Reviews (10)

Incredible Incompetence!
Chandrasekaran's considerable time in Baghdad allowed him to provide this detailed of incredible incompetence.Early in the book we learn that the cafeteria in the Republican Palace was always serving American fare, and the hundreds of Iraqi secretaries and translators, mostly Muslim, were offended by the presence of pork.Nothing came from Iraq - everything, including the water in which hot dogs were boiled, was shipped in from approved suppliers in other nations.No Iraqis were hired to cook, serve, or clean - they could poison the food.Whatever could be outsourced was - private guards made more than $1,000/day.Iraqis post-Saddam had less electricity, water, trash collection, sewer service, gas availability, traffic mobility, health care, and employment - despite administration claims.
Outstanding
The Iraq war was preached as the liberating creation of an exemplary Arab democracy. Did US post invasion efforts match the rhetoric? The most charitable answer, based on this work, is quite contrary.
a heartache
I have recently read the excellent book "Fiasco," about the war in Iraq.
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Subjects:  1. Government - International    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Iraq    6. Iraq War, 2003    7. Middle East - General    8. Military - Iraq War    9. Military - United States    10. Military History - 1990-    11. Military-Political Relationships    12. Political corruption    13. Postwar reconstruction    14. United States    15. Current Events / Military   

Editorial Review

"The best way to understand the dramatic transformation of unknown books into bestsellers, or the rise of teenage smoking, or the phenomena of word of mouth or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life," writes Malcolm Gladwell, "is to think of them as epidemics. Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do." Although anyone familiar with the theory of memetics will recognize this concept, Gladwell's Read more

Reviews (701)

Excellent book that describes how to create a trend
I was fascinated by the original perspective in this thought provoking book about the evolution of an idea into a trend.Using easy to understand examples, Malcolm Gladwell explains the mechanics of the process, and enlightens us about the the various people involved.I strongly recommend this book.I also recommend Robert Cialdini's book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.These books complement each other and should be read together.

The Tipping Point
Staff writer for The New York Post, Malcolm Gladwell, explains what causes a concept, idea or item to become an epidemic in The Tipping Point.Using case studies the reader will relate to (Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Crime in New York City in the 90's, Hush Puppies, Paul Revere's famous ride North), Gladwell discusses how and why people react the way they do in certain situations and to certain ideas/items.You'll look at your friends, co-workers and family in a different way as you consider who is a Connector, Maven or salesperson, you'll consider the context in which something happens as opposed to just the action, you'll think about everyday happenings in a different way after you read this book.
It had quite an unusual effect
I was looking for an original and valuable present for my boyfriend. I am very pleased with my decision to buy this book. It draws from several areas of knowledge and Malcolm Gladwell is a very skillful writer. He knows how to engage you from the first page till the last one and keeps you wondering what more you will learn from this incredible book. My boyfriend said that the tipping point and scientifically guaranteed male multiple orgasms and ultimate sex are the best, most valuable and eye-opening books he has ever received as a present. Well, I don't hear such compliment every day. It was such a small thing for me to give him a present and yet it turned so important for him. What better proof for Gladwell's thesis. I also agree that we all should start paying more attention to the small, small things and details from our daily lives and the result may astound us. It takes so little to even change someone's life for better. This is one of the books, which I definitely recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising & Promotion    2. Causation    3. Contagion (Social psychology)    4. Context effects (Psychology)    5. Marketing - General    6. Psychology    7. Social Psychology    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Reviews (5)

