Reviews (7)

San Fernando Valley: America's Suburb
Very enjoyable. I grew up in the west end of the San Fernando Valley; Van Nuys to Canoga Park. A good friend's grandfather was William Paul Whitsett. She would tell me interesting stories about him. It saddens me to see the condition of the Valley now. I remember the orange groves and horse ranches, but now nothing but houses, houses, houses. Can't go home again, but this book takes me back to a better time and place.

Great Inormative Book
As someone who was born and raised in the valley, this book is a great look at the history of the San Fernando Valley from the pioneers who settled it on to modern day. Contains many wonderful photos as well. A fine read for anyone living here who would like to discover a little of it's past and for those of us born and raised here it is an essential look back on the place we call home. Much of the photos will make you say " I remember that!" It did for me upon seeing Lucy and Desi in their home which was located at Devonshire and Tampa and is now a gated housing complex. I grew up in the Porter Ranch area and that home and land are always part of my memories of the area.

If only for a smaller format! :-)
For those who grew up in the Valley, this book provides a wonderful mix of 'answers-to-trivia-questions' and a solid background in many aspects of its history. For those who've never lived in the Valley or never been there, Kevin Roderick's book will tell you that your culture is far more shaped by the Valley and the people in it than you ever knew. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel - United States    2. United States - State & Local - General   

Editorial Review

Not since Truman Capote's Read more

Reviews (21)

A First Hand View into Angola Prison
Bergner's inside look reads more like an expose than a historical account, not surprising when one takes into consideration his background as a journalist. This account, however, it must be noted takes into account an extensive history of Angola State Prison. Bergner spent time there performing the work of a sociologist: observing, writing, detailing, getting to know the inmates on a personal basis; and even sometimes getting caught in the political tides of the prison administration. This work is as much designed for the general reader who seeks an understanding of the life of a prisoner as much as it is for the student of criminal justice or political science who seeks a knowledge base in prison life. Bergner's talents are clearly on display in this sociological masterpiece that clearly details the emotions of prison life. The graphic behavior exhibited by the characters in this work only serve to intensify the reality of prison life and drive home the point that Bergner makes, chiefly being that Angola State Prison, much like any other prison, is a world apart from normal society. This work is an inside view of that other world. It shocks just the same as Jonathan Kozol's Savage Inequalities.

great material, poorly done
The narrative jumps around, unfocused and unsure of itself, and never truly captures the convicts. No dramatic tension and anti-climactic.

Bull-riding behind bars
This book is only incidentally about rodeo, and even less about God. Yes, Bergner uses a prison rodeo as the structural device to build this account of prison life around. But it's not any kind of rodeo you would see authorized by the PRCA. The events are more treacherous, and the men who participate have no experience. They are a spectacle for a crowd of people looking for the same kind of thrills that drew ancient Romans to the Coliseum.Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Louisiana    3. Penology    4. Politics - Current Events    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Prisoners    7. Recreation    8. Rodeos    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. United States - State & Local - General    12. Modern fiction    13. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (2)

Brilliant Examination of pop culture as history
Winner of countless praise, Gunfighter Nation changed the way we view almost allaspects of American history.It is a well-crafted critical work that articulatesearlier French theories of common mythologies andtheir influences on history butframes them in purely Americanterms. Good Book in Showing Old West Influence
"Gunfighter Nation" follows the influence of the Old West and the Frontier (both real and how it was percieved; sometimes the two are at odds) in American history from the 1800's to modern times.It makes a goodpoint in showing how Western movies mirror the times in which they are madeand how the frontier experience is still with us today.The two drawbacksof the book is its EXTREMELY long length and its Leftist ideology that popsup toward the end. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Film & Video - History & Criticism    3. Frontier and pioneer life    4. Frontier thesis    5. History    6. History - U.S.    7. History: American    8. Popular culture    9. U.S. Local History - Western United States    10. United States    11. United States - 20th Century    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. American history: from c 1900 -    14. USA   

Reviews (1)

