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Very enjoyable and well done
Not a bad book at all. Dean Joy joined the war late because of an interesting school deferment. He wanted to fly the famous P-51 Mustang but ended up the71st Infantry Division. The book is very interesting reading about a unit that doesn't get a lot of press because they entered the war so late. The book is an easy read, very well written, and provides a good overview of the end of the war. Of particular interest is his description of four captured P-51 Mustangs that were converted to German use.

Good WWII Memoir of Combat Described by Young American GI
A must for WWII History buffs, but an easy read for all readers.The author recalls how he wanted, along with many other young U.S high school grads to register for military service in WWII and to "fly". With his easy writing style and incredible drawings, Dean Joy pulls you into his daily disappointments as he realized he would fight as an infantryman. You feel what he did as he writes letters home to his beloved parents. Its as though I actually felt, saw, and heard, what this young man did.The remarkable discription of the different sounds of artillery, the German towns and rivers that the Allies went through, the pride of being in Patton's 3rd Army.Along with the author, I hated the "Krauts" and sorrowed over German civilians losing homes and farms to the ravages of war.I literally "willed" this young man to make it home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Campaigns    5. General    6. History    7. Military - World War II    8. Personal narratives, American    9. Western Front    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. History / Military / World War II   

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Insightful and timely
I've been staring at a copy of Thomas Friedman's 'From Beirut to Jerusalem' on my shelf for nearly a year now, meaning to read it but always drawn to something else.Finally, recent events demanded that I learn more and I finally pulled it down, dusted it off, and read it.I'm so glad I did, especially now.
Pertinent Then and Pertinent Now
Not in the "must read " class, but a good informative personal account of Thomas Freidman, the New York Times middle east journalist.The book contains his observances of the factional fighting that took place in Beirut and the larger Lebanon, Israel conflict in the 1980s.Thebook has interesting observances of these complicated situations.This is a good book for the 21st century where it appears Lebanon is again descending into chaos, and Israel has once again tried the tactic of invading southern Lebanon.Freidman does a good job making a chaotic situation interesting while providing new insights.

A "Must Read" for Citizens of the World at the Beginning of the 21st Century
I have not yet completed From Beirut to Jerusalem, but I have been fascinated by every word.Mr. Friedman's intellectual approach to the every-day life, religions and politics of the Middle East is written in an easily understandable, conversational manner.He asks questions, finds a range of answers from varied sources, and shares his conclusions in a non-judgmental way.Mr. Friedman's in-depth study of the interplay of religions and politics in the Middle East has clarified many questions I had and has validated some of my thoughts. I better understand what is happening in the Middle East and am rethinking my own political views on today's events. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. General    4. History    5. History: World    6. International Relations - General    7. Middle East - General   

Editorial Review

Published to mark the 50th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, Stephen E. Ambrose's Read more

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Good account of the US involvement at D-Day
Several others sum up my feelings on this book, so I will keep it brief.
One of Ambrose's best works.
I recently finished Band of Brothers and was amazed and how great a writer Ambrose was.So I ordered D-Day, Citizen Soldiers and The Victors.I'm roughly half-way through D-Day and can already say that it is one of the best books I've ever read.I work on second shift and get off work at 11:30 PM.I go home and start reading and can't put this book down.The next thing I know I look at the clock and it's 3 or 4 in the morning, and I can't believe the time went by so fast.Ambrose was a brilliant military historian.His descriptions of everything is so detailed.If you've watched Band of Brothers on TV you owe it to yourself to check out some of Ambrose's other works.I know you'll love them.

