Well, you won't be seeing one of those in Kabul anytime soon (see childish review title, above). Which is, in a sense, one of the scant but meaningful advantages enjoyed by women in conservative societies, as the voices in this insightful book make abundantly clear. If 'liberation' means appearing on the cover of "Maxim" clad in a thin veneer of Silly String, many would think twice about buying into the modernity that we're peddling. This insightful book elicited a passel of new notions in me about the need for enlightened relativism when comparing modern and traditional societies. All of which were moderated abruptly when I shared them with my wife - who herself was recently 'liberated' from the beaches of Punta Del Este, where the garb of most Maxim girls would be dismissed as laughably prim. Her predictable response was to christen me 'Mullah Charles' and to withhold her affections from me for a week - a modern Lysistrada, albeit one without a Peloponnesian War to stop. My bumbling attempt at atonement - trying to assert my modernity by boorishly commenting that author Mehta looked "rather hot" in her inset photo - only proved to both of us that I have plenty to learn about women from my own hemisphere, never mind the other one.

If the women in Afghanistan are not going to live free in the near future, every one of us is guilty! If girls are dying because they are girls WE have blood on our hands - every single one of us! We can stop it, if we unite and if every one of us is AWARE and WILLING to put an end to this! No woman in the western world can tell HER daughters...... I did not know! The book WOMEN FOR AFGHAN WOMEN is a brutal documentary but written with a tender heart and endless love. Read, learn & act! The strongest wapon against OPPRESSION is: EDUCATION!... go and spread the word!

I recently read this book and was most impressed by the honesty of many of the Afghan women, as well as the essays which clarified what the Q'uran says about women. As far as Islam goes, it is very important to make a distinction between theology and culture. Many of the things that that non-Muslims view as unacceptable (with respect to women)in the Muslim world are based on cultural practices not the Q'uran. Afghan women have been clear in this book in stating that although they want the support of women worldwide, that they must be the ones to determine the direction of the women's movement in Afghanistan. It is critical to the sucess of such a movement that it develop within a cultural and religious framework that is appropriate to them. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kabul from 1977-79 and hold both Afghanistan and it's people close to my heart. We must support their efforts toward rebuilding their country, but remember, it is their country!
Caryn Giles Lawson

Two words sum this book up .. Par Excellence . I got Andy Dappen's book from the library and hated to part with it when its renewal limit was reached . I would strongly recommend this book for newly weds , single income families and people who are knee deep in debt and want to get out of the money trap.

When will this book come into print again ???

This guy is a frugal maniac and proud of it. Some of his ideas are really batty, but most make a lot of good sense. I read an excerpt in Reader's Digest and then got his book from the library. Don't let his crazy ideas like using old bread as a frisbee distract you from his main concept that you can be happy with less, and even have fun trying to find ways to save. I would think Mr. Dappen would prefer you don't spend your money on this book though. Check the book out of the library instead!

Andy Dappen's book, "Shattering the Two Income Myth," critically examines the idea that two incomes are a requirement for family life in the modern world. He draws some interesting conclusions. Dappen refers to a U.S. Labor Department study that has shown the average dual-career family loses up to two-thirds of its second paycheck to work-related expenses, and if children needing daycare or after school supervision are in the picture, the percentage of work-related expenses is even higher. To truthfully calculate the earnings from a family's second set of wages, they would need to subtract all work-related expenses from their income. Dappen asserts that many second income-earners are "spending big bucks for the privilege of joining the nine-to-five parade."

Dappen also takes the view that one of the main reasons people feel unable to live on a single income is due to inflated expectations of what a family truly "needs" to live well. He calls it "our love affair with consumerism." Trophy houses, sport utitlity vehicles, new mini vans, designer clothes, big screen TV's and $100 running shoes are just some of the so-called "needs" many parents are working to supply for their families.

Dappen encourages a change of attitude---a refocusing to a mindset that embraces contentedness and fullfillment rather than following after consumer-driven forces. Dappen says, "Making your life happier, more directed, and less stressful distills down to the acceptance of five simple words: You can't have it all."

"Shattering the Two Income Myth" would be an ideal book for any family contemplating the change from two incomes to a single income situation. The book offers practical suggestions for preparing for, and actually making the switch to, living on one income. There are also numerous personal inventory questions to help with the decision making process.

The author of this book, Dr. Alan Downs, performed corporate downsizings for years and now explains they seldom attain the goals a company wanted.

Dr. Downs explains that, contrary to what we read, life in the workplace is deteriorating for nearly everyone. He explains that greed is the driving force behind company lay-offs and it must be checked. He advocates a new "social contract" between companies and employees.