To The Point Skills Teaching
This text provides an excellent overview of the processes and considerations in good ethnographic research.Chapter 1 provides a discussion that introduces the reader to the term ethnography.Those who assume that they already know about ethnography may also want to peruse this chapter for a refreshing and concise review of rationale and terminology.The next chapter describes processes for determining when ethnography should be used.This discussion is especially useful for those in various fields and professions that have recently come to recognize the value of ethnographic methods in their endeavors. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 aid the ethnographer in the pre-fieldwork stage.In chapter 3, clear descriptions of different theoretical paradigms for research (such as "Critical Theory" (pp. 45-48)) are offered so that the reader may have the creative benefit of exploring questions raised by different paradigms.Chapter 4 guides the reader through the conceptual process of creating a research design, and chapter 5 explains how to apply research designs to specific projects in order to generate good ethnographic data. Methods of ethnographic data collection are described in chapter 6, and chapter 7 explores the analysis of this data.Chapter 8 provides a discussion of the types of personalities and relationships that encourage better fieldwork experiences and potential data collection.And chapter 9 describes ethical considerations that are important to note - including Institutional Review Board guidelines. These individuals should be congratulated for bringing such a valuable resource to those interested in using ethnography.Designing and Conducting Ethnographic Research is just the first in a seven volume series that guides the reader through the various stages of ethnographic research - from the conceptual beginnings to the actual implementation of ethnographic findings. Each of these texts is a valuable source - focusing on specific processes and techniques in ethnographic research.For the convenience of those using the whole series, the editors have cross-referenced several issues, topics, and examples in each book with similar discussions appearing in the other books.The editors have also developed a helpful system of symbols, appearing in the margins throughout each book, to flag the reader to key points, cross references, definitions, and case studies.These help to make the facts and examples offered more readily accessible to the reader.The entire series is well written, in clear and concise language, without the presence of heavy anthropological jargon.And when jargon is presented, it is helpfully defined in the margin.Thus, this series is very useful to anyone interested in ethnography, and for individuals at all levels of ethnographic expertise. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Ethnology    4. Ethnology And Ethnography    5. Evaluation    6. Methodology    7. Research    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. Ethnography    12. History / United States / State & Local    13. Racism & racial discrimination   

Reviews (83)

Please take the time to read this; it ought to scare the pants off you!
We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, filled to capacity by many of America's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, "Mexifornia," explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.
Mexifornia
Great service, delivered per agreement. Book tends to be a bit heavy and not sure of what the direction. I feel that the whole book could be condensed into a single chapter. Has a lot of 'fill' which adds nothing to the content. It does have some good facts that would be a lot more meaningful if organized and put into the single chapter.

Arrogance and Hubris Abound
Though I agree with many of Hanson's points he blows his credibility by the following statement on page 31: "And Mexico is Catholic, America mostly Protestant or secular. The former believes fate is set at birth, the latter that man earns his condition mostly here on earth." If that isn't the most inane statement from a teacher of classics I don't know what is. If he really believes that the classical curriculum at Fresno State needs a second look. Catholicism teaches nothing of the sort and most educated Catholics know that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies    4. Government policy    5. History    6. History: World    7. Immigrants    8. Mexican Americans    9. Social conditions    10. Sociology    11. United States - State & Local - General    12. United States - State & Local - West    13. American history    14. History / General    15. Local history    16. USA    17. World history   

Reviews (1)

Good place to get ideas but don't expect a solid how-to
All of the foxfire books have a similar format: interviews with elders whopractice a specific handicraft. And in the telling you can learn a lot ofgood details, but these books are not meant to teach you how to do any ofthese crafts, they are simply recording the knowledge of these elders.There are much better how-to's out there for skills. For a general book,get "The Encyclopedia of Country Living", for a book onhide-tanning get "Deerskins into Buckskins", both available fromamazon.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachian Mountains    2. Country life    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. General    5. Georgia    6. Handicraft    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Nature    9. Social life and customs    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Subjects:  1. History - U.S.    2. United States - State & Local - General    3. Historic buildings    4. History    5. Westchester County (N.Y.)   

