Average customer rating:
- Black Light
- Get your fill of a manly man book
- Part of a winning literary trifecta
- worth reading but not his best (Swagger) work
- Wonderfully Crafted with dark southern Faulkneresque undertones
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Black Light
Stephen Hunter
Manufacturer: Island Books
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Point of Impact
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The Master Sniper
ASIN: 044022313X
Release Date: 1997-04-07 |
Amazon.com
Forty years ago, Bob Lee Swagger's father, a state trooper, was killed by two robbers in an Arkansas shoot-out. Now a young writer has arrived at Swagger's door with some penetrating and troubling questions. What really happened that long-ago Arkansas night? The powers that be don't want that question answered, but Swagger, to his surprise, finds that he does -- even if it means having to use his long-abandoned combat skills and cunning to find out. Like the infrared "black light" that exposes a sniper's target in the night, Swagger homes in on the shadowy figures desperate to keep the secret of his father's murder buried.
Book Description
Only one thing stands between a son and his father's killer: forty years of lies..
On a remote Arizona ranch, a man who has known loss, fear, and war weeps for the first time since he was a child. His tears are for the father taken from him four decades before in a deadly shoot-out. And his grief will lead him back to the place where he was born, where his father died, and where a brutal conspiracy is about to explode.
For Bob Lee Swagger, the world changed on that hot day in Blue Eye, Arkansas, when two local boys rode armed and wild in a '55 Fairlane convertible. Swagger's father, Earl, a state trooper, was investigating the brutal murder of a young woman that day. By midnight Earl Swagger lay dead in a deserted cornfield.
Now Bob Lee wants answers. He wants to know the truth behind the shoot -out that took his father's life, a mystery buried in forty years of lies. Because for Bob Lee Swagger, the killing didn't end that day in Blue Eye, Arkansas. The killing had just begun...
Weaving together characters from his national bestsellers Point of Impact and Dirty White Boys, Stephen Hunter's gripping thriller builds to an exhilarating climax--and an explosion of gunfire that blasts open the secrets of two generations.
Customer Reviews:
Black Light.......2007-05-25
Stephen Hunter's "Black Light" is an action thriller that is difficult to
put down. Bob Lee Swagger, the character in "Point of Impact", becomes interested in his father's death which occurred many years earlier. It becomes clear that Earl Swagger was killed by a sniper and not in a shootout with the Pry boys as thought. Who killed him and why? There are powerful people in the plot that do not want that known. You will have to read the book find out.
Point of Impact is now available on DVD as "The Shooter". Black Light with its action and suspense would have you on the edge of your seat if it were made into a movie.
Get your fill of a manly man book.......2007-04-23
I've read a few of Hunter's books now and felt that this one veered into the testosterone laden land that Lee Child's characters venture into, as well.
The book was interesting, but not as strong as _Point of Impact_. And, was it just me or was Swagger depicted as more of a stereotypical hillbilly in this book compared to POI?
Overall, the Hunter books are definitely guilty pleasure reading books that I'll read in a day or so.
Part of a winning literary trifecta.......2007-03-04
When I was younger, my reading M.O. was fairly simple: I'd find a writer I liked, and then read everything they ever wrote. This worked well for a while, as I worked my way through the offerings of such genre greats as Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison and Robert Bloch. Over the years, however, my tastes expanded to the point where I could no longer indulge myself that way ("So many books, so little time.") Before Stephen Hunter, I hadn't read three books in a row by the same author in fifteen years.
A good friend of mine turned me on to Hunter, recommending POINT OF IMPACT, wherein the author introduces Bob Lee Swagger, a professional shooter known to his peers as "Bob the Nailer." In POINT, Swagger becomes involved in a conspiracy of massive proportions and has to fall back on the lethal skills he learned in Vietnam in order to extricate himself. The incredible action sequences and the swift pacing of POINT left me anxious for more.
I moved on to DIRTY WHITE BOYS, which has one of the most memorable first lines you'll ever read. DWB tells the story of lawman Bud Pewtie and his encounter with an escaped convict, the savage and wily Lamar Pye. As Pewtie's son says later in BLACK LIGHT, "They were fated somehow, mixed together." Pewtie seems to have a strange affinity for Pye, tracking him against all odds until the two square off in an epic battle at book's end. By now I was well and truly hooked on Hunter.