America's businesses must begin to understand that they are often responsible for the tension in our society that invites the rampant drug use. Top-down, authoritarian, do-it-my way management defies research into human development that has been with us since 1927 when the "halo effect" was discovered. More harmony and less friction is needed between labor and management and this is what Dr. Downs writes about. He states that businesses need "rejuvination, not dismemberment. He is right!!

Many books have been written and studies have been made that show management is not as good as it is cracked up to be and it is time for change. Worker friendly institutions will only be brought about in the 21st Century by managers who know how to inspire workers. Companies who heed this advice, based on sound research will benefit across the board as will communities and the people who work in them.

Dr. Downs book reveals a hidden truth about corporate America that government officials should pay attention to, but they may not as special interest groups are at the very top of these companies that promote this "ugly truth" with large pay checks in the form of political contributions.

If you are a CEO, in high level management, a politician or a union leader, read this book and go to work on correcting this ugly corporate structure sure to play havoc within America sometime in the 21st Century.

Norman Jones, Ed.D author of Performance Management in the 21st Century

In Corporate Executions, Dr. Downs shows how the government and top executives foster top-down management practices that are helping to create unwanted and unneeded tesnion in our country. Years ago it seems that companies had the best interest of communities and employees in mind, but this book dispells that long lost attitude. To his credit, Dr. Down rebukes the downsizing, the re-engineering of companies because he participated in these tragedies and makes recommendations to increase the performance of companies without affecting the morale of people. His book should be read by every politician and every CEO and taken to heart as a measure that would make us a safer, calmer nation. The recommendations of Dr. Downs are even more important than he writes about as I believe he touches upon the attitude of big business that creates tension in our country and delivers a message to young people that the future is going to be a lot rougher on them than the past has been on people in the world of work. Dr. Down's ideas should be put into practice soon, but I fear he is going to be one of many authors who will only be able to set back and say, "See I told you so."

Alan Downs knows whereof he speaks when he details the rationale, strategies, and methodology of corporate downsizing in the 90's. His spellbinding expose is written from the standpoint of a converted "corporate reconstructionist," and he pulls no punches. He takes you behind the scenes, into boardrooms, managerial conferences, and strategy meetings, in which employees are little more than pieces of play on a game board, manipulated by corporate henchmen in an attempt to drain every last drop of profit from an undervalued workforce. Mr. Downs' insightful, caring treatment of the workers' modern day employment dillemma both comforts and informs. If nothing else, the reader leaves with a greater understanding of why he or she has been buffeted about in the economic storm that has characterized the greedy 90's. Such understanding allows the victim of a layoff to salvage an othewrwise devistated sense of self worth, knowing that they are not alone -- that the fruits of "profits before people" ideology are widespread. Corporate Executions is also recommended to the thoughtful exec who realizes that short-term profits derived from a decimated workforce are over-shadowed by negative factors engendered by trimming the sinew with the fat. Low worker morale, lost job knowledge, confusion as to job responsibilities, a general lowering of work accuracy, etc. plague workers to the detriment of the stated corporate mission and precious bottom line. Alan Downs' suggestions on how to structure a kinder, gentler, and, yes, more profitable company are well worth the read

I recently read Shattering Myths & Mysteries of Alcohol and I loved it. I thought that Dr. Haring has put together a great work on the reality of what alcohol is and what it does. I found the book very enjoyable to read and I would describe it as very "user friendly". Great for anyone!

"An excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about alcohol. This resource book answers questions about alcohol consumption; surveying myths regarding alcohol and including plenty of practical tips on how to reduce alcohol consumption and strengthen logical decision-making processes."

"Dr. Haring has produced a treasure-trove of awareness-raisers and denial-busters. A powerful weapon for every counselor's aresnal. I only wished he could have produced the book a decade earlier."

This book knocks the legs out of the diamond industry. What appears elegant and elite turns out to be a down and dirty industry, selling tainted, overpriced products. And they've maintained a monopoly during generations of anti-trust measures!

This book is very readable and very entertaining. I wrote a report on the subject for a MBA class which got great reviews. I'm inclined to think it was as much for the shocking truths which were revealed as much as my superior writing skills! I'd recommend this book to anyone who has ever considered purchasing a diamond.

This is an unparallelled history on the account of a most treasured mineral which continues to live on only through the de Beerse's famous and clever phrase: "Diamonds are forever." After so many found, cut, polished and rated by the 3 c's, it's stunning one can still be duped into buying a fake. There is a Statue in Antwerp, Belgium, of Lodewijk Van Berken, Go see it! You will understand!