Reviews (27)

touching, fascinating, personal view of the Antebellum South
Mary's World helped me to understand life in the Antebellum South and the culture that thrived on slavery.But it also showed the North's response to winning the Civil War, which was anything but forgiving. It was a thrill to see the Miles Brewton House and the St. Michael's Cemetary on my recent visit to Charleston, and to feel the connection with the Mottes, Alstons, and Pringles.

A family of slaveowners.
The book is well written and entertaining.The story was nicely presented around the letters of Mary Pringle.All the similar names of the characters make it a little confusing.A nice reference chart showing the relationship of the characters should be included at the beginning of the book.Did the author hide some things to make the family look better?I wonder.It's hard for a Northerner to muster up a lot of sympathy for this family of slave owners.Perhaps Julius, who likely became a Unionist, was the real hero of the family.It's ironic that the South nearly destroyed our country in the 1860's, but is saving it today.
Mary's World: A Review
In Mary's World Richard N. Cote has succeeded admirably where so many others have tried and yet missed the mark.With his succinct style and exceptional organizational skills he has laid bare the thoughts,emotions and lives of Mary Pringle, her family and their slaves, and done so in a way that has given us a book
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1803-1884    2. 19th century    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Charleston    8. Charleston (S.C.)    9. Historical - General    10. Historical - U.S.    11. History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)    12. Pringle, Mary Motte Alston,    13. Social life and customs    14. South Carolina    15. United States - State & Local - General    16. Women    17. Civil War, 1861-1865    18. History    19. United States - Civil War Period (1850-1877)   

Reviews (2)

Empyreal & Entrancing
Elysium in print!This book is simultaneously informative, beautiful, and intriguing, while fantastically showcasing the supreme City of Milwaukee ... "The German Athens on the Lake."The historic photographs are absolutely fascinating, while the accompanying captions are insightful; additionally, the very premise of the book--a comparison of past and present--is excellent.The only fault I find with this magnum opus is that there could have been a little more attention given to the industrial epicenter of yore--the Menomonee Valley--while there could have been less attention given to churches.Actually, I'm sure any person intimately familiar with Milwaukee will probably be able to pinpoint a handful of locations, neighborhoods, and/or specific buildings that should have been included, but it's hard to fault the author for that fact.Along with Gurda's masterpiece, this is a truly mandatory book for all Milwaukee devotees, and it should be issued to fanatics of our dear history!

What A Wonderful Book!
I've always loved pictures of old buildings, in order to admire the detail and to imagine what the city looked like back then.This book uses large pictures as a window into the past, and compares them to the same location today.Some buildings have survived, and some great buildings have been lost.It's rather shocking to see how bland modern buildings look compared to the rich ornamentation of the past.Even buildings that have survived don't have all their original details.It's a pity, but compared to the great buildings we have lost, we're darn lucky to still have them around.If you like Milwaukee history, you need this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - U.S.    3. History: American    4. Milwaukee (Wis.)    5. Pictorial works    6. United States - State & Local - General    7. United States - State & Local - Midwest    8. Wisconsin - Local History    9. Sale Books   

Reviews (13)

This will light the 66 flame for you
I purchased this book in it's original printing.Since then, there's been a fire inside me to travel Route 66.This book is like taking the trip.You'll feel you've actually been somewhere when you stop reading.
Route 66 rambles on
While interesting and informative, this book tends to ramble without really giving you a tight narrative of a trip on "The Mother Road". While perhaps appropriate given the disjoined nature of todays remnants of the famous road, I would like to have seen the state by state commentary accompanied by a start-then-now map of the road with the highlights/attractions indicated and located.
Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition
We anticipate a trip along Route 66 and this book will be very helpful in our travels.It appears to be very informative about sites of interest along the way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. United States - 20th Century    7. United States - State & Local - General    8. United States - West - General    9. United States Highway 66    10. West (U.S.)    11. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    12. Travel & holiday guides    13. Travel / United States / West / General    14. USA   

Reviews (39)