Imagine my glee when I heard that he had just published another book, the last leg of a loose knit trilogy involving POINT OF IMPACT and DIRTY WHITE BOYS. BLACK LIGHT tells the tale of Russ Pewtie, son of lawman Bud, who decides to write a book about Earl Swagger, Bob Lee's father. Russ is fascinated by Earl, who died in a bloody shootout with Jimmie Pye, Lamar's daddy. Pewtie enlists the reluctant Bob Lee's help, and together they travel back to west Arkansas to investigate the strange circumstances of Earl Swagger's death. Their arrival stirs up a world of trouble, and only Bob Lee's extraordinary talent for survival keeps the pair alive.
These novels really cook. Hunter is a truly American phenomenon--his prose evokes Steinbeck (the parallels to OF MICE AND MEN in DIRTY WHITE BOYS really strike a chord) and Faulkner, and his obsession with the past reeks of Ross MacDonald. Don't get me wrong, though, this ain't no "lit'ry" book as Lamar Pye might say. These novels speed along like runaway freight trains--the action is intense, and the suspense Hunter generates is on the level of Forsythe's DAY OF THE JACKAL or David Morrell in TESTAMENT or BLOOD OATH. Hunter also has a sense of humor--if he doesn't leave you sweating, he'll leave you laughing.
Hunter also displays great expertise in the field of weaponry; the pages of these books teem with gun lore and technical minutiae. Guns and rifles play an integral part in these tales, providing insight into the protagonists and the world they inhabit. Hunter may be entirely wrong on the details, but he writes with such authority I doubt that's the case. I'm not a big gun fan, but I found the level of detail fascinating.
Hunter is a powerful, violent, unsettling, entertaining and informative writer. I ended my streak at three straight, but I continue to eagerly snap up any title with Hunter's name on the cover.
worth reading but not his best (Swagger) work.......2006-08-02
After setting a very high standard with "Point Of Impact" and "Dirty White Boys" this book could not completely fulfil the expectations I had when I started it.
Even if the plot and its conclusion is not the best in my opinion, this book is again well written and entertaining.
It also builds an interesting bridge between the formerly mentioned books by actively linking the history and fate of Bob Lee Swagger and his farther Earl.
If you want to know the whole story you just will have to read this book as well.
Wonderfully Crafted with dark southern Faulkneresque undertones.......2006-06-27
Stephen Hunter's books are definitely 'man books'. His characters - both Hero and villain - speak, plot, act and think believably and often with total male aggresion and intent. These attributes are necessary given the situations the characters frequently find themselves in. Black Light is a well woven story that flashes between a tragic day in 1955 in the sweltering summer of Arkansas and present day, which is a story spanning from Arizona to Oklahoma and back into the Natural State. I've read 'suspense' or 'action' novels where the character's believability could be knocked over with a medium-weight q-tip.........not Hunters ! His characters and their dialogue are believeable, their development is weighty and his prose is engrossing. Oh yeah, the action is top notch.....but, given Hunter's craftsementship with the pen, the action scenes are not even required to 'make' the story. His writing is so good, that the action scenes are just an extra bonus. All of his Swagger books are solid. These would make a great movie if given to the RIGHT director.
Amazon.com
The closer a secret is kept, the more powerful the impact once it is finally revealed. Such is the case with author and activist J.L. King's intriguing look at the lives and lifestyles of black men who sleep with other men but do not consider themselves to be gay. These men live "on the down low," the "DL" for short, and their sexual activities have gained significant notice as the rate of HIV/AIDS infection in black women has skyrocketed, with the vast majority of cases coming from heterosexual sex. King is a veteran of the DL himself and his book serves partly as a social and psychological survey of the other men he has surveyed and partly as highly candid memoir. King was well regarded in his community, popular at his church, successful in his career, and married to a woman who had no idea that his secret life existed. But when she caught him in a lie and with another man, the marriage collapsed and King's long and painful path to self-awareness began. King cites the negative image many socially conservative black men have of homosexuality as an obstacle to those men being honest with their partners and themselves about who they are. Among the more intriguing elements of On the Down Low are the peculiar approaches men on the DL have to the sexual act, seeking a strictly physical sexual relationship with their secret male partners while remaining in more traditional arrangements with women. Whether this discrepancy is a product of scrupulously guarded secrecy and shame or the natural preference of an understudied sexual identity is one of the numerous questions raised by this book. Though the infection statistics make the DL a huge public health issue, King is neither a sociologist nor a medical professional. And while a more clinical look at this issue would be welcome, King accomplished what he set out to do: provide light and insight into a world that so many have worked so hard to keep in the shadows. --John Moe
Book Description
A bold exposé of the controversial secret that has potentially dire consequences in many African American communities
Delivering the first frank and thorough investigation of life “on the down low” (the DL), J. L. King exposes a closeted culture of sex between black men who lead “straight” lives. King explores his own past as a DL man, and the path that led him to let go of the lies and bring forth a message that can promote emotional healing and open discussions about relationships, sex, sexuality, and health in the black community.
