Reviews (269)

Hysterical
Mary Roach has taken what could be a morbid and rather depressing subject and elevated it to sheer reading pleasure.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, both for the factual information about cadaver donation and for her wry sense of humor in the face of her subjet matter.Various topics are covered, including lab dissection, crash testing, plastination, cremation, water reduction and a host of other options for human remains that I can honestly say I never knew existed.The French did some experiments with guillotine execution that are in a class all by themselves.Highly recommended reading.

Great Audio Book--Just Not During Lunch!
You can imagine what a surreal experience it was to listen to this book on CD while on a house cleaning job...scraping goo off the stove while listing to the description of body putrification after death.
Hilarious, yet you still learn something
I thought this book was great.I, for one, could not put it down and finished it in a matter of 2 days (and I'm not a person who reads just for fun very often).Anyone in the medical field will appreciate it, and also those who are not.My mother even thought it was funny.I totally recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dead    2. Forensic Medicine    3. History    4. Human dissection    5. Human experimentation in medicine    6. Medical    7. Medical Research    8. Medicine (Specific Aspects)    9. Research    10. Science    11. Death & dying    12. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (165)

Self-serving and poorly written...
I bought this book hoping to gain some insight into the mind of a violent criminal street gang member. What I found was page after page of Mr. Scott rationalizing his behavior, and in fact glamourizing the life of street gang members. After reading this book, I am convinced that Mr. Scott has no remorse for his behavior, nor does he accept any responsibility for his actions. On top of the author's self-serving writing, the book is difficult to read because of the grammatical errors that are the books only consistent trait. This one is a must miss.

Engrossing book
This book chronicles Monster Kody Scott's life as a 8 Tray Crip in LA. The first part of the books is his life in the gang; the middle of the books is his time spent in prison, and towards the end is when he becomes more of a black revolutionary and stops banging. Honestly, I thought the most interesting part was the first part when he told of his life in the gang. But for those who like inspiring stories, they will really like the ending. Awesome and well written, very intriguing.

Sanyika Tells His Story
Monster is an auto-biography of the the ex-Eight Tray Crip member "Monster" Kody Scott, or as he's known now, Sanyika Shakur. This book sheds light on the harsh realities taking place in inner-city America, telling a story that few would most likely not live to tell. Sanyika holds nothing back whilst telling his story. He lived with a single mom, and he had five other brothers. There was no man in the house. At the tender age of eleven, he was initiated into the Crips (Eight Tray Crip), after he belted rival gang members with eight shots from a sawed-off shotgun. After he was initiated, Sanyika earned respect for himself by commiting terrible acts of violence and always being on his guard. This earned him the name of "Monster".
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. California    6. Crips (Gang)    7. Gang members    8. Los Angeles    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Violence in Society   

Reviews (65)

Compelling
I just finished reading this book and found it both compelling and haunting.I couldn't put it down.If you are looking for a balcony analysis this is not for you but if on the other hand you want to know what it was like... no what it was really like, day to day, and step into the shoes of someone who was there then this is the book for you.Gen. Dallaire had access to and negotiated over and over again with the top leaders on both sides of the conflict and tells the story, the few triumphs and many failings of the groups in Rwanda, the member nations, and the UN itself, like no one else possibly could.My hats off to him for taking the time to tell this story, no doubt a painful one, in detail and for having given so much personally during that year of his life to save lives and minimize the deaths in Rwanda with the cards that were dealt him.Few, I believe would have persisted as long as he did trying to make a difference under similar conditions.

disappointing book
someone wrote this review above, i want to second it.the book could have been a lot better, was quite disappointing.i got into the habit of skimming through a lot of pages at a time, the last hundred pages or so are the best and worth reading, the rest is just a quick skim.
Must reading if you're interested in world events
My daughter at U of M got me interested in the Rwandan crisis and was just vacationing in Canada and picked up this book by a Canadian General who was leading the UN effort in Rwanda during the genocide and what a tragedy thiswas and remains. I didnt walk away thinking this guy was a great General but he had the guts and the commitment to right to stay in spite of the ineptitude of the United Nations and Cofi Anan who was in a key role at the time. The tragedy of what the free world stood by and let happen is nearly unsurpassed, probably only by the Jews extermination in WWII. If you have any interest in the world happenings and think you have faith in the United Nations just buy this and read it - we need change. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - Central    2. Atrocities    3. Civil War, 1994    4. Crime And Criminals    5. Criminology    6. Dallaire, Româeo    7. History    8. History - General History    9. International Relations - General    10. Military - Other    11. Personal narratives, Canadian    12. Rwanda    13. Social Science    14. Sociology    15. Political Science / International Relations   