Deep, deep South
Now you can't come from anywhere more southern than I do...Victoria, Australia..any more south and you'd be at the South Pole! I have dear girlfriends from both Louisiana and Texas and they all declare that I'm a perfect southern belle in my outlook, which some people call old fashioned, and my values. I simply adored this funny book and yes, I do have and use, devilled egg plates, although I had to beg friends to raid their mother's china cabinet to find them. To those people who scorn the refinements of the style of southern women, I must tell them that it's an attitude of kindness, self respect and respect for other people's feelings that show the good breeding needed to qualify as a belle..the parts about the silver patterns just don't apply here in Australia and are taken as just a bit of fun. I've read this funny little book several times now and love it for its tongue in cheek humour and what is basically a lesson in good manners and common sense. ps..not only would I not want to be seen wearing white shoes after labour day,I wouldn't want to be seen wearing white shoes EVER!

puh-leeeez
This "lady" flatters herself!Let's start on the cover: a true Southern belle, if she goes to a public university, is a tri-delt!

What Mayonaise Do You Use?
I have to say this book is just wonderful. Being from the south, along with my mother, I can't tell you how many times I had to read excerpts from the book to her. I love the explanations on why we use the word 'tacky' , why we have a need for a deviled egg plate, and why it is tacky to use Miracle Whip in your chicken salad. And I learned something new, I beeter pick out my silver pattern, it seems to define what type of lady that you will be. If you have ever wanted to learn about why your southern friends could live off of 'sweet tea' this book explains it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. General    3. Humor    4. Social life and customs    5. Southern States    6. United States - State & Local - General    7. Women    8. Humor / General   

Reviews (3)

Best College Text on SW Prehistory
This updated text is the best textbook on Southwest Archaeology available for undergraduates.Not only does it cover all of the important cultural groups, but it touches upon numerous important issues currently being explored in the field.It provides an excellent introduction to all of the major topics in Southwest Archaeology and provides enough information to inspire further investigation on any of these topics by an interested student.I strongly recommend this bookto anyoneinterested in a general introduction to the subject.

Only For Professional Academics
This text does include a lot of information on the southwest, but is not organized.The text does not flow, and some ideas seem to be abruptly discontinued.Items brought up are never explored, and some items are never introduced, just thrown in.The author seems to assume that the reader already has a good basis in southwestern arch, and explains ideas accordingly. The best serious text yet written on southwest archeology
Linda Cordell's extensively revised and updated text is just fabulous.Iteach Archeology of New Mexico at the U. of New Mexico and this text has itall--It handles fact and theory straightforwardly,is well illustrated andhas the best single bibliography available.Students and professionals justcan't miss with this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Antiquities    3. Archaeology    4. Archaeology / Anthropology    5. Excavations (Archaeology)    6. History    7. Indians of North America    8. Native American Archaeology    9. Penology    10. Prehistoric Archaeology    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Social Science    13. Southwest, New    14. United States - State & Local - General    15. North American archaeology    16. Social Science / Archaeology    17. USA   

Editorial Review

The definitive history of water resources in the American West, and a very illuminating lesson in the political economy of limited resources anywhere. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (79)

The Western Water Bible
A beautifully written, thoughtful book about all aspects of western development and overdependence on the scarce water resources in our area. No less important today than the day it was written. Marc Reisner will be missed - he gave voice to this sort of issue like few others could.

Incredible read
Putting to shame the politicians, bureaucrats, ideologies, and cultural ignorances that led to damming nearly every river in the West, this book is brilliantly written--a classic of environmental literature.
A Canadian says: An absolutely fabulous book and definitely current
The importance and currency of this book is inversely and exponentially proportional to the (decreasing) amount of water in the Ogallala Aquifer. I.E. as the water supplies in the U.S. Southwest continue to decline and eventually disappear in the face of demands from Las Vegas (fastest growing city in the US) and Phoenix (everyonelikes to live where it's hot), Southern California, and substantial agricultural interests, look out!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Environmental Studies    2. Government policy    3. History    4. History: American    5. Irrigation    6. Political corruption    7. United States - State & Local - General    8. Water Supply    9. Water resources development    10. West (U.S.)    11. Modern fiction    12. Nature / Water Supply   

Reviews (4)

if you grew up in brooklyn and like old pictures
Christopher Polizano
Great contribution to the collective memory of Brooklyn
What a find! I had to buy this book after browsing through it during avisit to a friend - another transplanted Brooklynite. And it was worth theprice. This book transports you to a time and place when Brooklyn truly WASthe world. There are sights, sounds and smells that come alive throughhistorical perspective and photographs. This book makes a greatcontribution to the collective memory of all of us who were lucky enough tohave been a part of the Brooklyn that was the world.