Providing a long-overdue wake-up call, J. L. King bravely puts the spotlight on a topic that has until now remained dangerously taboo. Drawn from hundreds of interviews, statistics, and the author’s firsthand knowledge of DL behavior, On the Down Low reveals the warning signs African American women need to know. King also discusses the potential health consequences of having unprotected sex, as African American women represent an alarming 64 percent of new HIV infections. Volatile yet vital, On the Down Low is sure to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.
“A survey by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta found that nearly a quarter of black HIV-positive men who had sex with men consider themselves heterosexual.”
—Essence
Customer Reviews:
EYE OPENER .......2007-09-30
I don't condone this lifestyle, but it is still going to exist, rather I like it or not. I am a happily married woman, but God forbid if something happens to my husband and I have to go back out here on the dating scene again. Thanks to J.L Kings book I will not be so easy to fall for men without investigating them first and picking up on signs. Even if I never have to worry about dating again , I can defintely educate my kids (both girls) about this topic. Don't try to keep topics like this from your kids thinking it wont affect them, because better you tell them, than they find out in a negative way and end up with Aids!
all you closet fags should read this.......2007-09-18
my dad was bisexual so I was hip to this lifestyle from the time I was born so I can relate to this yeah this lifestyle has been around for centuries some of the greatest men in history and literature are homo or bi such as hercules, julius caesar, alexander the great, king herod, pharaoh, achilles, zeus, elton john, david bowie yes homosexuality runs deep lots of entetatiners are on the downlow we know mase is bi so is puffy, missy elliot, da brat, beyonce, camron, kanye west, and plenty others tyra banks and plenty more don't worry everything will come out in the light already thwere are signs that these entertainers are closet homo's.
The Urban Book Source.......2007-08-13
J.L. King hit the head on the nail with his freshman novel. Although down low brothers is nothing new to our community, they have never been talked about in as open a manner as this. On the Down Low lets you crawl into the life of a creeping man and witness the lies, deception and risk that are involved with such a lifestyle. In a deeply rooted homophobic community, many will shun this book. I applaud Mr. King's efforts. With HIV and AIDS running rampant in our community and DL brothers playing a role in an outrageous rate of infection for young black women, I think this book is more than worth the read. Although this text is heavily based on Mr. Kings own experience and some have complained about the quality of writing, I say give this book a chance. Don't focus on the writing, focus on the facts!
1. What did you like best about this book?
I liked that the author took a risk and exposed a topic that was rarely discussed in the open before this book.
2. What did you dislike about this book?
I didn't like that the main basis of this book surrounded the author's personal life. I feel that left air for the material to be biased and questionable.
3. How can the author improve this book?
I think Mr. King should try to tighten and reign in his writing style.
Unsure of Message He's Giving.......2007-07-17
I liked the book. I'm a guy and I was interested in knowing more about being on the DL. But I don't know exactly what the message J.L. King was trying to give. He didn't tell men NOT to be on the DL, he did warn females about them. I guess he just was the messenger. I don't think it will change any black male from having sex with another man if he wants to. It's not going to bring honesty. I can't imagine any male confessing prior to or before doing this. All women cannot insist that their men put on a condom before sex. So-things will probably remain the same. Bottom line???.... Know your partner and be prepared to accept the consequence if you come up HIV+. When I was young they called VD "the gift that keeps on giving", but AIDS is not a gift. We need better morals but people don't seem to want that either.
On the Down Low.......2007-05-14
This was a very, very good read. It is not scary it is Real.
Book Description
In this sexy erotica anthology, three hot authors reel you in with sizzling novellas about alpha heroes who will do anything to get the women they want -- even kidnap them!
Bestselling author
Sherrilyn Kenyon presents "'Captivated' by You," the second sexy story in her series featuring the Bureau of American Defense. Rhea Stevenson is a "BAD" agent who has just been handed her most challenging assignment. She must go undercover as a dominatrix to bring in a deadly terrorist. The only upside is that her fellow agent, "Ace" Krux, whom she has long desired, is her training partner. Almost immediately the roles of master and slave are wonderfully blurred and Rhea and Ace unleash a wealth of hidden desire.
