COMMON SENSE NOT REQUIRED: Idiots Designing Cars + Hybrid Vehicles: My Career with Chrysler

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Close, but no cigar.

Great read

So bad, I can't read it...

Unreadable, but not a complete waste of time.

Unpopular Ideas

COMMON SENSE NOT REQUIRED: Idiots Designing Cars + Hybrid Vehicles: My Career with Chrysler
Evan Boberg
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1414040776

Book Description

Author Reveals Experience Working at Chrysler Corporation in Collection of Short Stories

Author Evan Boberg dispels the myths surrounding the automobile industry and the employees who work there. "With very few exceptions, books about the automobile industry are written by members of the press and by high level executives. The car companies hide the problems and embarrassments from the press … and the executives are self-aggrandizing. Though these stories are most often very interesting, they do not tell the whole truth. As a low-level engineer, I was a true insider," says Boberg.

In Common Sense Not Required, Boberg uses humor to expose some of the less intelligent moves made behind the walls of Chrysler. He sets up several "Common Sense Principles" and illustrates with anecdotes from his 12 years at the corporation how these principles were ignored, resulting in increased costs to the corporation.

Common Sense Not Required blends autobiography with a light-hearted exposé and includes tips on commonly asked questions about the industry and cars in general. Readers will learn how to find a good mechanic, why certain things aren't covered under a new car warranty, what happened to the 100 mpg carburetor and whether or not to buy a hybrid vehicle.

With wit and wisdom, Boberg offers a humorous collection of true stories that will appeal to anyone interested in cars and hybrid vehicles or anyone curious to know what it takes to work in the industry. According to Boberg, "It doesn't take a genius to design cars, it doesn't even require common sense!"

Customer Reviews:

Close, but no cigar........2007-01-27

I bought the book because I was looking for ideas with regard to converting a gasoline powered vehicle to electric power. If this is your purpose, then this book has absolutely no value for you.
On the other hand, if you are simply interested in the grotesque manner in which large corporations lurch along, then you will find this amusing - and possibly even worth while. Having spent a goodly number of years within the corporate world, I can empathize with this man. His main problem, however, is that he did not have the good sense to get out early.

Great read.......2005-09-10

If you are a true car buff, particularly if you are interested in the technical side then this is a must read.

So bad, I can't read it..........2005-01-30

I'm an engineer; I'm used to reading bad prose. I'm used to dealing with technical people deficient in people skills, but I just can't get past more than a few paragraphs in this book. I'll probably give it another try when I'm feeling more masochistic, but for now this book will be sitting on the shelf. If you have a low tolerance for badly written, egocentric self aggrandizement, then give this piece of work a wide berth.

Unreadable, but not a complete waste of time........2005-01-13

'A reader' sums it all up in his/her May 16, 2004 review.

However, considering it was only a $4 download I didn't feel too cheated at reading this very amateurish, unedited, and unproofed piece of work.

Mr. Boberg certainly has some useful experiences to share with people interested in the auto industry generally and Chrysler's mixed fortunes specifically. However, only his analysis of the costs and benefits of hybrid autos is worth the trouble here. In fact, anyone who believes a hybrid is a magic solution to the problems of fuel consumption and pollution might do well to acquaint themselves with some of the facts here.

Unpopular Ideas.......2004-06-13

A few months ago, I stumbled upon this book while surfing the net for information about hybrid cars. Despite my regard for Mr. Boberg as a complete a$$hole, I read the entire book. I was extremely interested in purchasing a hybrid vehicle; the author seems to think anyone that would consider buying one is an "idiot."

Several news stories have popped up recently where hybrid owners have been complaining about the fuel economy of their cars. Combined with the information in CSNR, I found myself thinking "sucker" when I observed a hybrid car. I read the book again and realized that it is only Mr. Boberg's intent to educate people about what hybrids are really all about.

It is not a popular notion for someone to criticize new technology. The author predicts that hybrids will never become mainstream. Thinking back in automotive history, the wankel was the future, but it never caught on, though it did survive in the Mazda RX. I hope he his wrong, but I have to give him credit for making a credible argument to the contrary.