Beautiful nostalgia
What a wonderful little book that illustrates what so many of us alreadyknow; Brooklyn is a magical place. The writing style is particularly aptand evocative. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Automotive - History    3. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.)    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: American    7. New York (N.Y.)    8. Social life and customs    9. U.S. Local History - Middle Atlantic States    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. Transportation / Automotive / Domestic / History   

Reviews (22)

wonderfully comprehensive and readable
I checked this book out for research and now I'm thinking I need to have my own copy. Such wonderful detail on so many different topics! Aside from the Civil War, Americans don't know much about SC, and yet South Carolina has played a pivotal role in American history. I love the way the book covers all groups--it's been difficult to find good material on ethnic groups in the early colonial period, for example. Of course 700 pages won't cover every detail of history for this fascinating state, but Edgar does a great job providing a variety of perspectives. Excellent reading.

Excellent summary of centuries of a fascinating state
This book is the first I've read on a history of the state and I was shocked, shocked to learn how during Reconstruction with the
Most controversial state in the Union!?!
Overall this was an excellent book on what is most likely the most controversial state in the Union...Since the first landing in St. Helena Parish, through the Colonial period and the Civil War era to the flag controversy in the late 1990's, South Carolinians have been different, in almost every way, then the rest of the country.While NC's motto may be 'first in flight', South Carolina's could very well be 'first to fight'.Their instigation of the Revolutionary war and the Civil war, not to mention dozens of other controversial actions on the part of some of our ancestral fire-eaters make this book not just a history every SC-olian should read but one that every American should read as well.Like it or not, SC has played an extremely vital role in the path our country has taken and the culture we have developed. This book attempts to cover this role...While some of the book may bog down, the majority of the chapters are very well researched, flow smoothly, and are extremely interesting.You will find such topics as Colonial life in SC, Antebellum life in SC, SC-olinans in the Revolutionary War, SC-olina's role in starting the Civil War, how SC bucked reconstruction, etc...Overall, if you are a fan of good history then you will enjoy this book.If you are looking for action then try a couple books about SC's role in the fighting of the Civil War...'Kershaw's brigade' and 'the Stuck eagle: South Carolina Infantry in the Civil War'.Enjoy... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - U.S.    3. History: American    4. South Carolina    5. South Carolina - Local History    6. United States - State & Local - General    7. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    8. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    9. Biography: general    10. Local history    11. Social history    12. USA   

Editorial Review

McSorley's Old Ale House? Park Slope? Madame Restell? Pfaff's Cellar? CBGB? Look 'em up... Just about anyplace or anyone notable in New York is contained in this huge book, which is roughly the size of the Manhattan white pages. Read more

Reviews (12)

Massive NYC Info..Accessible andUnique!
Looking for very old maps of the Big City, the Mayoral and Presidential elections, Capsules of about every neighborhood in all 5 boroughs, histories of Broadway, Wall Street, MidTown, Columbia and NYU, the New School, and every other educational institution. Music from Classical to Jazz to Pop to Rock (but there is no listing for Sinatra! I think there should be.)How about the incredible skyscapers, docks, restaurants, clubs. And all this goes back to 1624, when the Dutchfirst settled. And sections on about every leading NYC personality ever. (though for some reason Mantle and Dimaggio are not listed separately, amoung many other famous NYC sports stars ). Even though the book is 10 years old, it is about as timeless as you can get, even with my very few small quibles mentioned!

Fantastic!
If there was anything you ever wanted to know about NYC but couldn't find the answer, this book will have it. What an amazing treasure trove of history, information and trivia. This book should be in every library in America.