From bestselling romance author
Melanie George comes "Promise Me Forever," the story of Savannah Harper, who has finally put her breakup with pro-football player Donovan Jerricho behind her. But when Tristan comes home to Mississippi on the eve of Savannah's wedding, he still wants her. And when he carries her off and holds her hostage, Savannah's surprised to find that the desire's deliciously mutual....
From
Jaid Black comes "Hunter's Right," the fantastical story of Corporal Ronda Tipton of the U.S. Army, whose chopper goes down in the Arctic Circle. The only survivor of the crash, Ronda happens upon a hidden civilization of Vikings -- where she must face the bridal auction block. Only Nikolas Ericsson, the man who found Ronda, can save her by claiming her as his own according to sacred rights. But will she and this primitive brute give in to the sparks made when their worlds collide?
Sensual and playful, these three novellas will carry you away!
Download Description
"In this sexy erotica anthology, three hot authors reel you in with sizzling novellas about alpha heroes who will do anything to get the women they want -- even kidnap them! Bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon presents ""'Captivated' by You,"" the second sexy story in her series featuring the Bureau of American Defense. Rhea Stevenson is a ""BAD"" agent who has just been handed her most challenging assignment. She must go undercover as a dominatrix to bring in a deadly terrorist. The only upside is that her fellow agent, ""Ace"" Krux, whom she has long desired, is her training partner. Almost immediately the roles of master and slave are wonderfully blurred and Rhea and Ace unleash a wealth of hidden desire. From bestselling romance author Melanie George comes ""Promise Me Forever,"" the story of Savannah Harper, who has finally put her breakup with pro-football player Donovan Jerricho behind her. But when Tristan comes home to Mississippi on the eve of Savannah's wedding, he still wants her. And when he carries her off and holds her hostage, Savannah's surprised to find that the desire's deliciously mutual.... From Jaid Black comes ""Hunter's Right,"" the fantastical story of Corporal Ronda Tipton of the U.S. Army, whose chopper goes down in the Arctic Circle. The only survivor of the crash, Ronda happens upon a hidden civilization of Vikings -- where she must face the bridal auction block. Only Nikolas Ericsson, the man who found Ronda, can save her by claiming her as his own according to sacred rights. But will she and this primitive brute give in to the sparks made when their worlds collide? Sensual and playful, these three novellas will carry you away!"
Customer Reviews:
Jaid Black's contribution is the best, but the others are worth a read .......2007-08-13
Captivated By You - Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Rhea Stevenson is pretty hot, but she's also a by the book girl, and a little uptight. She's secretly crazy about Ace, one of her fellow Bureau of American Defense (B.A.D.) agents. Since he's a womanizer and she's set on following the "no office romance" rule, she acts as if she hates him and gives him the cold shoulder/evil eye every chance she gets. Unfortunately she's been assigned to work a case with him that has her posing as a dominatrix at an exclusive club to catch a terrorist.
Ace Krux has got it bad for Rhea, but she hates him and he doesn't know why. Fortunately he's maneuvered her into working a case with him that will involve her in skimpy outfits practicing her dominatrix skills on him. He's hoping that his charm and their near nudity will result in a little action. His prayers are answered and things heat up pretty quickly between them after she ties him down. Only now Ace isn't so sure he likes the idea of sending her into a room alone with a terrorist.
The characters weren't terribly well developed, but we did catch small glimpses into what made them who they are, and that made the romance more believable. I like the lengths that Ace was willing to go to in order to keep Rhea safe.
Promise Me Forever - Author: Melanie George
Ten years ago Savannah Harper and Donovan Jerricho were crazy in love, but with his pro-football career taking off there was a lot of strain on their relationship and when a misunderstanding causes Donovan to believe that Savannah has slept with one of his friend, they break up and Donovan leaves town without looking back. Savannah is pregnant, a fact that Donovan knows nothing about, and never will if she has anything to say about it. Now Savannah, a single mom to a precocious little girl, has finally agreed to marry Jake, her boyfriend of two years. Only, a few days before her wedding, Donovan Jerricho blows back into town stirring up feelings she thought were dead. They are both angry and bitter about the past, but can't help feeling that pull towards each other. Donovan learns the truth about that old misunderstanding and realizes that he made a big mistake and threw away the only woman he ever loved, but can he convince her of that before she ties the knot? He just might if she gave him half a chance, but since she won't he resorts to drastic measures and kidnaps her and plans to hold her hostage in their old love nest until she hears him out. And when will she tell him that Reese is his daughter?
