The Shredding of Families

Customer Reviews:

Chilling Book Serves Warnings.......2001-09-15

"The Shredding of Families" directly and convincingly causes the reader to stop and ponder current public policy. Personally, I am one who believes there are too many foster care children with natural parents who will never be able to provide care. It has been my belief the sooner parental rights can be legally severed and the children legally adopted, the better. Yet, this book serves a loud alarm: we may be taking too many children away from caring parents too quickly.
This book shows how false reports of child abuse (in some cases, even repudiated cases as when someone makes a report in anger or in revenge) can destroy families. Children, Youth, and Families Agency case workers make determinations in matters of just hours whether to remove children from their families. While I know many case workers have excellent reputations and handle much work, this large volume of caseloads alone makes their jobs difficult. Decisions need to be made quickly, both in the event children need to be removed quickly from families and because there are so many cases to consider. It is very possible that case workers can make the wrong decisions.
The Dunsmores argue case workers often lack experience and training. Case workers are neither licensed nor certified and need only possess two years of college credits. These emploees, sometimes operating on anonymous tips and reports where tipsters have immunity, can decide to remove children from their homes and placed into foster case facilities. The authors find fault with these foster facilities for their own dangers. Children there are exposed to verbal and sexual abuse from fellow children as well as some staff.
Several chilling case studies are presented. It is alleged that case workers lie and mislead parents, misinterpret situations and judge parents on factors not related to actual abuse, and make improper assumptions. Families are torn apart and face large legal costs as well as responsibilities for paying for foster facility care. Court appointed attorneys sometimes have just minutes to prepare for legal hearings. From this suspect system, the futures of children and parents are decided. Most readers will find this an informative and chilling book.

Book Description

Vimy Ridge was one of the most important geographic features on the entire Western Front in World War I. In early 1917 it was considered practically impregnable, but on 9 April the Canadian Army Corps, under the command of the British Lieutenant General Sir Julian Byng, assaulted it as part of the Arras offensive. In one of the most spectacular operational attacks of the war, they seized almost the entire ridge in a single day. This book describes how the innovative efforts that went into every aspect of the preparation for this attack ensured that the Canadian and British troops achieved unprecedented success.

Customer Reviews:

Vimy Ridge 1917 - Byng's Canadians Triumph at Arras.......2005-10-03

World War One battles by their static - and horrific - nature are difficult to bring to life, but that is exactly what Mr. Turner does in this book. He effectively combines the intellectual background (e.g. short biographies of the officers/men, reviews of strategy and technology), photos, and maps. Maps - how important they are, and yet how often a good military book fails to tie the text to good graphics, so one can understand the terrain and the place in the overall "big" picture. While I waited in suspense for the battle to begin, I learned about fascinating developments in strategy ("defense in depth), when I thought there were little or not developments during the war, the abilities of the officers on both sides, and the men who were going to fight the battle. I have never read an Osprey book before, but this will surely guide me in that direction. This was a terrific read.

The battle that helped create a national identity for Canada .......2005-09-05

Essentially the first BEF victory on the western front (pre Messines), Vimy Ridge gave Canada an epic battle all its own. Today the towering memorial on Hill 145 holds the names of the nation's missing (including one of my distant relatives) and is a focal point for Canadian national pride as the statue of Canada weeping for her fallen sons looks out over the coalfields of Lens.

In typical Osprey fashion, this volume presesnts a clear, concise and complete story of this great battle, with excellent graphics, photos, and, perhaps most refreshing, maps (why can't WWI authors and publishers create some decent maps? Osprey seems to be able to pull it off). The final chapter is an excellent description of the battlefield today, made more interesting of course by the the fact that Canada has preserved portions of the trenches as well as part of the Grange Subway on the ridgetop.

Read this Campaign series to get the overview and the lay of the land (and subway system!) then root out a copy of Berton's Vimy for a real understanding of what the battle meant to a 'dominion' that had to fight the British to maintain their identity in a separate corps (a preview of the fight Pershing was to have with the same Brit leadership when the doughboys arrived)and protect their egalitarian society from the class structure the dominated the BEF.

Even if you know this battle well, and perhaps, because you do, the graphics are worth the small investment in this volume. Most Osprey Campaign issues are a nice addition to lengthy tomes simply for the maps and illustrations.