Fails as a military history book
The oral history approach by Ambrose & Co offers certainly has its attraction. And if this book would have consisted of personal accounts of D-Day veterans only, I think it would have made a valuable, insightful, and memorable account of this landmark battle.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Campaigns    5. France    6. General    7. Military - World War II    8. Normandy    9. World War, 1939-1945    10. History / General   

Editorial Review

On December 31, 1999, after nearly a century of rule, the United States officially ceded ownership of the Panama Canal to the nation of Panama. That nation did not exist when, in the mid-19th century, Europeans first began to explore the possibilities of creating a link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow but mountainous isthmus; Panama was then a remote and overlooked part of Colombia.Read more

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A Thorough History
This book is a very thorough history of the French and US efforts to construct the canal. I had no idea of the extent of the French efforts, nor of the extensive efforts made by the French to promote financing of the project.The sanitation and logistical infrastructure that ultimately had to be put in place for the US effort to succed was mind-boggling.Overall, I enjoyed the book, however the level of detail was at times a bit much.

A U.S. Triumph in a Different Era
I grew up hearingstories from my grandmother about living and working in the Canal Zone during construction. She and her 2 sisters were nurses.Her brother and her father, also worked on the canal. My dad, uncle and aunt were born in the Zone. I came to this book with a lot of interest due tofamily involvement.
Great background on a world altering historical event
Most people have limited education in the building of the Panama Canal.The sum total of my knowledge, prior to reading this book, was that Theodore Roosevelt fostered a revolution in the Columbian state of Panama in order to complete the work abandoned by the French.That disease and pestilence was rife in the region and that American technology and know how carried the day.Mostly correct, but woefully simplistic.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Engineering - General    5. General    6. History    7. Latin America - Central America    8. Modern - 20th Century    9. Panama Canal (Panama)    10. History / General   

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Amazing
This is one of those books that will leave you amazed at what you didn't know.Life on our continent before Columbus was so much more than I had ever realized before books like Mann's and the Jarrod Diamond's work.
Life Before Columbus
Much of history is written from a Euro centric perspective.And why not?History is written by winners.Europe was the home of the industrial revolution.It was therefore inevitable that the dominance that this created would serve to produce its own history.
Terrific
The other reviewers have admirably summarized this book. It is a wonderful compilation of current thinking on the history of the Americas before the Europeans.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    3. General    4. History    5. History: World    6. Native American    7. Native Americans - History    8. History / General   

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A Non american perspective of this Epic
Well, Mr. Footes trip tyk has been applauded for many years and most of it is said. Being a non-american, I can only attest to the fact that Mr. Foote, in this, the final volume, stays clear of being a Civil War nerd, un-intelligable for non-americans. He as well, stays clear of being the sterile academic. His style is clear and displays a very good interest for the individuals. Great story telling without too much embellishing.
Timely delivery and product accurate
No problems with the purchase.Got the correct book on time for a reasonable price.

News from the Front
Shelby Foote takes the Civil War and dissects its every twist and turn in a writing style that feels as if your hearing news from the front in an ongoing war. That is a good thing since these three volumes are very hefty. This book is not for the mildly curious, you will get bored and overwhelmed by the dates, names and places. But to military history, history, or civil war buffs, it is as detailed and factual as you could want. This is truly a thesis of study on the war between the states. Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Unabridged Audio - History    3. United States - Civil War   

Reviews (30)

Don't debate whether you need it or not...just read it
If you're investigating this book, chances are you can benefit greatly from the information.What harm can come from you feeling less shame in your life?None.
HEALING that keeps giving...
I bought my edition of Bradshaw's "Healing the Shame that Binds You" in 1988, one year after my experience with The Caron Foundation's ACOA treatment program.
An Excellent Starting Point for Recovery
From my own family experiences, I became numb to the world.This made the process of finding a solution difficult because I couldn't even find a starting point for recovery.This book was a fantastic source of enlightenment because it names, very specifically, the varying facets of shame and causes of depression.It helped me really put a finger on what I was wrestling with, and give me a "to-do" list for therapy.I don't think this book on its own will help you actually recover, but it definitely will give you a specific plan of action and greater understanding of how unhealthy behaviors perpetuate through generations.I believe talk therapy is the way to successful recovery because they can recognize unhealthy behaviors that you don't notice.Thankfully, professional therapists truly are a "safe place" to reveal secrets that tied you down.I'd recommend this book to people who felt numb like I did (and do), and need a way to regain some clarity.When you have the courage to face your darkest fears, you will realize it was worth a hundred times the pain in order to feel genuinely happy again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. General    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Religion    6. Unabridged Audio - Self Help   