Reviews (10)

For help with EnCase in book form, start here
I decided to read and review three digital forensics books in order to gauge their strengths and weaknesses: "File System Forensic Analysis" (FSFA) by Brian Carrier, "Windows Forensics" (WF) by Chad Steel, and "EnCase Computer Forensics" (ECF) by Steve Bunting and William Wei.All three books contain the word "forensics" in the title, but they are very different.If you want authoritative and deeply technical guidance on understanding file systems, read FSFA.If you want to focus on understanding Windows from an investigator's standpoint, read WA.If you want to know more about EnCase (and are willing to tolerate or ignore information about forensics itself), read ECF.
Worth the money even if you don't use EnCase
Problems with the DVD aside, in my opinion, this book is still worth the money.If you aren't ready for the EnCE exam yet, but are planning on taking a non-vendor-specific certification exam, such as the CCE exam, you can make good use of this book.
Highly recommended
Steve Bunting is the head of the police computer forensics unit in Delaware and, together with co-author William Wei, a computer crime detective in New Jersey, has written an outstanding book which should find a place on every computer forensic examiner's bookshelf - even the bookshelves of those who rarely, if ever, use EnCase as a forensic tool.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Certification Guides - General    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Certification    5. Forensic Science    6. Computers / Technical Skills    7. Data security & data encryption   

Reviews (1)

I guess if your class requires it, you have to get it.
I find it hard to believe this book was edited before it was sent to the publisher.For a college text book, there are multiple mistakes. It refers to modern day Native Americans as Indians. The pictures are something to be laughed at. There are pictures showing officers standing around with their hands in their pockets, male suspects laughing as they are being searched by female officers; the cover has an officer appearing to be using "community policing" while sitting on the back of his patrol car. I have yet to run into a department where that is exceptable.There are many more law enforcment books out there with more information, that is better put togeather, and not such a bore to read. But, I guess if your class calls for this book, you have no choice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - General    2. Criminology    3. Law    4. Law enforcement    5. Police    6. Police administration    7. Sociology    8. UnitedStates    9. United States    10. Crime & criminology    11. Law / Criminal Law   

Reviews (8)

Fire Investigator
If you are a fire cause and origin investigator, you need this book! If you don't use it, you can bet an attorney will use it against you in civil or criminal proceedings. This book should be right next to your NFPA 921. DeHahn writes in a pragmatic and easy to understand format. I understand that the 6th ed. is getting ready for relase so you might wait a couple of weeks and get the latest. Bravo Dr. DeHaan, you've done it again!

BEST FOR FIRESCIENCE
The best book I know about fire; I like it for the strict scientific and pragmatic approach and the lot of practical hints, useful for a fire operator but also for a fire student.
Good Research Book
I bought this book as a step in investigating fires and arson steps of investigation in writing a novel.It does have a lot of good information, but it's very generalized--not specific.Good for the amateur fire sleuth that wants to get enought information to be able to 'talk the language.' ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fire Investigation    2. Fire Science    3. Forensic Science    4. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Fire services    9. Technology / Fire Science    10. Firefighting    11. Fire fighting   

Reviews (1)

Great book!
This book is great, the website that comes with the book works well also. The author explainsRead more

Subjects:  1. Crime    2. Criminal Investigation    3. Criminal Procedure    4. Criminal justice, Administrati    5. Criminal justice, Administration of    6. Criminology    7. Government - Judicial Branch    8. Government policy    9. Legal System    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. United States    13. Crime & criminology    14. Law / Jurisprudence   

Reviews (3)

Introduction to Emergency Management
An excellent introductory book with a good review of the basic components of emergency management

Easy Flowing Read
For a easy flowing read, buy this book.It has plenty of pertinent information mainly from a federal emergency standpoint.