I'm not sure how I felt about this story. He resorted to kidnapping, which was kind of creepy, but he couldn't find it in him to hold her. It bothered me that Savannah was willing to marry Jake after she realized that she still loved Donovan and that she loved him more than Jake. It bothers me that such a sweet stand up sort of guy would marry someone who didn't love him wholeheartedly and slept with her ex shortly before the wedding. Seriously, doc, have a little self-respect! Nice is one thing, doormat is something else all together! I hated that Savannah didn't have the guts to let Donovan know that he had a child and that she didn't tell her kid who her father was.
Hunter's Right - Author: Jaid Black
Corporal Ronda Tipton, U.S Army, is excited about her new assignment. She's going to be stationed at a research base in the Arctic. Unfortunately, her helicopter crashes somewhere in the Arctic Circle and she is the only survivor. Hoping that she was somewhere near the base when the chopper crashed, she heads out on foot. When she finds what appears to be a door in the side of a mountain, she thinks her prayers have been answered. She soon finds that she was mistaken as she stumbles upon the hidden Viking civilization of New Sweden that has thrived underground for hundreds of years. She is discovered and chased by giant Viking men. She nearly escapes, but is caught by Lord Nikolas Ericsson, a cousin to the King and a revolutionary. He believes she is a military spy and questions her about how she came to New Sweden. When he learns she is telling the truth about the accident, she is sent off the bride auctions. The auctions were once a respected tradition, but the Kings corruption has turned it into something of a sex slave auction where the men fondle the women who are brought before them naked and shackled. When it's Ronda's turn up on the block she takes serious offense to being manhandled and uses her martial skills to smack down the offenders and get free. Just as all hell is breaking loose Nikolas claims Hunter's Right, the law that says a man may keep a woman he has captured. Nikolas did not intend to marry until after the revolution, but not only did Ronda make him hot, she was a fighter and he hated to see her punished or handed over to one of the Kings vile friends. Ronda believes she must escape and find the base so that she can inform the military of what is going in this secret world, but she soon finds herself drawn to Nikolas. Will she choose freedom or love?
The sexual stuff is hot ... really hot, though this whole chains and aphrodisiacs stuff kind of squicks me. I really enjoyed the characters and though the whole women as property thing doesn't appeal to me overly much, I found myself very intrigues by their world and most especially that prophecy of theirs. I've read one other novella and Deep, Dark & Dangerous which were both set in New Sweden and I have to say, I'm looking forward to more.
4 Stars for Jaid and Jaid Alone.......2007-04-14
First of all, I've never been a big fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon's BAD series. I think the stories are unrealistic, the heroes are arrogant alpha males with no redeeming qualities, and the women are too fast-mouthed and sassy for my tastes. Also, I'd already read the collection Born to Be BAD and had read the short story in this collection. I wasn't impressed the first time, and I was equally underwhelmed this time.
As for the Melanie George story, it was such a snooze, I skipped to the next story after reading the first 5 pages. Boring!
Thank God for Jaid Black, who might be the only reason this collection even sold. Hunter's Right is erotic, passionate, and entertaining--almost enough to make up for the clear misses by Kenyon and George. I read another story about Black's underground Vikings in the novella collection Playing Easy to Get, so if you liked Hunter's Right, I'd suggest you check that one out. It has another equally bad BAD story by Sherrilyn Kenyon, but also includes the first story in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, which is a real treat if you like paranormal romance. I have that collection to thank for leading me to Jaid Black, and while Hunter's Right was great, it's not enough to make Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down worth purchasing. I'd buy it used or check it out from the library instead.
Almost a Loser, Saved by Jaid Black.......2007-02-13
Anthologies either tend to be really good or really bad. With authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Melanie George and Jaid Black, I was expecting great stories and only Jaid Black delivered. If not for her story Hunter's Right, this book would have rated a quick trip to the garbage can.
The first story in the series is Sherrilyn Kenyon's Captivated by You. Secret Agents Rhea and Ace are assigned to a terrorist case whose leader prefers S&M. Rhea and Ace must learn the ins and outs (no pun intended)to successfully convince their quarry that they are legitimate S&M artists so they can gain his confidence and get the information to crack the case. The problem with this story is all the cheesy one liners and predictable interlog and jokes. It was actually rather boring.