Not only politicians but also voters need to upgrade their savvy
In _Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business_ (1985), Neil Postman (1931-2003) detailed the decline of public discourse in the Age of Television.
Starts Out Good, then slides downhill -
"The Way to Win" professes to provide campaign secrets from both the Clintons and Bushes (read Rove).In reality, it offers little in the way of secrets, though it starts off well by describing the reality of the New Media "Freak Show."
Sharp political analysis for the political junkie
The Way to Win is a very good book.I bought it when I needed something to read on the train from D.C. to New York.I was pleasantly surprised by its readability and insights.The Way to Win is a well-thought out, timely, at times fascinating exposition of not just what it will take to win the presidency in 2008, but more broadly how the drastic changes to the way news is reported in this country will affect national politics in the future.The authors' analysis of this new media age, which they dub the "Freak Show," is probably the book's most useful contribution, even more so than their assortment of "trade secrets" to prospective presidential contenders.
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Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. 2008    3. 21st century    4. Election    5. Government - Executive Branch    6. Government - General    7. Political Parties    8. Political Process - Elections    9. Political Process - Political Parties    10. Political Science    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics and government    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Presidents    15. U.S. Presidential Elections    16. United States    17. Political Science / Political Parties   

Reviews (2)

Less About Baker Himself, Of Course, Than American Politics
I did not know a great deal about James Baker before I read this book, but I mean it as a compliment to the clarity of his reminiscences when I say I think I do now. In the field of political autobiography, it is not always the case that one emerges knowing more about the author and subject than when one began. From the pages of his book I discern that James Baker is not without wit, albeit at times a distinctly biting one. He is also less a statesman than a politician, and less a politician than a man with protective loyalty to his friends. He is perhaps above all someone with a talent for inserting himself into a situation and calling on a lifetime's worth of well-placed contacts when there is a need to get things done. In short, to his party and to its inner circle, Mr. Baker is invaluable.
A Memoir filled with Credability.
In reflecting upon the life of James Baker through his second memoir 'Work Hard, Study . . . and Keep Out of Politics!' the one thing that continued to stay in my mind is Baker's openess that one of the reasons why he stayed in politics was 'power'.What a refreshing statement: the Truth!This is not so minimal a statement when reading the many self-serving political memoirs published, particularly from the Reagan-era politicians who have published throughtout the years. The life of Jame Baker is quite remarkable, and the sharing of his life and decisions as shared in this memoir are encompassing of service to this nation well done.I may not necessarily agree with all the decisions made by Baker during the years he served 3 different presidents, but I do respect the man and the integrity of this book.There rings certain truths throughout, and his openess about 'power' provide a sense of credability to his perspectives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cabinet officers    6. Civil service    7. Conservatism    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Political    10. Statesmen    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (14)

Valuable Vocabulary Strategies
Bringing Words to Life is an essential book for any classroom.It offers valuable insights and strategies for teaching vocabulary in all classrooms, elementary through high school.It's written so that it's easy to understand and each chapter ends with activities for the reader to better understand the content of the chapter. There is also an easy reference appendix for books to use with vocabulary instruction.If you're looking to enhance the vocabulary of your students, this book has everything you need!

easy read with quick interventions for vocabulary instruction
I read this for a graduate class and found it to be a quick, easy read. The authors give you simple ways to enhance your vocabulary instruction. I would recommend this book to teachers at all levels but especially those working 3rd grade and above.

Fabulous, Fantastic, Superb...should I say more?
A great easy to ready and easier to use tool to enhance everyday classroom teaching to support vocabulary in students! A must for all teachers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching    2. Language    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Linguistics    5. Literacy    6. Study and teaching    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts    8. Vocabulary    9. English    10. English grammar    11. Grammar & vocabulary    12. Language Arts & Disciplines / Literacy    13. Teaching of a specific subject    14. LAN010000   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (119)

If there is only one helpful suggestion, then this book was worth buying.
The first big new idea I learned appeared on page 35:
great book for anybody
Exactly! it does not just teach you how to talk to kids, but to everybody around you. Great book!