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    3. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction   

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The Navy's Finest Hour
This was a wonderful book, shedding much light on the much maligned and neglected Tin Can Navy, these men past and present do much, more with so much less and all are a tribute to the resourcefulness of the Sailor, period. So much useful history that would pass untold if it were not for this book and others like it. The story was recalled in a very fond, but firm and affable presentation. I really enjoyed this book, and as a retired Tin Can Sailor, I can relate to much in this book. Honorable men commiting honorable deeds, for self, for shipmate and for country. I thank each of these men that served for thier history and sacrifice.

A Story of Bravery for the Ages
This is undoubtedly one of the finest books I have ever read on warfare in my 45 years of reading books about war.
Very good, well done
This is a very good and compelling naval battle tale that really exposes the heroism of the men of the American Navy during WWII. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. History    5. Leyte Gulf, Battle of, Philippines, 1944    6. Military - Naval    7. Military - United States    8. Military - World War II    9. Military History - World War II    10. Naval Operations    11. Naval operations, American    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. History / Military / World War II   

Editorial Review

It was not long after the first Japanese bombs fell on the American naval ships at Pearl Harbor that conspiracy theories began to circulate, charging that Franklin Roosevelt and his chief military advisors knew of the impending attack well in advance. Robert Stinnett, who served in the U.S. Navy with distinction during World War II, examines recently declassified American documents and concludes that, far more than merely knowing of the Japanese plan to bomb Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt deliberately steered Japan into war with America.Read more

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Disturbing
Gives overwhelming proof that FDR provoked the Japanese attack primarily through denying access to natural resources in Indonesia via the Dutch government in exile, and also by giving support to Chinese resistance fighters.The motive behind the provocation was to ensure that the American people would support a war against Nazi Germany, Italy and Japan that they did not wish to be involved in prior to December 7, 1941. Instead of trying to convince the American people that war would be inevitable against Fascism; condescendingly assured of their stupidity, FDR sacrificed 2500 sailors in order to mobilize the nation for war.
A Review of Someof the Reviews.
There is a strong political bit to the negative reviews.It reminds me a little of creationists reviewing an evolutionary biology work.
What our government doesn't want us to know
This book is eye opening in many respects.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Diplomatic history    4. History    5. History & Theory - General    6. Intelligence service    7. Leadership    8. Military - World War II    9. Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), Attack on, 1941    10. Political Process - Leadership    11. Unabridged Audio - History    12. United States    13. World War, 1939-1945    14. History / General   

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An opportunity blown
Such a wonderful book has been brought down several notches by employing a reader that puts one to sleep.My travels are made signifacantly more enjoyable by listening to books-on-CD while driving. I've tried several times to listen to the Civil War but had to give it up.Mr. Whitener's voice is so drone and expressionless that I quickly loose interest.Sorry to be so negative, but this CD is very disappointing. Stick to the book.

Civil War CD
For Civil War buffs like my father, this came in very handy on his morning and evening commutes.Literally could not stop playing it and currently is listening to it again.It is one of those historical narratives that you could listen to a number of times and hear something new each time.

Fast-Moving Overview of the US Civil War
Bruce Catton, the author, traces the origins, actions, and outcomes of America's bloodiest conflict.Although the book describes the significant campaigns and some battles of the war, it is both a political and a military history.For an outstanding and detailed military history of the conflict, read Shelby Foote's three-volume Civil War series.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Audiobooks    5. Civil War, 1861-1865    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. General    8. History    9. United States    10. United States - Civil War    11. History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)   

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For Those Fans of 'Band of Brothers' That Want More.
The book is Dick Winters Memoirs and as such is a rehash of Ambrose's "Band of Brothers" from his point of view.As such the reader gets another look at the events in the History of Easy Company from the Book and the Movie from the Normandy Campaign to the end of the War.
Medal of Honor for Major Winters
Best book ever.The hard thing is to remeber while reading this book is this is a true story.After reading this great book and you feel compelled as I you can go to the Major Winters wen site and sign a petition for him to receive the Medal of Honor.I should note that this is not being endorsed by Major Winters which is consistant with his character. [..]