The second story "Promise me Forever" by Melanie George was the worst of the three. I only thought the first one was boring until I read this story. If you want to be dumped by your longtime boyfriend after he becomes a famous football player only to take him back after he is down and out (and by the way dump your good as gold fiance for him) go ahead, but don't expect readers to buy it. There was no passion and no warm fuzzies with this story.
The last story by Jaid Black "Hunter's Right" was by far the best of the three stories. Ronda is a military official on a secret mission in the Artic Circle. When the helicopter she is on crashes, Ronda is the only survivor. Knowing there is a secret military headquarters nearby, Ronda goes searching for help only to stumble across a hidden underground civilization of an ancient race of Vikings. Believing the prophecy that their forefathers warned of where women would become near extinct because of genetic tampering with births, these Vikings venture above ground from time to time and steal unattached females to put on the "Bridal Auction Block". An injured Ronda stumbles onto an auction in progress and is horrified to see these women striped naked and inspected like livestock by men looking for wives. She attempts to flee, but is captured by gorgeous Nikolas Ericsson. Nikolas covets Ronda but believes she wouldn't want him, however when he sees her taken away in chains after beating [...] out of the auctioneers, he claims hunters rights to keep her safe. Nikolas is building his weapons supply and army to overthrow the current leader of the underground nation. He wants to restore more dignity to the bridal auction and make civilization better for all the citizens. When Ronda realizes she can never return to her old life, she decides to make the best of her marriage. Ronda and Nikolas end up falling in love. The sexual scenes definitely are not boring, however some people may be turned off by the crude language and descriptions both Ronda and Nikolas use. However, I think this story saved the series. I kind of wish it had been a longer more in depth story as these characters deserved development, but it was still good.
Don't Bother.......2007-02-04
I like all of these authors, but this book had very little to offer in the way of erotic romance. Don't bother
Couldn't put it down..........2006-11-02
I thought the stories in this book were good for the length of each one. I have to say that "Captivated by You" was the best of all three. If you like short, steamy, predictable stories you'll like this book!
Book Description
To the surprise of many, George W. Bush pledged $10 billion to combat AIDS in developing nations. Noted specialist Susan Hunter tells the untold story of AIDS in Africa, home to 80 percent of the 40 million people in the world currently infected with HIV. She weaves together the history of colonialism in Africa, an insider's take on the reluctance of drug companies to provide cheap medication and vaccines in poor countries, and personal anecdotes from the 20 years she spent in Africa working on the AIDS crisis. Taken together, these strands make it unmistakably clear that a history of the exploitation of developing nations by the West is directly responsible for the spread of disease in developing nations and the AIDS pandemic in Africa. Hunter looks at what Africans are already doing on the ground level to combat AIDS, and what the world can and must do to help. Accessibly written and hard-hitting, Black Death brings the staggering statistics to life and paints for the first time a stunning picture of the most important political issue today.
Customer Reviews:
A MUST-READ for anyone interested in the HIV / AIDS crisis.......2004-02-20
In the first few pages of her book, Susan Hunter explains that HIV / AIDS is the first new disease on our planet since the 1400s; it is the leading infectious disease threat in the world today, outpacing tuberculosis and malaria by 2:1. It is the first disease to be considered a global threat to both national and international security. By 2010, the global human death toll from this disease will be higher than the COMBINED casualties of WWI, WWII, the Civil War, the Bolshevik Revolution, the first Chinese Communist War, the Spanish Civil War, the Taiping Rebellion, the Great War in La Plata and the partition of India. Every 18 months, more people die from HIV / AIDS than during the Holocaust. In some parts of Africa, they literally are running out of land to bury the bodies.
Ms. Hunter, with her years of experience working with the UN on Africa, is in a unique position to offer an assessment of the effects of this disease on that continent as well as predictions of its spread globally.
In the United States, many have become complacent about HIV / AIDS, believing that this is a disease which can be controlled with a few pills -- and as a result, HIV / AIDS infection is on the rise in the U.S. once again. Ms. Hunter's descriptions bring the realities of HIV / AIDS back into sharp, painful focus. This remains a terminal illness: in the U.S., HIV / AIDS mortality is back on the rise, as many develop complications with / from their medication treatments.