This book will be your bible
This is the best book I have ever read on parenting and will help you even if you are not a parent. It is amazing. I return to it over and over again and it has helped me communicate better with my husband as well as my kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Conflict Resolution    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Interpersonal communication    6. Life Stages - Adolescence    7. Parenting    8. Parenting - General    9. United States    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (3)

Outstanding biography of an outstanding American leader
Washington Post reporter Karen DeYoung clearly finds the mark in her most auspicious biography of, in my opinion, America's finest leader in recent memory.Colin Powell truly is a great American and merits such a treatment of his life's story.I had the good fortune of speaking with him at some length one time on the telephone and found him to be a leader among leaders, in charge without being dictatorial, and utterly "cool."I trust that he will continue to inspire budding leaders of like integrity and ability to step forward and serve.
AMERICAN HERO: THE MEASURE OF A GREAT SOLDIER!!
Five MAXIMIZED Stars !! This biography by Karen DeYoung, associate editor of the Washington Post, is a monumental work of excellence, detailing the life and times of Colin Powell from his humble beginnings through his tenure as Secretary of State under President George H. W. Bush to his current endeavors. While the 1996 Colin Powell autobiography, "My American Journey", was excellent in examining his life and "his good stories", it misses the tumultous and controversial decade that followed. DeYoung's book paints on a larger canvas from an outsider's viewpoint with a huge number of sources. At times she juxtaposes activities at different points on the globe between Gen Powell and his wife Alma. Many other times she sculpts Powell in bold relief in some of the major events of US and world history, among an almost unbelievable cast of characters that can only be described as 'awe-inspiring'.All of this is captured in stunning prose and laid out in impressive detail, with ultimately an investigative flair that rivals any of the current 'political tell-all' books, although that is not the objective here. A totally absorbing read of over 600 pages!
Good book and read, just wish there was something more.
I bought this book to fill in the gap from his previous book, My American Journey.A good chunk of Soldier deals with the Iraq war and perhaps rightly so, as his UN presentation continues to haunt him.While I can appreciate all he had to go through, it's still hard to swallow some of his reasoning for doing that presentation as well as the defense of the Bush administration afterwards.I was hoping he would apologize candidly to the American people for misleading them.He adamantly refuses to do so and I wonder if he realizes this refusal puts him on par with the Bush administration refusing to acknowledge how bad things have become in Iraq, as well the false justification for this war.
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Subjects:  1. African American generals    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Blacks In The Military    7. Generals    8. People of Color    9. Political    10. Statesmen    11. U.S. Federal Executive Bodies    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (7)

you shall love your neighbor as yourself
Danforth follows the teachings of Jesus in this moderate and sensible discussion of the extremes theocons go to in following an badly distorted religion that has little to do with NT Christianity.Danforth makes the point much less emphatically than that, always willing to give evangelicals more than the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, the gun-totin' execution-advocatin'tax-hatin' theocons bear no resemblance to the Jesus of the bible who advised against using weapons, stopped an execution, and in Lukehas only hard words for the rich and those who pursue wealth.
Where's the Democrat Doing the Same?
In terms of extreme partisanship, Danforth has nailed the problems with the modern Republican Party on the head.The greatest confusion on this issue, however, rests in the assumption that the most vociferous opponents of the Republicans are somehow different.They are fanatical too, and in a profoundly quasi-religious way. Righteousness is now at the core of both party bases.
Politics and Faithyness
In 1909, G.K. Chesterton recognized the danger of Episcopalianism ceasing to be a religion without ceasing to be a church.Mr. Danforth, who publicly dons the mantle of credibility as a former Episcopalian clergyman, seems to be a perfect example of this unfortunate decline.The kernel is gone but he clings to the shell.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    4. Political Process - Political Parties    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Religion And Politics    9. Religion, Politics & State    10. United States    11. Political Science / Political Parties   

Reviews (4)

Ideological leanings way too obvious; not a good characteristic for an educational text
I was assigned this textbook for my high school Sociology class that I took as an elective in the last semester of my Senior year.I had gone into the class expecting an intriguing, thought-provoking subject that led students to ask the big questions about why people and society are the way they are, and that the textbook would help guide me along the way.Unfortunately, I was pretty dissapointed, to say the least.
Fun and informative
I have to admit, I hate the soft sciences, but I had to take Sociology 101 for a requirement.Thank goodness this was the textbook assigned to the course!Everything is perfectly clear and it's actually really fun to read.Even if you're not taking a course, I'd recommend this book to anyone who would like to call themselves knowledgable.It is a fun read, and you'll come out so much more informed in the end - painlessly!