The ultimate book about the greatest city in the world!
As a person who has visited New York several times, this is the book that has everything you need to know about the world's greatest city! The people, the neighborhoods and the interesting tidbits that make it a wonderful place! Highly recommended reading!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Encyclopedias    3. General    4. History Of Individual Cities    5. New York (N.Y.)    6. New York - Local History    7. Reference    8. United States - State & Local - General    9. History / United States / State & Local    10. Places & peoples: general interest    11. Reference works    12. USA   

Reviews (31)

ISRAELICANCER
the jewish state has no future without american taxpayer dollers. israel is a dieing tree americans giving israel water will just prolong the agony.

Put a lid on palestinian sympathizing liberals...
This book is a well thought out easy reader.It's quite easy to skim through and find what you are looking for in an instant.I will admit, it's a pro-israel book, which leads skeptics to believe that it doesn't deal with all of the myths.I would suggest buying this book along with a pro-palistinean book as well, so you can see both sides of the argument and make up your own mind.I, however, use this to combat crazy hippy liberals and their terror sympthazing ways.This book is like kryponite.

HAMAS in their own words
It's always great to go back to the original sources when reading a book and I have with many of the references included here. That's why, I can't really rate this book highly enough.It provides you with a wealth of Arab, Israeli, European and American source content. The references and research are excellent and the layout of the work makes it easy to read and digest.I found the appendixes including letters from Rabin and Arafat to be interesting as well as the HAMAS charter. Considering the current Palestinian elections, it interesting to read about HAMAS and their goals from their own words and charter. For anyone researching the middle east or interested in getting to know more about the historical roots of the Palestine-Israel conflict, this is a great starting point. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Arab-Israeli conflict    3. History    4. History: World    5. International Relations - General    6. Jewish-Arab relations    7. Middle East    8. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    9. Political History    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics and government    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. Armed conflict    14. International relations    15. USA   

Reviews (2)

Almost as fun as the hikes themselves!
This is a wonderful book that goes into great deatil about the many trails in and around the South Bay.It breaks down the area by specific parks and then suggested hikes, including mileage, elevation loss or gain, and time.It even has a neat little appendix outlining hikes by category (ie., short hikes, hikes to see spring flowers, etc.)The text is detailed, explaining what you will find around every bend, and the historical information on the parks is very interesting.I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get out and away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.

A good book made better
I just replaced my battered copy of the first edition with the latest, third one, and it's a real winner! These authors' books are always educational, interesting and complete. And best of all they lead one into many fine hiking adventures around the bay. I've spent many a fine summer day following their instructions. It's about time they put out a new edition, because of all the new parks and trails they had to cover. Recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Guidebooks    3. Hiking    4. Parks    5. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clar    6. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County)    7. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.)    8. Travel    9. Travel - United States    10. United States - Pacific - California    11. United States - State & Local - General    12. United States - West - Mountain (General)   

Reviews (10)

Stories You Never Heard--But Should
I'm writing this on 9/11 . . . we all know what happen this day.This book is the story of what happened next. The aftermath.The recovery.There are heroes in this world that we would never meet if someone didn't tell their story . . . the people that didn't have television specials made about them. The people that used shovels and hardwork to do their part. William Keegan is not only a worthy teller of their story, he's one of the heroes too.CLOSURE is filled with amazing anecdotes, insights, images, and inspirations.I can't reccomend this book enough. I'm telling everyone I know about it . . . and after you read it, you will too. The daunting and massive recovery effort described in this book serves as a beautiful metaphor to what all of America has had to go through, layer by layer, to recover from the devasting impact 9/11 had on our souls. CLOSURE proves that human spirit can endure anything and come out stronger for it. Great book.

The Father of Ground Zero
Lt. William Keegan never expected the horrific job he was about to be put in charge of, "Rescue and Recovery" of Ground Zero. Let me first commend your wife Karen and your three daughters Kristine, Tara, and Rory for the support and love they gave you every day.Without this it would have been an impossible task for you to handle Ground Zero. Your book gives me closure in many ways.There is not one person who can say they didn't know someone that was involved or perished on that sorrowful day.It enlightens me to see how the rescue and recovery was handled and shows how the departments of the PAPD, NYPD and FDNY finally realized that everyone was there for the same reason.Hopefully to find people still alive. In my opinion the book is fantastic and everyone should read it.It tells the details of how you looked in every area hoping to find someone to "