An Excellent Intro to Emergency Management
"Introduction to Emergency Management" is a straight-forward and insightful entre into the world of public emergency management.George Haddow and Jane Bullock are former senior FEMA officials that exerienced it first hand. And it shows.Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. Emergency management    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Medical    5. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Public Affairs & Administration    8. United States    9. Political Science / Government / National    10. Social impact of disasters   

Reviews (4)

Don't Read Unless You Have To!
Why the NJ DOP picked this book for testable material is beyond me? After was all said and done, 3 months worth of reading of this boring, choppy, unrealistic supervision theory book the DOP only asked 12 questions from it.Author lives in Fantasy Land when it comes to police work, especially in NJ.Come up with a few distinct "buzz words" and a littney of lists on police tactics, and you to can write a boring book like this one.

Boring
Why the Department of Personnel would have anyone read this for promotional testing is beyond me. Put together a few five dollar words and fragmented thoughts and you're an expert on supervision. This book was as interesting as watching paint dry. It should come with a noose so you could hang yourself after reading it!

Long winded.
The only reason anyone would read this book is because it was listed as required reading for a promotional exam. Mr Whisenand is out of his mind and should limit his writing to something he has firsthand experience in. Read this book only if you are having insomnia. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Police    3. Police Administration    4. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Sociology    8. Supervision of    9. United States    10. Law    11. Political Science / Law Enforcement   

Reviews (8)

Essentials of Fire Department Customer Service
This text was extremly overpriced. I recently saw the same book in our State Fire Academy bookstore and the IFSTA catalog for $21.00. I paid over $45.00 from Amazon.

An important area of the Fire Service
Brunacini covers customer service in a to the point witty way. His book is written in plain english and includes past experiences. A good read for those interested in fire service customer service from cover to cover.

A Must Read Book for Fire and EMS Administrators!
An excellent look at an often neglected topic! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Career/Job    3. Careers - General    4. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    5. Politics - Current Events   

Reviews (3)

Excellent core text for any forensic science course
Excellent book ideal for any forensic science student! Includes detailed information on all aspects of forensic science incl. recent advances in DNA and computer forensics..could not find any topics which were left out.Superbly illustrated with full colour photos.Chapters written by experts in their particular field. Definitely recommended, not only to students but to all forensic practitioners.

not impressed
This is a superb book...for junior high or high school students. Yes, it is easy to read, but I found the highlighted words in the text (to indicate they are in the glossary) to be a nuisance. The authors over-simplify everything and attempt to encompass too many areas of the broad field, so it will only be of use to readers who have never seen CSI or know absolutely nothing about forensic science. Saferstein's introductory book on forensic science would be a better choice for your money.

Excellent Guide
This book is excellent for anyone interested in Forensic Science. Just as the synopsis says this brings to light the reality of forensics as a science rather than psychology. It is in depth but clear and easy to understand - it even has a huge glossary of terms at the rear with the words highlighted in the chapters for easy acess to their meanings. It will be an invaluable help to people with an interest in forensic science.As this book says, it's an introduction on "scientific and investigative techniques" but don't be fooled, the detail is immense and the book is superbly laid out. Clear diagrams, photos and graphs are well placed to help the reader further understand what they are taking in. The text it's self is easy to follow and friendly to read and the concepts are well explained. What I especially like about this book are the questions at the end of each section (nothing formidable) and the case studies and examples that further help to emphasize the points being put across. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal investigation    2. Criminal laboratories    3. Evidence, Criminal    4. Forensic Science    5. Forensic sciences    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Law    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Law / Forensic Science    10. Police & security services   

Reviews (1)

Useful Resource
As a school administrator, I find the information on interviewing and interrogation helpful in getting to the bottom of issues I previously have not been able to solve. The questioning techniques and the observation of behaviors presented in this book enable me to allow my students to tell the truth and help to solve their own issues. The resolution of these issues and the breaking down of lies and cover-up behavior is the first step to helping students make better decisions. This book is an invaluable resource in that regard. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Confession (Law)    2. Criminal Law - General    3. Forensic Science    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Police questioning    7. United States    8. Criminal law    9. Law / Criminal Law   