One of the better Campaign Series.......2005-08-21

The vice of the Campaign Series can be to cover so large a subject in one small volume and give so much introductory material that the subject of the book is covered in less depth than in an Encyclopedia. In the end you get little more than an introduction, a few nice pictures, if you're lucky some nice maps, and photographs so small you can never see the detail mentioned in the captions.
In Vimy Ridge the author has avoided these perils. He limits himself to the battle, not a history of the whole West Front, and assumes you knew something about World War One before you purchased the book. The result is a gem. A concise description of a battle very different from what you thought it would be, well-written, well-illustrated other than the too small photos. The only criticism is that you are left wanting more, but to get that you need a much larger and more expensive book than Osprey promised you.

The Canadian Triumph.......2005-07-10

Alexander Turner, a battalion-level officer in the British Army, delivers a solid summary of the Canadian Corps' impressive capture of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Although Turner offers the capture of Vimy Ridge as refutation of claims that Allied generalship in the First World War was fatally flawed, his conclusions skim by the fact that Vimy Ridge was one of the very few attacks that enjoyed this kind of success at such low cost. Furthermore, the amount of mistakes made by the German commanders at Vimy Ridge seem to be beyond the norm for that army in the First World War. Statistically speaking, Vimy Ridge was something of an aberration and therefore difficult to use as a case study. In any event, Turner provides a detailed summary of the preparation and execution of this highly successful Allied offensive.

Turner begins with the usual section on the background to the campaign and opposing forces, which tends to digress a bit into a broader discussion of the tactical-technological problems facing First World War armies. At points, the author appears to want to paint a broader canvas á la John Keegan, rather than deliver a campaign study, but he settles down by mid-volume. The volume includes five 2-D maps (the German retirement to the Hindenburg Line; Arras and the Chemin des Dames Offensives; Locations of Allied Artillery units near Vimy Ridge; the Battle of Vimy Ridge; Attack on the "Pimple" and Bois-en-hache, 12 April 1917) and two 3-D maps (the Assault on Vimy Ridge in the 1st and 2nd Canadian Division areas and the fight for Hill 145 and "the Pimple"), as well as two excellent battle scenes (advance of the 2nd Canadian Division on 9 April 1917 and the defense of the Zwischenstellung). The maps are decent, but the dominant nature of Vimy Ridge is less apparent on the 3-D maps than a standard military 1:50,000-scale map of the area. Furthermore, the operational-level maps provide only vague details on the larger picture of the Arras offensive, without even showing the equally impressive advance of the British XVII Corps to the south of Vimy Ridge.

The author makers clear that both the German and Canadian troops at Vimy Ridge were high quality, but that the Canadian Corps had an overwhelming superiority in artillery, which was enhanced by careful planning. The author also disputes the idea that Vimy Ridge was an all-Canadian affair and points out the contributions of various British support units. Although the author briefly mentions the air superiority battles that preceded the Allied offensive, he offers few details once the attack commenced. He does spend a fair amount of time describing the extensive Allied mining and tunneling efforts, much of which did not pan out during the actual offensive.

While Turner notes faulty German dispositions and planning, he does not seem to appreciate that the Allied attack was assisted by fog and snow, which severely reduced German visibility. Instead, Turner emphasizes the muddy ground as an impediment to Canadian mobility. The magnitude of the Allied success at Vimy Ridge is not always apparent in Turner's account, which does not mention that this attack resulted in the furthest Allied advance in one day since the start of trench warfare. Turner's background in an infantry battalion aids him in painting the portrait of Canadian infantry struggling through the mud and shellfire, but there is little actual analysis of the battle's outcome. Overall, Vimy Ridge 1917 is a solid campaign summary, albeit one that could benefit from a bit sharper focus.

The Great Powers and Global Struggle 1490-1990
Average customer rating:

Many, many table, charts, etc

The Great Powers and Global Struggle 1490-1990
Karen A. Rasler , and William R. Thompson
Manufacturer: University Press of Kentucky
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

War and Change in World Politics

The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and Its Geostrategic Imperatives

ASIN: 0813118891

Customer Reviews:

Many, many table, charts, etc.......2000-03-28

The strengths of the book come with the hypothesisses and source references. The goals of each section and chapter are clear. Researchers will appreciate the many references to previous works and assumptions by other author's work. A pitfall is the large amount of statistical data presented. A reader must have some background in this style of research to better understand the concepts presented. Tends to be a tough read.