I was expecting more inside "secrets" to be revealed. But the biggest secret he reveals is that there just aren't that many secrets. The book is more focused on the bumbling of some of the management and the success Chrysler experienced despite this.

I highly recommend reading Common Sense Not Required. Despite my initial irritation with the author and his unpopular views, I couldn't put it down. The humor is sarcastic, but effective. I really enjoyed reading it twice.

Book Description

Color illustrations about old fashioned spanking, with a contemporary twist. The artist is entranced with women's tantalizing shapes and smooth skin, wild eyes, and desperate conflicts; he places them in highly-charged, erotic adventures. * small, vibrant tableaux -- storyboards for wild erotic films * luscious secret world of bad behavior and sweet revenge * striking, alluring images of sultry women With expert craftsmanship and dramatic realism, the artist seamlessly meshes pen, brush and a wicked imagination. These are elegant, modern erotic artworks. With the specially constructed padded binding, this book is sure to provide hours of fun for its readers.

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly erotic!.......2005-04-07

Those familiar with the artwork of "The Spirit" already know that he possesses a knack for drawing beautiful, sexy women. But what you might not know is that he also has an erotic flair for drawing women delivering sensual spankings to other women's gorgeous behinds! The sub/dom element of the relationships between the women giving and the women getting the spankings is quite enjoyable to behold in the Spirit's work. I would really love to see more!

Customer Reviews:

Nonsense.......2007-01-21

These contrived problems are not worthty of study.
They are hard.
They are also not worth using to draw "Clues from the bidding" and applying them to your play.
The author is trying to be a genius, and the probalems are impractical.

For interesting hard problems there are all of Hugh Kelseys books, plus many others.

For Experts, not for just good players.......2006-03-25

The hands are difficult, many requiring a squeeze or some exact layout to make. Most players would go down, even double dummy.
The book is fine for players who do well in Regionals and teh Nationals. For the other 99% (me included) you will have a hard time solving these hands.

The Clues are not always obvious and even using them gives you a marginal gain. Even taking the "correct" line which is 2% better, won't make that much difference in your long term performance.

The book should be labeled "For Advanced/Near Experts". But even for them, I wonder how much benefit the reader will get.

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this is my bible

Great for all managers, not just turnarounds

Right on Target

Definitely a primer for turnarounds

Corporate Turnaround: How Managers Turn Losers into Winners
Donald B. Bibeault
Manufacturer: Beard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1893122026

Book Description

The ultimate guide on crisis management of corporations that are foundering or failing.

Customer Reviews:

this is my bible.......2006-09-17

Despite having other books, I find that I refer to this book all whenever I need to refresh my memory about something. Very logically structured and with sufficient detail for you to get on with the job.

Great for all managers, not just turnarounds.......2001-11-13

This book contains sound advice for all managers, not just managers of distressed businesses. Knowing and understanding the danger signs of distress can help a manager stay out of trouble. Although this book was written over 20 years ago, the material is totally relevant today, especially in light of the recent IPO meltdown. It would be great reading for a CEO who must now live entirely within his own means.

Right on Target.......2001-04-09

I just reordered two more copies of Corporate Turnaround by Donald Bibeault.

I am an investment banker who, on occasion, has a client that gets into financial trouble. I find the book very helpful in both organizing a turnaround plan for the client as well as in coaching the client in taking corrective action.

When I first read Dr. Bibeault's book, I immediately recognized that this author knew exactly what happens to a troubled company and has mastered the tools of recovery from practical experience and not from some academic research. Bibeault's turnaround steps are simple and realistic and therefore can be applied in a variety of circumstances.

Each time that I encounter a turnaround situation, I offer my client a copy of Corporate Turnaround with relevant passages highlighted. As a first step, I always turn to Chapter 19 - "The Emergency Stage", and put emphasis on the section that covers Cash Flow Analysis and Control. Building a chart similar to the one showing a cash flow plan is an especially useful way to get started in the right direction.

I am delighted to see that this book is back in print because it's the best in its field. And in my case, its teachings have helped to save a number of companies from almost certain bankruptcy.