Ms. Hunter's book reminds us that if we do not take action in the areas of disease prevention, education, and access to basic health care, we will face a Holocaust each year as a result of HIV / AIDS. Even in the U.S. where many have access to the medications, HIV / AID has become the leading cause of death among 18-34 year olds, as well as the third leading cause of death AMONG ALL AGE GROUPS in the U.S.
READ THIS BOOK!
Book Description
Eminent manufacturing systems experts J T. Black and Steve L. Hunter explain in this book how cellular manufacturing and assembly subsystems comprise the foundation for the entire lean production implementation process. Based on decades of study and firsthand observations of prominent companies in the automotive, aerospace, and many other industries, the authors explains how members of the lean implementation team, managers, and engineers can design and implement lean cellular systems.
Readers will learn how to integrate quality and reliability control, machine tool maintenance, production and inventory control, and suppliers into the linked-cell system for one-piece parts movement within cells and small-lot movement between cells.
Customer Reviews:
The Great Lean manufacturing book.......2005-08-25
The lean manufacturing book for practtioner which was written by the manufacturing expertise.
Book Description
THE WAY WE WORE takes a unique look back at African American style moments. Utilizing personal photographs, it explores the stylish beginnings of a diverse group of African American tastemarkers, examining a time when some individuals literally pulled it all together; or, for others, a time of trial and error. This is an exploration of African American the fabulous and the faux pas.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous Evolution of Black Fashion!.......2006-10-11
This book is really great becuase it emphasizes how crucial a role African-American fashion has played over the years. The photographs in the book are nostalgic-- A visual trip down memory lane as I recalled outrageous fashions from the 70's and 80's. I also went to the Black Style Now exhibit at the Museum of the City Of New York, which was equally fabulous. I think the book finally gives credit to the importance of African American fashion from the 1940's onward.
This book is a fashion lover's dream!.......2006-10-10
As an African American woman in the fashion biz, I know how little there is to represent black fashion's history out there. This book is great; it's filled with tons of candid celebrity photos and fabulous fashion. I know I'm buying this for my sister for the holidays.
Book Description
From Brazil to Germany, New York to Ghana, Dialogues of Dispersal examines the intersections of gender and sexuality within Afro-diasporic communities. This interdisciplinary volume covers a broad chronological sweep, ranging from eighteenth-century slavery to twentieth-century social movements. The contributors provide innovative analyses of religion, popular culture, identity, maternalism, sartorial practices, and transnational networks. They interrogate colour and class issues, highlight the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, and explore the politics of narration, performance and recognition.Dialogues of Dispersal marks a distinct departure from previous work in African Diaspora studies in its sustained analysis of how gender and sexuality complicate circuits of exchange. In the process, the volume underscores how diasporas are at once overlapping spheres of human experience and constructed sites of connection and engagement.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome true story of determination!!!.......2006-01-11
I read this book for a college class this past semester and was truely amazed at how well this book was written. This book is basically broken down into three parts, all equally intersesting. The first part is based in Maggies story, her life, struggles and amazing accomplishments. The second part is all about the author, James, who is also Maggies son. The story of "Maggie's American Dream" is an excellent representation of a family that went through tough times and prevailed through a combination of church, education as well as being "taught and strongly encouraged to develop the needed social skills and personal controls." Maggie raises her family during a time when it was difficult to be a black person in America. Maggie was ridiculed and pushed away from any opportunities simply because of the color of her skin. Maggie became a wonderful mother, which I feel is the most important part of this story. Her son James tells the stories of how he was raised. These are stories of a mother that attended all sporting events, assisting her children in becoming talented at several different activities ranging from playing the piano to playing sports. Maggie was always there for her family. She taught them right from wrong as well as a strong sense of that "never give up" attitude. These children continue to strive to do their best in anything they did, even during a time when they were held back from doing just that. This is an example of how a family can make it through most adversities as long as they all stick together and work towards their goals and dreams.
Wonderful book Mr. Comer and thank you for opening my eyes to a great story.
The Remarkable Life of a Determined Mother.......2005-06-29
Comer tells the story of his family by focusing on the remarkable life of his mother, Maggie Comer, whose determination helped her survive poverty and segregation in the South and discrimination in the North to raise of family of successful children. The first half of the book is told in Maggie's own words. The second half is in Comer's. An excellent example of the broader social migration of black families from the South to the North following Reconstruction.