Book Description

The God/Man/World Triangle shows how insights can be gleaned from both science and religion to enable us to understand what the world is like, how the human animal is distinctive from the sub-human, and how we might think of God. It proceeds on the basis that Einstein was right when he said that "science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." This book opposes the view that we are survival machines and argues that such an explanation is incomplete and is not justified either by science or religion.

The God Man World Triangle a Dialogue Between Science and Religion

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The God Man World Triangle a Dialogue Between Science and Religion
Robert Crawford
Manufacturer: Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

THE GOD/MAN/WORLD TRIANGLE: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION.(Review) : An article from: Theological Studies

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THE GOD/MAN/WORLD TRIANGLE: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION.(Review) : An article from: Theological Studies
Daniel Liderbach
Manufacturer: Theological Studies, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Science & Technology | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Theological Studies, published by Theological Studies, Inc. on March 1, 1999. The length of the article is 761 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: THE GOD/MAN/WORLD TRIANGLE: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION.(Review)
Author: Daniel Liderbach
Publication: Theological Studies (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 1999
Publisher: Theological Studies, Inc.
Volume: 60 Issue: 1 Page: 166(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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The God/Man/World Triangle: A Dialogue Between Science and Religion
Robert G. Crawford
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OUOZQG

Book Description

Dennis Smiths worldwide bestselling account of life as a fireman in the worlds busiest firehouse, Report From Engine Co. 82, still resonates. Bringing the reader ruthlessly into the raging fires that sweep through tenements, he describes in painful detail what it feels like to fight a fire in freezing cold, to enter a collapsing building, or to save a life. Meals interrupted by false alarms, injuries ranging from a burned hand to a broken back, are all vividly portrayed in Smiths gripping day-to-day journal. After 25 years, Report From Engine Co. 82 remains the most brutally honest, poignant account of firefighting ever.

Customer Reviews:

A good look back.......2006-08-28

During the tumultuous period of the 60s when author Dennis Smith wrote Report From Engine Company 82, the book was a cry for help from exhausted, frustrated men. Men who cleaned up in the aftermath of other exhausted and frustrated inhabitants of a society stretched to the breaking point.

As I type this, a younger firefighter in a comfortable, air-conditioned fire station among a population that by-and-large respects my profession, it's easy to forget the sacrifice of our past brothers who unceasingly fought fires, city hall and the population they served, until they had forged the modern fire service.

It's an important book for new firefighters to learn how the iron men of old did the job. And for the general reader it's a testament to both a volatile period in our nation's history, and to the timeless strength and courage by which good men have always worked to keep back the chaos of barbarism and destruction.

My Perspective on "Report from Engine Co. 82".......2006-08-23

I spent 10 years in the fire service in both engine and truck companys. While I have many memories and stories to tell, the author, Dennis Smith, sums up the life of a fire fighter in an urban environment about as well as can be possibly told. Trying to balance the unpleasantries and sadness against the satisfaction of saving a life or helping a family overcome one of life's most agonizing moments is very well portrayed in this book. This is what a fire fighter's life is about folks. There is no other book that I can remember that tells it any better than this. If you're thinking of a career in a big city fire department or for that matter, if you're even thinking of becoming a volunteer fire fighter this book is a must!

For those wanting a career in fire, this is step one..........2004-10-13

Before anyone decides to dedicate their lives to becoming a firefighter, they would be wise to start their research here. Some 30+ years after it was first published, this book still shows remarkable insight into the lives, struggles, and emotions of a professional firefighter. When I started on the road to becoming a firefighter, being a volunteer and reading Dennis Smith books asserted in my mind that my life would be wasted doing anything else. For others, this may convince you that the job is not for you. It isn't for everyone. Either way, this is a very enjoyable read and worth the time and money for anyone, not just firemen and wannabe's.

Firefighting on the mean streets.......2004-07-13

This is an extremely well written and easy to read book. The narration draws you in and transports you to the streets to ride along with the author. You can almost smell the smoke...