Jim Herrmann

Definitely a primer for turnarounds.......2000-04-24

For those who need an introduction to corporate turnarounds, look here! Tells you what they are about, and what are the keys to a good turnaround. However for those looking to turn around a failing company, you would still best be served looking for a professional consultant granted every case is unique.

Corporate Turnaround: How Managers Turn Losers into Winners

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Corporate Turnaround: How Managers Turn Losers into Winners
Donald B. Bibeault
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill (Tx)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF5UYM

Customer Reviews:

Ambiguous (Now that I have everything we shall see if I have anything).......2007-07-23

Let me start with a complaint against the publishers of the edition that is shown above, on this Amazon web page: the cover picture with a typewriter key board. Now that is outright disgusting. The book deals largely with JS's pencil fetishim, and then the publishers put a typewriter on the cover?
Steinbeck is one of my favorite writers, therefore I will read any diary or collection of letters that gets published. Also I like the man as a person, based on his letters and his non-fiction, which tell us a lot about him.
However that positive pre-judice does not guarantee that I will like every book by him. This diary in un-sent letters is, all in all, not really very revealing or informative. It drags on a bit. There are a few gems, largely in single perceptive phrases,like the quote in the title, but not enough of those. You learn something of the man's fight with his work, ok.
You learn that his marriage was good at the time, good for him. You learn that there were problems with the sons who were still little and normally lived with their mother, joining JS and stepmother during summer vacation on Nantucket. Ok. All very normal, no big deal.
The main subject of the diary is East of Eden, which probably was JS' main success with the reading public and as a movie by Kazan. I find EoE fascinating, but I don't think it is a good novel. (I have written a review on it here.) Reading the diary one would expect to learn a lot about the novel, and one does learn some, like what it meant to Steinbeck, the relationship to his own family history, the importance of the biblical basis of the story. No major breakthrough in insight for me.
Read it by all means, but don't expect enlightenment.

Peering inside Steinbeck.......2007-07-11

Fantastic "Mind of the Writer" memoir. Steinbeck gives us an unfiltered view of his writing process during one of his most challenging projects.

Unique Insight into Workings of a Writer's Mind.......2003-09-28

This book gives the reader a unique insight into the day-to-day thoughts and workings of a writer's mind. Steinbeck may not be to everyone's taste, but he can't be denied his place in American literary history. It's difficult to imagine any writer being so honest about the problems he faced in trying to produce a book of this kind - an effort that is recorded every step of the way by this determined but troubled writer

Interesting, but not revealing.......2001-09-20

I am a major John Steinbeck fan, and rate Mr. Steinbeck as the finest writer in American history. However, I am lukewarm about "Journal of a Novel," Steinbeck's daily account of the trials of writing his most difficult work, East of Eden, from January through October, 1951.

I was hoping that the journal, addressed to his good friend and editor Pascal Covici, would reveal much about Steinbeck the writer and the man.

However, there is very little of the former except repeated brief accounts of the self-doubt and ups and downs a writer endures while creating a long and complex piece of literature. There are only hints of the technical or mental processes involved his writing.

And the same applies to autobiographical information about this period of his life. There is a lot of the trivia of daily life without the real depth of observation and feeling that is shown in other books of his letters.

He was a master at letter writing, and to find and know the real John Steinbeck, I strongly suggest "Steinbeck: A Life in Letters" edited by Elaine Steinbeck and Robert Wallsten.

Highly recommended.......2001-03-07

Steinbeck wrote the lengthy EAST OF EDEN saga straight through, from January to the first of November, in 1951. Every weekday, he sharpened his beloved pencils, sat down and warmed up, writing in the form of a letter to his friend and publisher, Pascal Covici. The letters he entered on the left side of the manuscript book Covici hand given him; on the right side, after clearing his mind and setting out the days' goals, he'd write his story, averaging about 1,500 words a day. JOURNAL OF A NOVEL collects those daily addresses to Covici, to whom EAST OF EDEN is dedicated.

