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Review Date: 6/18/2016
The Appeal didn't appeal to me for a couple of reasons -
#1 - its more about politics than gaining a fuller understanding of 'the law'. And #2 While the story doesn't present any surprise about politicians being bought and paid for, Grisham doesn't present or even hint at an 'answer' (even a thought!) about what would be a BETTER method. Suggesting that elections should be funded by 'public funds' made me sick - like the 'public' which sure isn't the bizzionaires pictured here - aren't being handed a bill for every other thing?!? Talk about the sanction of the victims . . .
#1 - its more about politics than gaining a fuller understanding of 'the law'. And #2 While the story doesn't present any surprise about politicians being bought and paid for, Grisham doesn't present or even hint at an 'answer' (even a thought!) about what would be a BETTER method. Suggesting that elections should be funded by 'public funds' made me sick - like the 'public' which sure isn't the bizzionaires pictured here - aren't being handed a bill for every other thing?!? Talk about the sanction of the victims . . .
Review Date: 6/9/2016
One of the least interesting Grisham book. Slow, and a story line that could have totally been 'avoided' by (later) happens anyway. About the only good purpose of this book would be to encourage law students to read this before they sign up for law school.
Review Date: 2/6/2014
If you want a 'historic' Danielle Steele, this is your book. But don't rely too much on the 'historic' facts as presented in this book, they are muddled to say the least. Gwen Bristow did this far better in her Calico Palace and Jubilee Trail. Plus her characters were far more believable and likeable than the cardboard cast in this book.
Any one who has driven across Nevada or thru New Mexico/Arizona can easily acknowledge that walking across these areas would require a LOT more carrying capacity (food/water) than one man could manage by himself. Yes people did 'walk' (instead of ride) west, but they usually had a wagon with supplies for all (humans/animals). And this blatant oversight is just the most obvious reason to loose any and all credibility with this story. And (lame) story it is.
PS, as a 4th generation born in California (since 1880s), this is a slap in the face to the history of this state. (my first relative in California was a trail scout that crossed this way 2 or 3 times. He would burn this book before he read it).
Any one who has driven across Nevada or thru New Mexico/Arizona can easily acknowledge that walking across these areas would require a LOT more carrying capacity (food/water) than one man could manage by himself. Yes people did 'walk' (instead of ride) west, but they usually had a wagon with supplies for all (humans/animals). And this blatant oversight is just the most obvious reason to loose any and all credibility with this story. And (lame) story it is.
PS, as a 4th generation born in California (since 1880s), this is a slap in the face to the history of this state. (my first relative in California was a trail scout that crossed this way 2 or 3 times. He would burn this book before he read it).
Review Date: 10/11/2018
An enjoyable Grisham book, and not a 'lawyer' story too ;-) Seems Grisham is into 'thrillers' too.
Review Date: 9/29/2008
It has been awhile since I read this book but I have strong memories of how I was greatly impressed by what was being 'said' in it having come into daily life more as time passed. This book was written in the early 1970's and its one that I very much want to read again as the melt down of the U$A is occuring on so many 'fronts'. Its not just about a place, its about how mankind reacts in difficult times.
Katcha
Katcha
Review Date: 11/1/2008
While the story is somewhat poorly written (hard to follow at times), the overall story is amazing in that this was written in the late 1960's and many of the things written about in this story came to being later. The writer portrays human nature and reactions to less than wonderful times pretty well. Worth a read if one would like to have an idea of what life could be like in a breakdown of the systems we have known.
Review Date: 2/3/2011
While this isn't a 'how-to' type of book, I consider it worth keeping for reference of ideas presented. Its definitely independent/free person oriented, yet it also requires an open 'community choice' type of of thinking which some could find more socialistic in feeling? Karl Hess is hard to beat for freedom of choice and actions. This book takes that one step further with trying to mesh that with other people in one's immediate area.
This could be an important 'guideline' book for the immediate future with energy and financial concerns piling up all the time.
This could be an important 'guideline' book for the immediate future with energy and financial concerns piling up all the time.
Review Date: 8/1/2012
Definitely a 'basic' book that covers all aspects of digestion without over detail. Good for someone who is considering going to a gastroenterologist to find out what is going on with themselves. Would have preferred to have a few illustrations to assist understanding, but NO pictures in book at all.
Review Date: 7/30/2015
I want to say that I had read and admired Karl Hess and his writings but this book is nothing more than a diatribe. He seems stuck in black/white thinking and ranting on and on about 'left vs. right'. He also seems to have taken a path OPPOSITE that of Rose Wilder Lane who started out with socialist leanings and turned more and more towards individual freedoms. Yes I admire Hess for making such direct actions as to organize and 'lead' more local efforts and endeavors. But so much of the undercurrent of this book is a bit too 'we!' in tone with assumptions that 'social' needs come before, or at least ought to be superior to, individual ones. I seldom either not read a book thoroughly, but I found myself skimming and thinking 'yada yada yada' (more & more of same same) as he belabored point after point.
