Susan Roane's approach is "balanced."

Unlike some books about conversation which are highly manipulative, this book is designed for both business and social conversation. Its direction is useful for almost any situation.

The book is written casually. Although it is not disorganized, its casual manner with numerous case studies (these are great stories illustrating specific points) means you can pick up a paragraph here or there and find a complete thought.

Much of the material in this volume sounds like common sense. After many of Roane's suggestions, readers might think, "Of course. That's obvious. Why didn't I already know that?" She offers practical, down to earth, and realistic advice.

The author reinforces her main points with a helpful synopsis after each chapter. For shy people, she encourages them with studies that show 75 per cent of good conversationalists consider themselves shy. Her solution: use the "OAR" approach (Offer an observation, Ask a question, and Reveal your thoughts, ideas, or opinions). But do not drive people crazy with a barrage of questions, she warns us.

It is this kind of sensibility and balance that makes this a useful book. It is a practical self-improvement book, not a detailed analysis. Good conversationalists will find a useful pointer or two, weak conversationalists will be overwhelmed with a wealth of advice (and will struggle as to what to do first). Although I did not agree with the author on every point, I recommend this book heartily.

It's a decent book and the legwork is first rate. Unfortunately, its about 12 or 13 years to late. Several things have changed on the island, including it's ownership. The mauritians have won a court battle that turns the island back over to them. The military life has been expanded, and the relationship between the groups involved have changed slightly.

Most people's reaction when I tell them that I was stationed there, I get this lost look on their faces. Yes, this British territory is an unknown to many people. Some even thought that it lies somewhere in Mexico. HA! I'm in the US Navy. I happen to see this book online here at Amazon. I was so eager to get it right away that I went to my local bookstore to find it. Sure enough, there it is! Anyway, the book clearly defines island life. The way it REALLY began. Not just about creating an American presence there back in the 1970's. But, it's about the local natives that hail from Maurtitius. These people currently live on the island as workers to support the military. Back in the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War, this island was a true importance of our national interest in the Indian Ocean region. This book historical's insight gave me memories of my one-year service there. Alot of them were places I've seen and came across while I was on the island. The island is rich and full of natural beauty. I dub it "work/paradise". I worked there and "vacationed" there. For those who are going to get stationed there, give this book a try. You might even outsmart the British with your knowledge of the island beforehand. They might buy you a drink! It's bad enough we outnumber them on the island population-wise. For us DG vets, this might be our memoirs.

This book has a lot of potential, but mostly fails to teach things you wouldn't have otherwise thought of yourself.
There are several useful suggestions scattered throughout the book, but no sustained sections of good quality writing. Every time I came upon something that I wanted to read more details about, the author skipped onto to some other self-evident tangent. Also the author uses a lot of examples from her public speaking life, which are generally uninteresting and not relevant to most people's business life.

Susan Roane touches several aspects of networking, many of which will add a new perspective of how you may or may not continue to operate in the business world. This book will make you cognizant of everything from business card etiquette to the importance of a mentor. Great introduction for a novice networker; super review for a pro.