On the one hand, JOURNAL OF A NOVEL is instructive in how to use journaling to order one's demons, to focus and forge ahead. More important, it brings the reader right up to the man, and Steinbeck is a fascinating person to know. At age 48 when he produced this, he is twice divorced, happily remarried a third time, engaged in fatherhood and transplanted to New York. He is a whittler, a tinkerer, an inventor. His credo is, why pay someone to do something badly that he can do just as badly himself. He maintains an active family, professional and social life that he chattily reports and offers some prescient observations on the Marshall Plan and MacArthur. He is not without his depressive cycles, but at this point in his life he is more understanding of them and never lets them interfere with his work. His resolve is extraordinary.

It is especially rich to read this following WORKING DAYS, the journal he kept as he wrote THE GRAPES OF WRATH. You get a sense of personal growth and a fuller sense of the middle of the 20th century through his eyes.

Highly recommended.

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4 Titles By John Steinbeck : In Dubious Battle - Cannery Row - Travels With Charley: In Search of America - Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters (NF)
John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VDX260

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

Journal of a Novel. The East of Eden Letters

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Journal of a Novel. The East of Eden Letters

Manufacturer: The Viking Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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JOURNAL OF A NOVEL. THE EAST OF EDEN LETTERS.

Manufacturer: The Viking Press.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Journal

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Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters
John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Viking Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters - Unabridged

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Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters - Unabridged
John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Pan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Product Description

Pan Books, London Mass Market Paperback Edition - Unabridged

Journal of a Novel Te East of Eden Letters

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Journal of a Novel Te East of Eden Letters
Steinbeck John
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDGRL8

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Journal of a Novel, The East of Eden Letters
John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters
Steinbeck John
Manufacturer: The Viking Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QYKK6E

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Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters
John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Amazon.com

The master of the hardheaded travelogue, Robert D. Kaplan returns with a book on what he calls "the New Near East," an area stretching from the Balkans to Central Asia that "might become the seismograph of world politics" in the new century. That doesn't sound like good news: "The pitiless history of the Near East [is] dominated by marauding armies and earthquakes while peace treaties have merely formalized temporary stalemates on the ground." Kaplan has made a career of writing about the world's trouble spots "without illusions"--his books Balkan Ghosts and The Ends of the Earth are at once influential and pessimistic.

Eastward to Tartary is a fascinating exploration of places Kaplan has not written about in depth before: "Third World Europe" (Romania and Bulgaria), Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and the confusing conglomeration of countries and peoples in the Caucasus. Smart observations leap off almost every page. "In every Arab city I have ever visited, people were polite and honest, running after you to return a loose coin you have left at a soft-drinks stand," he writes. So why hasn't democracy taken hold in the Islamic world? "The very perfection of the Islamic belief system begot a naive absolutism that made the compromises of normal political life impossible." In an aside on ancient Assyria, Kaplan notes, "The theme is always the same: Highly militarized and centralized states and empires, so indomitable in one decade or generation, hack themselves to pieces or are themselves conquered in another." Then he reminds readers that Assyria once bestrode present-day Iraq and Syria--a "hauntingly appropriate" coincidence. And surprising facts abound: "Turkey represents the most stable governmental dynasty in world history, with the Turkish soldiery able to trace the roots of its power to the Roman emperors." Fans of Kaplan's previous books won't want to miss this one, and neither will new readers interested in this part of the world. --John J. Miller

Book Description

Eastward to Tartary, Robert Kaplan's first book to focus on a single region since his bestselling Balkan Ghosts, introduces readers to an explosive and little-known part of the world destined to become a tinderbox of the future.

Kaplan takes us on a spellbinding journey into the heart of a volatile region, stretching from Hungary and Romania to the far shores of the oil-rich Caspian Sea. Through dramatic stories of unforgettable characters, Kaplan illuminates the tragic history of this unstable area that he describes as the new fault line between East and West. He ventures from Turkey, Syria, and Israel to the turbulent countries of the Caucasus, from the newly rich city of Baku to the deserts of Turkmenistan and the killing fields of Armenia. The result is must reading for anyone concerned about the state of our world in the decades to come.

Customer Reviews:

Solid reading.......2007-10-02

In Eastward to Tartary, Robert Kaplan further solidifies the notion that a civilization, at any one moment in time, operates within the paradigm established by its own particular historical experience.

Kaplan explores this thesis by tracing on an arc spanning from eastern Europe, across Asia Minor, down through Palestine/Israel, and through Central Asia the contemporary atmosphere of various countries and how each one was influenced by history.