Winters' Story...In His Own Modest Words
Like most other readers, I purchased this book on the strength of Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers and the popular HBO series of the same name. So when I saw that Winters was publishing his memoirs, I knew that I'd get around to reading it sooner or later.
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Subjects:  1. Aerial operations, American    2. Campaigns    3. History    4. Military    5. Military - General    6. Military - United States    7. Military - World War II    8. Personal narratives, American    9. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    10. Western Front    11. World War, 1939-1945   

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Reviews (61)

About the Man
This biography may not be the best choice for the people interested to learn about the technical, engineering details of the space race, but it shines in describing Neil as a man; he is more than mere symbol. It is an amazingly comprehensive account of the world most famous Apollo astronaut. Not satisfied by starting with his birth, he began with his Scottish ancestors, quite an adventure story by itself. It gave many insights on his unflappable personality, how he was chosen for that famous first step, and the tremendous controversy surrounding it. He also went into great detail about his intricate relationship with the other astronauts. This is an excellent resource to buy.

ExcellentBook
A comprehensive look at the entire life of Neil Armstrong.The author did a great job of helping the reader understand the context of where Neil came from.I think the level of detail that some other reviewers seemed to object to give you the entire picture of this great American's life.

Space Exploration History
This bio of Neil armstrong gives a good history of the man as well as aerospace and space exploration. The author is also a professional and has done the appropriate background work. This book is an essential addition to anyones collection of books on the history of NASA and space exporation, which was also an important part of our history of the 50s and 60s. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Adventurers & Explorers    3. Aeronautics & Astronautics    4. Astronauts    5. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    6. Audiobooks    7. Biography    8. Biography & Autobiography    9. Biography/Autobiography    10. History    11. Manned Space Exploration    12. Scientists - Astronauts    13. Space flight to the moon    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

Rush Limbaugh claims his talent is on loan. With this book, Franken demonstrates that he owns. The frankly Democratic author's shtick reminds us how much of a free ride conservatives have gotten in the mainstream media.For instance, he really drives home the weirdness of the conservatives' preachiness about "family values" in light of Newt Gingrich's and Bob Dole's first marriages, and Rush Limbaugh's first, second and third marriages.And he has great fun with Rush's and Newt's miraculous draft deferments in a chapter where he imagines all of the great conservative "chicken-hawks" out on a Vietnam war patrol under the leadership of Ollie North. ... Read more

Reviews (379)

Truthful and funny
I like this book because it is hysterically funny and quite entertaining. The humor runs from silly to witty, but it'sconsistently funny. That aside, Rush Limbaugh is one of the few humans who loves himself far more than his mother ever could. The irony of his self-induced hearing loss is that Limbaugh, more than anyone, loves to listen to himself. Al Franken's book is an overdue breath of fresh air in a right-wing atmosphere of lies. And this is what is most important.

Al Franken is a funny, funny guy and Other Observations
To start off, I really do not think I have to clarify who the author is and where he's coming from. Anyone picking up "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big, Fat Idiot" likely understands Al Franken, his politics, and his typical humor. I have never seen him on "Saturday Night Live" (I am unfortunately a little too young), and so I base my review solely on what I have heard and read.
A great read
First of all, I must admit that I am a little biased in my rating. I have read most of Al Franken's books and listen to him on Air America (and am always informed and entertained). But with that said, I still believe it's a fair review.
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Subjects:  1. 1996    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Election    4. Humor    5. Political satire, American    6. Presidential candidates    7. Presidents    8. Unabridged Audio - Humor    9. United States   