He may have written great speeches but this book isn't something that reflects being able to make a point with understanding and passion for REALLY believing what is being said. To me it seems like a cathartic exercise to purge his soul for all the previous misguided efforts he later regretted. His later book - Community Technology - is a much better presentation of his ideas and how he would and did choose to live by and for his own ideals.
He may have written great speeches but this book isn't something that reflects being able to make a point with understanding and passion for REALLY believing what is being said. To me it seems like a cathartic exercise to purge his soul for all the previous misguided efforts he later regretted. His later book - Community Technology - is a much better presentation of his ideas and how he would and did choose to live by and for his own ideals.
Review Date: 9/29/2008
I put this book down after 100 pages because I just couldn't get into it. The character had potential but the story had too much fantasy and light 'scary' elements to it for what I want to read.
I know this isn't a great way to 'promote' a book that I am now re-listing for another to select and read. However, there is such a strong following for this book that I do sincerely hope that it now goes onto who will appreciate it too.
Katcha
I know this isn't a great way to 'promote' a book that I am now re-listing for another to select and read. However, there is such a strong following for this book that I do sincerely hope that it now goes onto who will appreciate it too.
Katcha
Review Date: 9/29/2008
Hogan's earlier books had 'meat' to them. It seems that fantasy is easier and more fun to write so excellent authors like Hogan and Orson Scott Card seem to have chosen that path more of late. If you want to have your thoughts activated, this could be an interesting read.
Katcha
Katcha
Review Date: 10/10/2010
Sequels are difficult to continue the 'spark' that the original created. Sadly that is true of this book. Its a nice follow up to a GREAT book, but just didn't have the pazazz that The Eight had. Fun one time read.
Review Date: 10/22/2010
So interesting tongue-in-cheek insights into Hollywood. One does get caught up in the characters and their story.
Review Date: 1/29/2020
I was very disappointed with this book. Mr. Schiff is an excellent proponent for free market and I am sure knows his 'stuff' regarding economics. However perhaps this is the root of the problem for him, his understanding interfered with being able to present this topic in a way that wasn't muddled.
Economics is NOT a 'hard science'. Its more a reflection of an instant in time and conditions. Yes there can be statements about assumed cause-and-effects, but not in the manner that physics is able to. The need to stop crediting the 'wizards' is more important than if this or that theory is correct.
Economics is NOT a 'hard science'. Its more a reflection of an instant in time and conditions. Yes there can be statements about assumed cause-and-effects, but not in the manner that physics is able to. The need to stop crediting the 'wizards' is more important than if this or that theory is correct.
Review Date: 9/29/2008
I really liked the Code of the Lifemaker and found this sequel to be a nice follow up.
Katcha
Katcha
Review Date: 2/25/2018
A pleasant read that fills one in on 'Ford County' characters that Grisham spices into other books in that series. Grisham presented the last juror character with class and as someone who one would love to meet and know too. The central character is OK, but not as love-able as the friend he connects with.
Review Date: 9/29/2008
I had only read one other of Foster's books - Life Form - and was impressed enough with his story telling ability that I sought out another book by him. The Mocking Program didn't disappoint me, well except a bit a the end which I felt petered out a bit there. I would love to read more from this author although he's not quite at the William Gibson level ;-) Its nicely 'modern' without being too much cyberpunk.
Katcha
Katcha
Review Date: 9/25/2018
Yawn! One would best be from 'Jursy' (Jersey) to appreciate this book. Hey, I'm not a feinting type, but I got tired of the crudeness where it really wasn't necessary. Too easy to figure out plot and inept chicky-poo exploits not all that believable. The movie Midnight Run did this better. Hard to believe this was made into a movie with Katherine Heigl no less - BIG mistake.
Review Date: 2/24/2019
I've read and enjoyed very much all that this author has written - until this book. His past books do start out 'challenging', but once one gets into the 'rhythm' of his prose, a story emerges and intrigues. NO SO with this tome!! I felt like I had been given a re-write done by monkeys on typewriters. Absolutely a sense of dark mish mash and being duped by a trusted author. Gibson, you just lost all credibility and interest by me. If you aren't retired, you should have before wasting your time and effort. Perhaps you should have used the ZERO 'History' title on this brick.
Review Date: 10/7/2018
I do enjoy reading Grishma's books. They are always well written and interesting stories that usually enlighten a bit too.
I had high hopes for this story, especially in light of how student loans have gotten frankly out of hand and mainly mostly debt the use of hardly ever will see pay back. Yet while these 'youths' grasping for a 'better life' finally wake up to the fact they have have been DUPED. But instead of making a resolution to be responsible and make a positive change in their lives, they decide to see if the can basically scam the scam artist that sucked them in.
We truly live in a human world of 'blame and excuse'. No roll up one's sleeves and carving an honest, self pride based life . . .
I had high hopes for this story, especially in light of how student loans have gotten frankly out of hand and mainly mostly debt the use of hardly ever will see pay back. Yet while these 'youths' grasping for a 'better life' finally wake up to the fact they have have been DUPED. But instead of making a resolution to be responsible and make a positive change in their lives, they decide to see if the can basically scam the scam artist that sucked them in.
We truly live in a human world of 'blame and excuse'. No roll up one's sleeves and carving an honest, self pride based life . . .
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