While there are many aspect of this book that are seriously dated (such as the seventies-era street slang and some of the firefighting equipment and procedures), most of this story could still be written today. This is the gritty reality of firefighting in the toughest sections of an urban center. You can feel the exhaustion and exhileration mix together as we ride through the decaying ghetto from one fire alarm to the next. What really stands out in my mind, though, is that Smith never loses his empathy for the people of the South Bronx. Even with all the abuse he and his company endure, he still understands their plight and wishes he could make their world better.

Nothing in my experience can compare with the magnitude of serving an area like the South Bronx, but many aspects of this story still reflect my career. The commaraderie of the fire station is the same, as is the sense of duty and willingness to risk everything to save a life. This is a terrific book for anyone looking to understand what it takes to be a firefighter, especially on the busiest city streets in the country.

The Bravest.......2003-11-27

When I first read this book I was in grade school. My dad thought if I wanted to be a firefighter I might want to read this book. I sit here right know and look at the inside of the cover, which is a hardcover and there is a price tag for $4.16 from Boscov's (which is a department store).
This book brings alive the fire service in New York City in the 1960's. This was one of the most challenging times in the New York City. During this time there were riots,a serious drug abuse problem, and politically charged agendas. But through all this the firefighters of New York City still had to provide fire protection to the citizens.
How many people can say that they know how it feels to be going to a fire to only find yourself a target for rocks, bricks and beer bottles. The men of Engine Company 82 and Ladder 31 found themselves in the situation more then once. These men had to deal with the pain and suffering of people that they went to help, and found that children involved made the job even harder.
Every shift they could look forward to arsons, malicious false alarms and the uncertainty of what might happen next. Did these men do this job for the money? I can say no they did not. They did it for the love of the job. That is why most firefighters do it. Most people and even some firefighters today do not realize the history and the changes that have been in the past 40 years.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to reads a book that they do not want to put down. Once you pick it up, you will not put it down until you are finished.

Average customer rating:

THE MOST AUTHENTIC FIREFIGHTER BOOK I'VE SEEN
A treasure
firefighter hi-jinks
Another fireman's view!
fascinating reading

Report From Engine Co 82
Rh Value Publishing
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Firefighting & Prevention | Civil Service | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517420635
Release Date: 1983-09-21

Customer Reviews:

THE MOST AUTHENTIC FIREFIGHTER BOOK I'VE SEEN.......2002-02-18

I'm a firefighter in St. Louis County and have skimmed through several books written about firefighting. Most of them are garbage, diaries of people who worked at small volunteer departments out in the middle of nowhere that found someone to publish their book. Not the case here. This book is very intelligently written and heartfelt. This book is the closest account I've ever seen of what it's like to actually do the job, and why we do it. If you want to know what it really means to be a firefighter in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, any major city. Buy this book. You will not regret it. You will not be able to put it down easily. And it will have an impact on you. It did me.
God Bless FDNY, we will never forget!

A treasure.......2000-05-20

Dennis Smith has given a fascinating peak at an often harrowing career. Working in the busiest fire station in the country, he manages to be both realistic and sympathetic towards the people of the South Bronx. Report from Engine 82 gave me increased respect for our firefighters.

firefighter hi-jinks.......2000-01-31

Contrary to the stereotype, firefighters do not sit around the firehouse playing cards all day. I first read this book in the early 1980's after I joined the volunteer fire department. I found Dennis Smith's description of the duties and problems firefighters face to be most accurate. Company 82 is situated in New York City and was written in the 70's but it's still a fast paced and hysterical read. My sister, who is not interested in the fire service, also loved the book and screamed with laughter at some of the pranks recounted. For anyone who works in public safety, especially the fire service, this book is a classic and worth hunting down.

Another fireman's view!.......1999-12-24

I have been a firefighter in St. Louis for more than a decade and can relate to scenes from Mr. Smith's book. I throughly enjoyed his discriptive manor for I have tried to explaine why it is that I love my job so. His story is the closest way to describing the job without actually doing it.

fascinating reading.......1999-10-04

an incredible tale of life (and death) in the south bronx from fighting fires in the sweltering heat to the winter freeze, from garbage fires and endless false alarms to five alarm infernos.dennis smith takes you on a ride very few people get to experience.