An 'American Dream' Realised.......2003-05-06
I did a research study on American Dream in America during the 20s-30s decade. I've read a lot of books concerning the subject; literary works, forming the main portion of my resources. These ranged from Fitzgerald's 'Great Gatzby' to Steinbeck's 'Grapes of Wrath', from Dreiser's 'An American Tragedy' to Lewis's 'Main Street'. In addition to these quite old literary works, I collected statistical, analytical information about the particular decades, to verify what I've acquired from the novels. It was a hard study, but I managed to write a reasonably concise thesis, with the help of not the sources I listed, but with this book, 'Maggie's American Dream' instead. Why?
Almost all of the books I've read were productions of imagination. Even Dreiser, who was inspired from a real account, did not stick to facts in his book, but altered them to create a fiction. However, 'Maggie's American Dream' is a true story. It is told from James Comer's point of view, in a very poetical fashion. The second part of the book is his mother's story, which is again expressed by James. The book also contains a nice section of pictures of the Comer family, which are quite interesting after reading about the family.
James P. Comer had a very hard childhood, as it could be expected during the years of never-ending racism issues. Comer beautifully expresses how they managed to stand tall, and get their share in the competition of living. Mr. Comer is now working as a psychiatrist in New Haven, after having completed his doctoral work in Yale University. It is a dream that is realised, indeed.
This book will provide you with a lot of insights about the lives of black families, American societal norms, family relations during the 20s and 30s, which you cannot find easily in any other source this clearly and truely.
I didn't want the story to come to an end ...........2002-04-07
What a wonderful book. Very easy to read with lots of short chapters so that even the busiest of us can get through it quickly. And of course Maggie and her family are so real that you find you can't put the book down...you just have to find out what happens to them all next.
It's a great story, and worth reading from that angle alone. But all the way through this book also gives you plenty to ponder - whether you are someone with an interest in education (and doesn't that include all parents?), someone who wishes that all people had an equal opportunity to realise their potential, or someone who really wants to know what life is like for others from different backgrounds and countries. The author also inspires us to think about how we can make a difference, in some small way, wherever and whoever we are.
Maggies American Dream.......2001-10-09
This book I have read is the best book I have ever read. It has inspired me by not being mad ever time someone gets in my face and be racis toward me. I really like this aurthor he is a very insperational writter. I would tell everbody who is going through something very hard, reconmemd this book to any and every one
Customer Reviews:
job well done.......2002-12-12
terrific book on the making of john huston's the african queen. this also explains why the african queen is not the classic it should have been--simply because the great john huston allowed himself to be influenced by viertel and gave the film a fairytale ending--one of the few times huston allowed his judgement to be influenced in this fashion.
however, don't let that sway you from reading this incredible tale; you'll go away appreciating huston all the more for it as a genius filmmaker and will want to check out some of his masterpieces like the maltese falcon or the treasure of the sierra madre, fat city or blackboard jungle.
having said all that, stay away from the clint eastwood turkey
entitled white hunter, black heart based on viertel's fine book. eastwood was in too deep here--but the book, as stated, is one of the best on how (some) films get made.
The Inner Workings of the Hunter.......2000-04-01
Multi-layered account of director John Huston's real motives and struggles, to complete production on the move "African Queen". The book goes inside the man, showing not only his inner demons, but those he created within the cast, to satisfy his own lust for the hunt. Definately worth reading!
Customer Reviews:
One of the best!!!.......2007-02-24
I have read a lot of "vampire" romance novels and I am soooo glad I found J.R.! She is one of the best I have ever read. I read all 3 of her books in 2 days. LOVE THEM
Excellent read.......2007-02-11
the characters are engaging, the scenes keep you interested and always flipping to the next page, and at the end, you just want to get the next book. I highly reccommend the series if you like vampires, and even if you don't, and just enjoy a good paranormal romance book.
utterly hooked on black dagger!!!!!.......2006-10-07
i am always searching for really good paranormals.kenyon,feehan and now ward!i have enjoyed this imaginitive,erotic,of course,and poignant series of a world of vampires trying to survive.full of emotional impact,unexpected,well developed,delightful charactors.the names alone are intriguing.rhage,wrath,zsadist....makes you begin to fantasize before you start reading and once you start you won't stop til you finish.i highly recommend this series if your a fan of well written fantasy paranormal genre.ooooh,you won't regret it....
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- Classic and Contemporary Readings in the Philosophy of Education
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- Dangerous Doses: How Counterfeiters Are Contaminating America's Drug Supply
- Dark Possession (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 15)
- Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (Classic Seuss)
- Diffusion of Innovations, 5th Edition
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