For example, Kaplan explains the cultural chasm between neighboring Romania and Bulgaria as being caused by the Enlightenment ending on their border. He also spends a great deal of time comparing former Soviet satellites and explaining the particular hurdles each one must overcome post-USSR.

Kaplan is a very eloquent, learned, and well-traveled man whose observations are worthwhile reading, especially here. Interesting book - highly recommend.

Fascinating Observations .......2007-09-24

Kaplan records his encounters and observations with people and officials in this outstanding and timely book as he traveled east in an arc beginning in Central Europe and passing through the southern tip of the Black Sea, the middle of the Caspian Sea and ending in Turkmenistan, just north of Tabriz in Iran.

His trip started in Budapest, Hungary and took him through Bucharest, Romania; Sofia, Bulgaria; Ankara, Turkey; Tbilisi, Georgia; Gandzha Azerbaijan; and Merv, Turkmenistan - with side trips to Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan. Along the way, he recorded informative conversations with the local inhabitants and government officials.

Kaplan's writing is excellent. His style captures the character of the people and their living conditions in these little known places

Romania in the late 90's.......2007-01-11

For this book, Robert D. Kaplan comes back to Romania (he was here in the early 90's for his other book, "Balkan Ghosts") to talk to other people, to write down the changes and to offer us more on his knowledge on Balkan history and eastwards. Just in a perfect combinaion. Again, I only read the chapter on Romania and Kaplan is a genius. I can't wait to keep on going with this book.

A Good Introduction to Kaplan.......2006-12-29

Robert Kaplan is definitely worth reading. His knowledge of history is good, and his descriptive powers formidable. This book is probably the best introduction to his work, which is always interesting and informative even when, or pehaps even particularly when, one disagrees with some of his conclusions.

Descriptions, no prescriptions.......2006-07-21

Every author brings some baggage with him when he writes a book. Robert Kaplan brings a caravan. Variously known as "Mr. Anarchy" and "Mr. Chaos," Kaplan is a prolific writer of books on foreign relations and has written many articles for The Atlantic Monthly. He is best-known in foreign policy circles for his 1994 essay and subsequent book entitled "The Coming Anarchy." In them, Kaplan asserts that the world is on the verge of a crackup of Malthusian proportions. A recurring shortcoming of his writings, however, seems to be a lack of solutions for the problems he meticulously details. He has the ability to describe the human condition but has a singular inability to suggest fixes.

What is Kaplan's purpose, then, in writing "Eastward to Tartary?" His mission seems to be to warn policy makers, and anyone who will listen, about the perils brewing in far off lands that may one day affect U.S. interests. He is more subtle and less bombastic in this book than in "The Coming Anarchy," but one can still clearly detect his world view that, "the end of the Cold War (has brought) on a cruel process of natural selection among existing states." His writings excel at describing a Hobbesian world where realist power politics must rule, but beyond that, he lacks any concrete prescriptions for what ails humanity. Suggestions for action are few. He is like a doctor who describes a disease, but has no treatment plan, other than to tell you what not to do. In Kaplan's case, he frequently suggests not introducing Western-style democracy too quickly. Kaplan makes this point by warning us that, "Democracy may not necessarily remain enlightened, or civil, in the decades to come."

"Eastward to Tartary," is a travelogue about the Near East, where Kaplan chronicles the woes of local nations and populations but once again comes up with few solutions for their suffering. That essential part of the political equation is apparently left for someone else to solve. Taking his readers on an arduous 330 page journey through some of the most fragile and chaotic states on the planet, Kaplan obligingly relates all the social, economic, ethnic, religious and geographical ills befalling each country he visits, but offers scant solutions to the problems. A typical Kaplanian non-solution is to point out that many countries are simply not ready for democratic ideals and are incapable of supporting the institutions required for Western-style democracy. So, Kaplan's primary contribution is that democracy is not likely to be the sole solution for what ails the Near East, particularly in the trans-Caucasus area.