Subjects:  1. Criminal Procedure    2. Criminal justice, Administration of    3. Criminology    4. Cross-cultural studies    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Courts & procedure    8. Crime & criminology    9. Criminal law    10. Law / Criminal Procedure    11. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Parole    2. Penology    3. Probation    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Law    8. Political Science / Law Enforcement   

Editorial Review

Any book that can give voice to the voiceless should be celebrated. No one feels this more strongly than Wally Lamb, editor of Read more

Reviews (47)

'can't keep this to myself'
I have been an admirer of Wally Lamb for quite awhile now.But when I read that he was volunteering his time to conduct writing workshops at York Correctional Institution, I was so very impressed and moved.I couldn't put the book down; it was so full of life -- and living.Even under the worst circumstances.The writings demonstrate what we -- and the "officials" -- have always known:that most molestations of children are conducted by close friends or relatives.And that kind of betrayal can never be undone. But I was so disappointed when the book was over and I had no more to read from the group.I could have gone on reading much more from these remarkable women, who have lived such violent, difficult lives.And this is not to excuse the crimes they committed, but merely to acknowledge that they are not only their crimes, but complete lives of individuals who evolved to where they are today.As much as I have admired Wally Lamb and his writings before (I only read two books of his), I admire him even more and eagerly await his next book.And I hope there will be another volume from his Women of York workshops.

Disturbing butoften hopeful
I am glad that I read this book as it gave me a bit of an insight to what life is like in prison for woman incarcerated at a maximum prison. This book certainly helped me to appreciate the freedoms that most of us take for granted on a much larger scale of understanding. I usually keep my reviews pretty short, but I have to add that these short stories these courageous women wrote in this book are very worth while reading and I learned quite a lot from these woman who were willing to share their lives with us.Being someone who worked at a maximum facility for men, I always wondered what the female experience in jail would be like, and I believe that this book gives you a pretty good idea. None of the incarcerated women make any excuses for their crimes, they accept full responsibility, and then give us a bio of their lives, as far as what may have led up to their crimes.Yes it was disturbing for me to read at times, but yet a book I just could not put down. What disturbed me was clearly hearing about how much violence these woman as children sadly grew up with, and how no one was there to help them, or assist them out of the nightmare of child abuse, and domestic violence. The beginning of the book is interesting as well as Wally Lamb talks about his life just a little bit and what led up to his other book, "She's Come Undone", which is another book if his I couldn't put down.
One of the best books I've read in awhile
I must confess, I did not open this book without some bias.I volunteer at a prison and have a deep interest in women's issues, and after reading the other Amazon.com reviews, I was pretty sure I would love this book.(I was right.)What I didn't expect was a strong desire to share it with just about everyone I know.Don't get me wrong, this is no "Chicken Soup for the Soul" -- there are some hard stories in this book.But the writing is outstanding, and in reading each story I was captivated by the author's personality, struggles, hopes, and essential humanity.This book was, for me, a powerful aid to compassion and understanding.I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American literature    2. Composition & Creative Writing - General    3. Connecticut    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Penology    7. Prisoners' writings, American    8. Sociology    9. Women    10. Women authors    11. Women prisoners    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing   

Reviews (39)

Very Good, and Not as Muddled as One has Claimed
This book is very informative, interesting, and entertaining.I've recommended it to people both within and outside the CS and IT communities w/o reservation.
Security or Liberty? Both!
I first read about Bruce Schneier in an eye-opening article by Charles Mann in the September, 2002 issue of The Atlantic Monthly. It seems that you don't have to make the false choice everyone is agonizing over between security and liberty. You can have both.
Puts things into perspective
The title of the book refers to the steps to take after fear is sensed.To move beyond fear is to understand it, how it affects you and why, and what you can do about it.And that is what the book addresses - what things do we need to secure, from our personal interests, to national interests.
Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    3. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Prevention    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Terrorism    9. United States    10. War on Terrorism, 2001-    11. Police & security services    12. Safety in the home    13. Science / General    14. Security & fire alarm systems    15. Security services   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Facility Management    4. General    5. Industrial Management    6. Industries    7. Management    8. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Private security services    11. Retail trade    12. Security measures    13. Sociology    14. Business & Economics / Industrial Management    15. Security & fire alarm systems    16. Security services   