great
Excellent service. Book was shipped same day and I received it 2 days later. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Social Science    2. Sociology    3. Sociology (General)    4. Sociology - General    5. Social Science / Sociology / General    6. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (43)

Easy to read, easy to Learn
The set up of this book make it really easy to read.The print is a reasonable size for people with poor eyesight and this makes it quicker to read.To really know and understand, you will need to read several times but this will be worthwhile.

positive thinking
I really loved this book. It made me really look at my life and the way i was attracting negative vibes into my life without really wanting to. It helped me turn things around as far as my way of thinking and my life has been so much better.It has even helped me with my stress. I want all my friends to read it.

Read Abraham-Hicks instead
I can't say this book is all bad. It would be suitable for someone who is not at all familiar with the "Law of Attraction" principal. Perhaps you might present it to someone who has neverheard of these concepts. However...
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Subjects:  1. Social Science    2. Sociology    3. Statistics   

Reviews (33)

You're kidding me, right?
Not insightful, not even humorous. I am willing to admit that maybe I just don't get his writing style, whatever that might be. I hope Mr. Rakoff gets into a new line of work

Well Written, but Non-Productive
This is some brilliant writing.It moves right along, it keeps you interested, and it has a very clear voice and strong point of view.I defintely think it's worth reading, but it's like a bucket of KFC -- delicious, satisfying, but probably bad for you.

ShoppersParadise
If you're like a man like me, you hate to shop. But my wife is a shopaholic, that's why I've found this book to be so delightful, I didn't actually have to leave the house, to go shopping. Too bad it doesn't really count with my wife, I'm going to the mall where I'll sit on anything stationary this afternoon
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American Satire And Humor    3. Essays    4. Form - Essays    5. Humor    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Social Science / Essays   

Reviews (27)

Interesting read
I found the book interesting from the standpoint of the infinite emotional fluxuation women seem to deal with explained scientifically.As a man I have always wanted a woman, devoid of feminism and emotion to try to explain why women act the way they do.That is not to say that I feel superior, I have always just been facinated by the "differences" in how men and women think and how women approach issues, problems, and joys differently than men.I have been married to the same woman for over 35 years, and have had a constant, close companion as a study.
Not a Scientist
I am not a scientist, researcher , or doctor and therefore can't comment on the extensive reviews done by those in the clinical fields; however, I can comment on the use of "cutesy" language and the "dumbing" down approach to the female brain.How much research is being done on the ethereal energy that separates male and female? Maybe I'm too "new age" or alternative-minded, but I've learned alot more about gender differences, male and female energy, female brains and reactions from Deepak Chopra, Rayna Gangi and Andrew Weil than I did from this fairly bad attempt.

WORTHLESS
Actually, this book has negative value: Not only can I not give it to anyone, for fear of perpetuating the notions therein; but I can't throw it away without wasting a couple pounds of paper.
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Subjects:  1. Brain    2. Human Neuroanatomy    3. Mental Health    4. Neuropsychology    5. Neuroscience    6. Physiology    7. Psychology    8. Psychology Of Women    9. Women    10. Women's Health - General    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Science / General   

Editorial Review

Barack Obama's first book, Read more

Reviews (8)

Obama Wraps His Personal Journey Around His Political Beliefs With Refreshing Authenticity
As the acknowledged rising star of the Democratic Party, Barack Obama has done an admirable job in maintaining the precarious balance between being a media lightning rod and a largely unproven senator out to establish his record. While it may speak to the current vacuity in the party's leadership, Hillary Clinton aside, Obama certainly cannot be underestimated for the political acumen he has displayed during key high-attention moments like his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He wrote an insightful personal memoir over a decade ago before entering politics, "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance", which I read a couple of years back and thought was quite lucidly written if rather guarded in exploring his racial dichotomy.
A prelude to the White House