Despite its lack of therapeutic action and its abundance of description rather than prescription, the book is an excellent overview of the vast and complex problems facing the U.S if America indeed wants to continue playing the role of global hegemon. In the trans-Caucasian region alone, we see through Kaplan's eyes that the task of U.S. management of global interests can be overwhelming. Kaplan's "You are there" descriptions of feral cities and states does a great service to readers - the book should be read by anyone who thinks that continued U.S. global dominance will be a cake-walk. If undertaken, the U.S. role of global Leviathan truly will not be easy, as we are seeing today in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Lebanon and possibly one day in the Caspian Basin.

We all strive to do what we are best at. Kaplan seems to be best at and most comfortable with identifying trouble spots and trends that may affect U.S. vital interests. He does not spend much time or energy looking for answers to the problems - he implicitly leaves that to other experts. He does a great service for Americans interested in making sense of a chaotic world. He does this by visiting and reporting from some of the most dangerous places on the planet. For this he is to be commended. Through his eyes we can see that simple platitudes are not enough to maintain U.S. hegemony in the world. It will continue to take much blood and treasure. Kaplan is preparing us for our possible future. Are we ready?

Eastward to Tartary: Travels in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.(Review): An article from: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

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Eastward to Tartary: Travels in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.(Review): An article from: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Colin Woodard
Manufacturer: Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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This digital document is an article from Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc. on September 1, 2001. The length of the article is 1770 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: Eastward to Tartary: Travels in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.(Review)
Author: Colin Woodard
Publication: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 2001
Publisher: Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc.
Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Page: 64

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Customer Reviews:

Insightful overview of tropical ecology.......2007-03-09

I found Tropical Nature to be an interesting and easy read. Organized neatly into 17 chapters and an appendix, each covers a specific a specific species of ecological concept. I found chapter 6, "Listen to the flowers" the most interesting, detailing the different mechanisms plants employ in order to have evolutionary advantages as well as trick other species.

(I read this as a precursor to a may term course at my college where I shall be going to the rain forests of Ecuador)

great adventure!.......2007-01-18

I began reading this book for a class involving tropical studies and travel and I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a great book. Easy read. The book takes a broad yet, also in depth exploration of different *interesting* topics in tropical ecology. Although it is definitely not a scientific text, this book takes you for a wondrous adventure into the tropics.

Tropical Nature.......2006-11-13

This book was great. It is written a bit technically, so it would help to have a science backgroung to fully enjoy it. The literary style is easy to read and the book is difficult to put down. I'm sure that having read this book will enhance my trip to the rain forest. Thanks!!

Best Intro to the Natural History of Tropical Forests.......2006-10-15

Buy this Book! This book is a great read for anybody who is interested in life on our planet. It would make a dandy companion to E.O. Wilson's "The Diversity of Life."

ENCHANTING DEPICTION OF THE RAIN FOREST.......2006-04-10

Among books that aim to express to readers the wonders of the rain forest, this one stands out. In 17 chapters that touch upon different aspects of the rain forest, the authors transmit their own passion for the rain forest and the unique intricacies that make rain forests some of the most precious places on earth.

The book is not written as one coherent whole, but rather as 17 individual chapters or essays. Below is a brief sample of topics:

- the strategy of dung scarabs to capture important proteins
- the symbiotic relationship of sloths with the trees they prefer
- the mimicry some insects have developed to elude their main predators, birds
- the reason why some birds have developed migratory patterns to temperate climates
- the reason why some frogs developed a parental care strategy and even marsupial pouches
- the reason why some trees are hollow
- how parasited species can benefit even in the most unlikely scenarios
- why some plants developed hallucinogenic substances

These are just a few of the topics covered in the book. It is written in a pop science format, so that an interested reader will easily understand and appreciate these and many more concepts. The authors carefully explain the relationships, often comparing the rain forest experience with those of temperate forests. The authors also focus on the possible evolutionary principles involved in adaptations presented.

This is the very best introductory book on the subject. It is designed to excite the reader into learning more and even visiting the rain forest. In the mold of Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins, Miyata and Forsyth write a masterpiece that will make the reader feel smarter after reading it.

Tropical Nature - Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America

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Tropical Nature - Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America

Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HVWDWK

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Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America
Adrian Forsyth & Ken Miyata
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K9V0D2

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