Subjects:  1. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Parapsychology - General    3. Self-Help    4. Spiritual    5. Unexplained Phenomena    6. Biography: general    7. Body, Mind & Spirit / Parapsychology    8. Criminal investigation & detection    9. Forensic science   

Reviews (7)

A history of the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer
SO OTHERS MAY LIVE: SAVINGS LIVES, DEFYING DEATH WITH THE COAST GUARD'S RESCUE SWIMMERS provides a history of the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer, pairing this history with twelve stories which chronicle maritime rescues. Swimmers tell these stories of perilous rescue and while SO OTHERS MAY LIVE would also qualify to be featured in our 'True Adventure' section, it's featured here for additional value as a history of Coast Guard efforts overall.
Absolutely incredible reality-driven writing!
Her description of the harrowing rescues on rooftops in New Orleans took my breath away. I've been in SAR situations where a person had to be forced to leave a sinking boat, and on law-enforcement sorties where the bad guys had guns, but, in each of those occasions, you knew exactly what to expect - things were straightforward. The deteriorating conditions in New Orleans after Katrina, gave the crew, especially the swimmers, such extraordinary unknowns. The need to adapt to such changing and challenging situations so quickly - and the sheer number of them! -was obviously devastating to both body and psyche. And, the fact that among Coast Guard personnel there were no deaths, no collisions, no serious injury, is just astounding. I'm not sure that this country really appreciates the length to which our little service went in those days following the hurricane.
Stories of rescue and heroism
This book is the story of the Coast Guard rescue swimmers, and some of the absolutely incredible situations they faced and overcame in their determination to save lives.Chapter after chapter is one cliff-hanger after another, as these swimmers selflessly risked their own lives to save those of others they had never met.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Coast Guard    2. Disasters & Disaster Relief    3. Emergency Medicine    4. History    5. Medical    6. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    7. Search and rescue operations    8. Sociology    9. United States.    10. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (3)

A wonderful law enforcement field guide
Obviously the author of the one star review has had some negative experience with regards to the subject matter of this book. To call the information "outdated" is ludicrous in that so little information has been available for so long. Those that have participated in the web of deceit referred to as Munchausen's Syndrome find it difficult to accept the truth and are often on the offensive with anyone that possesses the knowledge of this disorder and its existance. Their anger and resentment is further exacerbated when this information is conveyed in any logical, fact based manner.

Over-priced and Out Dated!
This witch-hunt is over. The creator of MSBP (Roy Meadow) has been exposed and discredited for his "fanciful tales" and courts all over the UK are overturning convictions. Courts in the US are recognizing that this is not a diagnosis accepted by any medical establishment. An important work from an acknowledged expert in the field.
Detective Artingstall is well-known for her body of writings and her experience in Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen by proxy cases.In this authoritative work, she provides insights and practical assistance missingfrom most other books on the subject.Legal forms, lists of pertinentquestions to ask as cases are examined, and summaries of chapter highlightsare among the useful elements of the book.The book is also liberallydotted with case studies, including legal outcomes.Although thecopy-editing is not as thorough as I would have liked, the content of thebook is outstanding.Detective Artingstall's book will be an often-citedresource for practitioners of multiple disciplines--social work, lawenforcement, nursing, medicine, child protection, and more.Whilefactitious disorder and Munchausen syndrome have been long-acknowledged inthe professional literature, the type of abuse called Munchausen by proxyhas been recognized and studied only within the last 2 decades.Works suchas this one--based on a mastery of the literature, a wealth of personalexperience, and an abiding desire to uncover the truth (no matter howdisturbing)--will be invaluable in irrefutably establishing Munchausen byproxy as a public health and criminal-justice issue that requires ourcareful attention. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Child Abuse    3. Criminology    4. Forensic Psychiatry    5. Homicide investigation    6. Medical    7. Mental Illness    8. Munchausen syndrome    9. Munchausen syndrome by proxy    10. Pathology    11. Psychiatry - General    12. Psychology    13. Psychopathology - General    14. Crime & criminology    15. Forensic medicine    16. Law / Forensic Science