Don't read this book if you are not willing to be heart-wrenchingly challenged. Foreman effectively makes the distinction between committing to a social cause and picking up one's cross. They are not necessarily one and the same thing. It will not be rallies or political strategies or demonstrations alone that will deliver the death blow to abortion. The call is to the church to embrace the cross. It is the power of the cross that revolutionizes the culture and transforms every facet of life from marriage to business to politics and so on, rescuing those areas from darkness.

This book should be in every Christian's library.

I give you fair warning - don't read this book if you are not willing to be heart-wrenchingly challenged. Foreman makes an effective distinction between committing to a social cause and picking up one's cross. They are not necessarily one and the same thing. It will not be rallies, political strategies or demonstrations alone that will deliver the death blow to the evil of abortion. The call is for the church to embrace the cross. It is the power of the cross that rescues and transforms every facet of life, from marriage to business to politics and so on. Joseph Foreman says this:

"When we get to the heart of it, Rescue is putting God first by obeying Him when He tells us to put others first. Rescue is doing it in a way which sacrifices our benefit and comfort for another's, whether on the mission field, in our churches, in our marriages, in our careers, or at the abortion factories. Rescue is when we physically intervene to protect someone in a way which does not hurt anyone and which causes us to throw in our lot, our reputation, and our future with the one whose life has been declared refuse: we become refuse with him in the name of Christ who became refuse for us."

Shattering the Darkness is one of the most penetrating and relevant messages on the cross that I've read. It draws me back again and again.

Since the publication of Shattering the Myth, the plays in this anthology have enjoyed greater awareness and subsequently been produced throughout the United States. It is read throughout American universities and is the book that directors and actors look towards when they are looking for subject matter on the Latino Experience. I give it five stars because it addresses the needs of theaters in search of material that will represent women, and in particular, Latina women. Of the authors included in this anthology, I have personally known Ms. Lopez and Ms. Moraga. Their depiction of the characters in their plays, Shaddow of a Man, and Simply Maria, is told with love, sincerity and the truth in translating their personal experience into art. My play, Dream of Canaries, has been produced in A&M Texas University, University of Amherst, MA, Portland University in Maine, as well as other theaters. The individuality and complexity of this play has been revealed in each production in the interpretaion of each director according to his or her vision. These visions, give testament to the life of the theater. Published works such as these need to be made available to all so that we may be allowed to portray all facets of American Culture.

This is an anthology of plays by six Latina playwrights: Cherrie Moraga, Migdalia Cruz, Caridad Svich, Josefina Lopez, Edit Villarreal, and Diana Saenz. It is a must-have reference book, especially for anyone studying Chicano theater specifically. Moraga is a high-profile academic who is not only a prominent voice for Chicanas but for lesbians of color. Here you will find her script for "Shadow of a Man." Lopez is the most widely produced of Chicano and Chicana playwrights. Her first play "Simply Maria, or The American Dream," which is in this anthology, was produced when she was eighteen. And an earlier draft of Villarreal's semi-autobiographical memory play "My Visits with MGM (My Grandmother Marta)"--the third most produced Chicano play in the United States today--is included, too.

I am novice plant lover and read this book given to me by a farmer who is saving seeds in Idaho. It is excellent reading for anyone interested in our children's future as the threat to genetic diversity happening now will affect their welfare. EVERYONE should consider saving seeds! It covers complex issues in a readable manner and is worth having in your reference home library along with information on heirloom seeds. It puts a new spin on the potatoe famine in Ireland and outlines how realistically we should be concerned about famine here and abroad. "if diversity is to be saved, it may have to be saved by amateurs." A wonderful book.

Fowler and Mooney have produced the most accessible -- and frightening -- book yet covering the ongoing loss of crop genetic diversity.

You think the Irish Potato Famine was bad? We may not have seen anything yet.

I felt that John Walsh was supberb when co-writing this book. I bought this book in order to get some/more information how the criminal mind works so that I can learn to recognize the evil creatures. I am learning from this book that you cannot recognize him/her. They often hide behind a mask.

I am a child advocate and can only admire Mr. Walsh for taking his rage and having the courage to use his unfortunate and traumatic experience to catch scum-bags. His book is easy to read (I can't put the book down once I pick it up). He makes me understand from the beginning to the end how much hard work goes in to finding these rotten-evil-dirt bags.

Thank you John Walsh for your endurance in helping us find our children and putting many of these animals where they belong (out of society). My emotions, tears, and heart goes out to these people who have suffered.