Editorial Review

On any given day, one out of four Americans opts for a quick and cheap meal at a fast-food restaurant, without giving either its speed or its thriftiness a second thought. Fast food is so ubiquitous that it now seems as American, and harmless, as apple pie. But the industry's drive for consolidation, homogenization, and speed has radically transformed America's diet, landscape, economy, and workforce, often in insidiously destructive ways. Eric Schlosser, an award-winning journalist, opens his ambitious and ultimately devastating exposé with an introduction to the iconoclasts and high school dropouts, such as Harlan Sanders and the McDonald brothers, who first applied the principles of a factory assembly line to a commercial kitchen. Quickly, however, he moves behind the counter with the overworked and underpaid teenage workers, onto the factory farms where the potatoes and beef are grown, and into the slaughterhouses run by giant meatpacking corporations. Schlosser wants you to know why those French fries taste so good (with a visit to the world's largest flavor company) and "what really lurks between those sesame-seed buns." Eater beware: forget your concerns about cholesterol, there is--literally--feces in your meat. Read more

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Easy to get lost
If you like fact reading, you'll like this.I thought he was to discriptive and went on and on and on about nonsense. Some of the info was really good, but it was hard to stay focused and really take it all in.I found my mind wondering and thinking about other things.

Like a guilty little trip to the corner Mickey D's
Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation" is a thorough if somewhat slanted analysis of the fast food industry.The author hooks the reader early with sweeping invectives against the titans of fast food.Before you can say "Supersize Me," you've learned that Ray Kroc and his cronies are responsible for the homogenization of global culture, the spread of E. coli and other deadly pathogens, the obesity of America's children, and the exploitation of the unskilled masses.Take a deep breath - that's just the intro.
Top-notch Journalism
The author brings a high level of professionalism to his story about the growth of the fast food industry and the consequences of its ruthless pursuit of profits.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Business/Professional    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Business & Economics    4. Convenience foods    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. Fast food restaurants    7. Food Science    8. Food industry and trade    9. Industries - General    10. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    11. Popular Culture - General    12. Social History    13. United States    14. Social Science / Popular Culture   

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Some Parts Good; Mostly A Dissapointment
This audio presentation of "People of the Century" is I'm afraid mostly a dissapointment. Dan Rather serves as the overall narrator briefly mentioning the 100 people included with a select few of these people given an expanded presentation written usually by a famous author or personality (i.e. Lee Iacocca writing about Henry Ford; Salman Rushdie about Ghandi,etc.). If you've never heard of Winston Churchill, this CD is for y
Very disappointing. Much of the narrative spits out facts that everyone already knows. Most of the rest is decoration, trite commentary and superficial philosophizing.The piece on Bill Gates is typical. It wasdelivered in a contemptuous tone, skipped the exciting history ofMicrosoft, and even dismissed "The Road Ahead" as trivial!Similarly, Iacocca's piece on Henry Ford does not even mention Ford'sinfamous bigotry. In fairness, I must say that I did learn a bit about thelesser known people, and enjoyed the imaginative piece on Gandhi. On thewhole, though, if you've ever heard of Winston Churchill, this CD willprobably bore you.

People of the Century
It�s countdown time whether we face it or not.And the bestsellers prove it.We�ve encountered books predicting happenings for the millennium we�re about to greet and books listing people, businesses, music, inventions,events that have made impacts during the millennium we�re leaving.Inaddition to Life: Our Century in Picturesand Russell Ash�s The Top 10 ofEverything 2000, there are seemingly 1000 collections about these 1000years.One book worth looking at is PEOPLE�OF�THE�CENTURYwith aforwardby Dan Rather of CBS and an afterward by Walter Isaacson of TimeMagazine. The compilation features 100 men and women who influenced thecentury, rather than the millennium.We reunite with leaders, artists, andintellectuals who gave us rock �n� roll,jazz, flight; shopping malls,existentialism, bytes; splitting the atom, penicillin, cloning of sheep,and Bob Dylan. Those wri