Average customer rating:

REPORT FROM ENGINE CO. 82

Manufacturer: The Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I4L0RA

Average customer rating:

REPORT FROM ENGINE CO. 82

Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HZZ990

Average customer rating:

Report From Engine Co. 82

Manufacturer: Flamingo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0732266289

Product Description

A gripping insider's view of a firefighter's life in New York City's south Bronx. A provocative story of courage, fear, hope and survival against all odds.

Average customer rating:

Report From Engine Co. 82
Dennis Smith
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MF6IK4

Average customer rating:

Report From Engine Co. 82
Dennis Smith
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LRQLXM

Product Description

Paperback going into detail just what our firemen have to do on a given day at the job.

Average customer rating:

Report from Engine Co. 82
Dennis Smith
Manufacturer: Saturday Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000INUWT8

Report from Engine Co. 82 (Pocket books)

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Report from Engine Co. 82 (Pocket books)
Dennis Smith
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006W7RL2

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REPORT FROM ENGINE CO. 82
Dennis Smith
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O1RBPW

Book Description

This history of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II focuses on the personal experiences of the mountain troops who served in Alaska and Italy. Feuer conveys the opinions expressed by the veterans about the conduct of the campaigns--both the good and the bad, with no holds barred. Senator Bob Dole, who was seriously wounded during the campaign, provides a foreword. This fascinating account also reveals the differences in training and strategy from those employed by German ski troops of the same era.

Customer Reviews:

A Vivid History told by those Who Served in 10th Mountain Division.......2006-10-06

Author A. B. Feur skillfully puts a collection of personal combat stories together into his book "Packs On! Memoirs of the Mountain Division in WWII". The author is one of the more prolific chroniclers of WWII history and this book may be his best to date. The Foreword is written by Senator Bob Dole and adds a real touch of class to the telling of this unit.

Feur takes us through the unit's campaigns after a well written introduction that gives us insights on the way the unit was put together and how they trained. He then takes us to Alaska and the Kiska Campaign. That campaign turned out to be a fight for an island that the Japanese had already abandoned and left. There were causalities and deaths due to "friendly fire" in the fog and the confusion of the battle that had no opposing forces.

We follow the unit onward to Italy and Europe and into the mountains and snow. The author allows us to see each battle area through the eyes of the different veterans who wrote their memories of the events. This enhances the story telling format and enriches the final over-all story of the unit. The many different and diverse voices make the book entertaining as well as educational. It feels more personal then any straight telling of historic events would have. Feur expertly weaves all these individual stories together and connects them with facts, data, maps and old photos to make this whole book a first class reading experience.

This is book captures the essence of what this unit was all about. The author realizes that strength of this story was to allow the men who were there to tell it--and he does that well! The Military Writer's Society of America gives this book its highest rating of
FIVE STARS!

Amazon.com

Only in India would the American film Rambo be remade with the title role played by a woman--in a sari, no less! Only in Hong Kong would a man at a cocktail party pick up a woman with the line "What do you think of the dollar?" And only in Video Night in Kathmandu will you find detailed, unsettling portraits of a Far East in flux as experienced by Pico Iyer, a travel writer beyond compare. Tibet, China, India, and Thailand--these are among the objects of Iyer's wanderlust, the subjects of 11 essays chronicling his travels. In India, he explores the lucrative Bombay film business: "The process of turning an American movie into an Indian one was not very difficult ... but it did require a few changes.... the Indian hero had to be domesticated, supplied with a father, a mother, and a clutch of family complications." As one film director told him, " ... for example, Rambo must be given a sister who was raped." In Bangkok he finds the sex trade is well nigh impossible to avoid: " ... by the time a third official government tout approached me with the novel invitation: 'My friend. You no like birdwatching?' I was inclined to suspect that ornithology was not among his interests."

Pico Iyer is more than just a travel writer. For four years, he wrote about world affairs for Time, and he brings to these brilliant, comical, and poignant essays his extensive knowledge of politics and culture as well as a journalist's eye for the telling details. Video Night in Kathmandu provides both a stark, unsettling view of modern Asia and an exploration of the ambivalent attitudes Asians hold toward the West.

Book Description

Mohawk hair-cuts in Bali, yuppies in Hong Kong and Rambo rip-offs in the movie houses of Bombay are just a few of the jarring images that Iyer brings back from the Far East.