Buy this book you will not regret it!!!!!!!!

I started reading No Mercy as soon as it arrived from Amazon.com, and I found that I couldn't put it down.

John Walsh, whose own son was abducted and murdered in the early 1980s, has turned his anger into a powerful force for good. He and co-author Philip Lerman are the inspiration behind America's Most Wanted, the Fox television show that has helped capture over five hundred dangerous criminals.

No Mercy tells several of the most famous stories from America's Most Wanted, all of which are emotionally wrenching. The most intriguing is "The Strange Case of the Green Parrot," an incredibly improbable set of circumstances that sound like a Hollywood script. I'm not going to give away the ending, but I will say that this tale alone is worth the price of admission.

The stories in this book are chilling, and they may give you nightmares. It's difficult to believe that we share the same planet with monsters who can do the things that Walsh and Lerner describe. But at the same time, the authors show that caring people can and should and do fight back.

I confess that I have never watched America's Most Wanted--I prefer books over television. But I may begin to watch the program after reading this book, out of a sense of responsibility if nothing else. Walsh's efforts have probably already spared countless hundreds of people from the pain that he himself had to endure. The more people who watch his show or read this book, the more criminals will be caught before they can hurt or kill again.

The book includes information about children who are still missing, as well as about several fugitives who are still at large--perhaps some reader will send in the tip that brings these cases to a close. The one omission that surprised me was this: as far as I could tell, the book did not give a web site for America's Most Wanted. (I looked it up, and it can be found at amw.com or americasmostwanted.com). It semes to me that the Net is the ideal place to post bulletins and updates between airings of the show, and it would have been useful to put this bit of information in the book or on the jacket.

I've never come across a book like this before. It was so well-written I couldn't put it down! Every element that makes a good read is there - suspense, drama, poignant scenes that pull at one's heartstrings and the enormous feelings of triumph and relief you share with the victims and the writer, at the end of the story when the fugitive is caught.

No Mercy is a true gem. It documents several real-life crime cases that John Walsh and his team at the America's Most Wanted (AMW) TV programme helped the Police and FBI to solve, thanks to the tips received from the over 14 million TV viewers throughout the United States.

The book also tells us the ups-and-downs of the AMW programme, from how/why it was developed right up to the time it was pulled off the air by the Fox Studio, before a huge public outcry and rally pressured Fox Studio into reinstating the programme, about 7 weeks after it went off the air.

There're some B&W photographs inserted between the pages of the book - mostly of the victims and the fugitives. An excellent idea because they make the cases seem even more real to the readers.

AMW must certainly be one heck-of-a-programme. In my opinion, John Walsh is one of the best models of perseverance and true grit. His crusade and relentless pursuit of justice for the victims and the victims' family are truly admirable deeds. This guy is a hero!

Years ago, I read the heart-breaking story of how his young son, Adam was abducted and then murdered. His world was torn apart (his first book, Tears of Rage documents the story). But Walsh fought back by fighting in his own way to ensure that no parent has to go through the same agony he went through when his child was taken away from him. Our local television used to air the programme, Manhunter also hosted by Walsh which is about crime cases solved by AMW. I never miss the show.

Buy this book - you won't be dissapointed.

With writing that immediately and effectively captures high school dynamics of teen-age boys on the edge, Giles has created a dynamic psychological, page-turning thriller. There's no holding back on the kids of cool who play Cinderella to the geek Glass. He will become Mr. Popular. Observer and teller, Young's first person narration -and chapter introductions by other characters- foreshadow the shattering, not only of Simon Glass, but all that is yet to come. Steel yourself for an all-night read! You won't be disappointed...

Shattering Glass

Reading the book Shattering Glass opened my mind to a new level, It made me see that no one is perfect and that you cant always trust the ones you think you can. Maybe not even your best friends but the ones you least expect. Shattering Glass is a great book of the real world. As the pages of the book wined down, you really get the feelings that Simon Glass feels. The feelings of not fitting in, being over weight, loneliness, and heatache. As the popular kids take him under their wings, he gets a taste of a new life. Soon he becomes popular but things get a new twist, a bad twist. All you have to do is read to book to realize how real it is.

Shattering Glass is that rare book, a thrill ride *and* a great character study. You will not want to stop turning pages as the tension rises in this story, but take time to savor Gail Giles' fascinating characters along the way, boys who are villains and victims/heroes and bullies/conflicted yet tragically sure of themselves. Shattering Glass is a stunning suspense thriller, and more.