Customer Reviews:

Asia Travelin'.......2005-12-27

Brings back times of travel before the world learned of the Internet. True description of the oddities of Katmandu for anyone who has spent some time there. Most travelers simply pass in and out of the capital with 2-3 days on the front and/or back end of a journey. If you can take the time to soak up the side streets, meet the locals and spend time with family and children, this exciting capital offers some of the most exciting asian travel adventures...try to spend a week there if possible. A good absorbtion of the Katmandu valley for 3 weeks will bring liftime memories.

Up On The Mountain in Himalayans........2005-07-30

This book is interesting in that Kanmandu used to be closed to the western world. Their culture is so special, being at the foot of Tibet, that we could not appreciate it. But the first I heard of it was in Paul Theroux's RIDING THE IRON ROOSTER as that was the starting point for his adventurous, almost fatal, car trip up that treacheous, spectacular mountain to see the Dahlai Lama. He distributed 8X10 glossys of the one we all revere. And made it to Shangrila.

Before that my favorite news reporter in the Fifties, think it was for CBS, was invited to do a broadcast from there and he took had an accident, only his was more serious -- on the way down the mountain when his mule took a misstep and fell. Paul's was on the way up to Tibet.

Ever since I read his book and reviewed it for my literary club, I have done much searching for the truth of Tibet and its major problems even today. These essays show just how special Kathmandu is and how they struggle to keep their impenetrable jungle just that. It is beauty personaified. We need to know more about the Asian culture and beliefs so that we can all live in harmony.

Late 80s Asia.......2003-03-03

Pico Iyer has written an interesting set of annecdotes on Asia during the late 80s boom years. It covers the isolation of Burma, the sex trade in Thailand, the night life in Nepal, and everything inbetween. The book takes a deeper view beyond the stereotypes to understand the complexities of the cultural merging.

The book really has two main values. First, it gives an annecdotal view of a lifestyle that, while only 15-20 years ago, is already gone. Hong Kong 1986 is a place in transition that is different than Hong Kong today. While many books today provide political and economic viewpoints on the times, and the changes, they don't accurately cover an expats view of life and cultural exchange.

The second value is in understanding aspects of the culture that still apply. India's polyclot of ethnic groups and interaction with the West applies today. Pico Iyer is adept at capturing cultural traits that last, and perhaps even grow, despite the pressures of a globalizing world.

I'm not a universal fan of all of Iyer's material, but this is certainly one of his better works. It's more readable, and the concepts more universal and lasting than some of his other books.

patronizing fluff.......2001-10-18

I tried reading this book while in Kathmandu, and forced myself to finish the chapter on said city before throwing the book across my hotel room in frustration. His anecdotes start out interesting, but turn into self-serving drivel that trivializes a very complex situation and culture. What bothers me most is that his writing is gimmicky- he puts words next to each other that try to sound cool and witty, rather than sharing any real insight. P>Predictably, the Thailand chapter concerned itself mainly with the sex trade. This a common theme, and it's sad that so many authors can't come up with anything else to say about a truly diverse and fascinating country.

Not his best, but if you like Pico Iyer, give it a try........2001-07-14

As a long standing fan of Pico Iyer's writing, I had high expectations of this book. It is entertaining and fun, but Mr. Iyer comes off as rather self-centered. You hear a lot about the girls who meet him (...). Some of the sardonic observations go beyond Mr. Iyers usual clear-eyed notice to the point of churlishness.

That said, it is much better than the usual pabulum offerred by travel essay writers. If you are new to Iyer, start with "Falling off the Map" for a smoother taste of his style.

VIDEO NIGHT IN KATHMANDU : AND OTHER REPORTS FROM THE NOT-SO-FAR EAST
Average customer rating:
VIDEO NIGHT IN KATHMANDU : AND OTHER REPORTS FROM THE NOT-SO-FAR EAST
PICO IYER
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KIQSBW

Video Night in Kathmandu and Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East
Average customer rating:
Video Night in Kathmandu and Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East
Pico IYER
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OP20AY

Video night in Kathmandu: and Other Reports from the Not-So-far East
Average customer rating:
Video night in Kathmandu: and Other Reports from the Not-So-far East
Pico Iyer
Manufacturer: Black Swan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHCDSQ

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