My Buy Essay

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If the thought of a book on economics is about as exciting as watching your toenails grow, or you are under-whelmed with statistics and number crunching theory, then the bestselling book Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything just might be the book to make you wake up without that extra cup of Starbucks’ best. Actually, Freakonomics is an engaging read because it seems to be more about sociology and psychology than boring numerical analysis. With its well-paced and easy reading style, this book shows how the resulting correlation and causality of data impacts our lives and definitely makes us think differently about facts and figures. The authors, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, contend, "What this book is about is stripping a layer or two from modern life and seeing what is happening underneath," exposing why conventional wisdom is so often wrong. In effect, there are real tangible benefits in thinking laterally. To be sure, their seemingly off-the-wall comparisons are definitely attention grabbers. Who would have ever thought to make the unlikely comparison of teachers and sumo wrestlers to show that economics is, in essence, the study of incentives. But for those of you who desire a smooth flowing book, with multiple concepts building to an ultimate conclusion, you might be disappointed. Actually, the book presents six wholly different topics, with no unifying theme. And while Freakonomics does jump seemingly randomly from question to question, there are some lessons to be learned. For example, the book demonstrates that the most obvious reason why something happens is not always the real reason. To be sure, sometimes the real reason doesn’t even make the list of possibilities. Or, as is often true in the case studies given in Freakonomics, the cause turns out not to be the cause at all, but the effect.

Perhaps the most hard-hitting and controversial riddle tackled by Freakonomics explores the cause of the dramatic drop in the U.S. crime rate in the chapter "Where Have All the Criminals Gone?" The book explains that by the 1990s violent crime had grown to epic proportions in the United States. Experts everywhere, from law enforcement to government agencies could only predict that it would get worse. The American way had somehow produced and coined the term "superpredator." "Death by gunfire", intentional and otherwise, had become commonplace. And then, instead of going up, the crime rate suddenly started to drop profoundly- by over 40 percent in just a few years. By studying crime statistics from all over the country in comparison with abortion statistics in the era after the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, Freakonomics arrives at a startling conclusion. The book submits that the highly publicized drop in America’s violent crime rate since 1990 is due almost entirely to legalized abortion, rather than better police work, new gun laws, or any of a number of other factors put forward by agencies of all stripes eager to take credit for it. Although the authors concede they have "managed to offend just about everyone," from conservatives, (because "abortion could be construed as a crime-fighting tool") to liberals, (because "the poor and black women were singled out"), they stick strictly to the evidence, admitting that this view "should not be misinterpreted as either an endorsement of abortion or a call for intervention by the state in the fertility decisions of women." The book verifies its conclusion by consistently dismantling argument after argument for the other touted factors and keeps returning to the cause and effect of evidence at hand. After all, the "truth" as the authors see it, is not always convenient.

The other topics explored in Freakonomics, while not as controversial, are equally interesting. In fact, some could be considered amusing. If you are looking to spruce up you intellect for the next cocktail party, or widen your eyes to the world around you, then this book is a necessary read. However, what might be considered a turnoff by some is the annoying insertion of quotations from external sources about how innovative or creative the authors are as a precursor to every chapter. That being said, it is refreshing to have an odd economist, or at least an economist who ask odd questions to tease out the most fascinating facts concerning the mysteries of the world around us.

One word of advice: don’t buy this book in paperback. At the list price of $25.00, it rings up at only 95 cents cheaper than the hardback book, which is a much more attractive and sturdy volume. Plus, because the hardback has been available for much longer, you can actually find the hardback for significantly cheaper (more than $7) if you search a few bookstores.

After almost a year in publication, Freakonomics continues to make the bestseller lists, currently holding (at the time of writing this review) the much vaunted Amazon #1 seller position. If nothing else, that is an important statistic to keep in mind.

Jill 9 has a story line based around a psychologically disturbed female serial killer

The only lead the detectives have is the one thing all the victims have in common – all of the victims share the name, or sudunoume, of “Jill Walker”.

Young new weather-woman, Jill Wallokowski shines on camera stunning the television station staff and her audience. Unfortunately, she is stalked, attacked and targeted for death by some twisted members of her audience.

FBI agent Ian… is obsessed with the “Jill” serial killer and harbors a deep guilt and anger over the killings he could not prevent in the past &ndash especially the last one. Now, the “Jill Killer” has targeted the new weather-woman and Ian is driven in more ways than one to protect her. Their attraction for each other may just drive them both mad, but Ian knows he cannot become too close because he won’t be able to fully protect her.

This fiction novel could be classified as an action-suspense thriller. Involving a stalker, sexual deviant and serial killer, a serious team of FBI agents led by Ian Hamlin and the incomporable Jill Wallokowski.

Be prepared; this 300-page book contains some swearing and erotic scenes between the steamy pair. In closing, I would like to mention that I was moved by the author’s heart-felt dedication for Jill 9 to the men and women in the law enforcement fields who strive to keep every one of us safe.

ISBN#: 0-9767732-9-5

Author: J.D. Tynan

Publisher: Better Be Write Publishing

Published: 2006

At a time when new poker books are pouring onto store shelves, Dennis Purdy is the first author to offer a unique approach to learning poker with The Illustrated Guide to Texas Hold’Em. The former gambling pro uses a visual problem-solving approach rather than a textual approach at teaching poker strategy.

The first three chapters of the guide start off very similarly to many beginner books on the poker market, covering the basic rules of how to play Hold’Em, what you might wear to a table, how much you should buy-in for and some rules of good poker etiquette. The fourth chapter presents eight brief rules of ‘good basic poker strategy’ followed by a detailed explanation of actual odds and pot odds. Chapter five is where this book becomes unique as the next 300 pages are filled with 150 different, illustrated Texas Hold’Em poker scenarios, matched with the author’s answer to each of the practice situations! Purdy ends the book with a noteworthy 30 page poker terminology glossary.

The cover indicates that this guide may make a winner out of an advanced player but this book was really designed to captivate those unlikely readers that shy away from the other poker books already published. The introduction warns that this book is not ‘targeted towards sophisticated and knowledgeable players’, and I would agree. Advanced players will find too many examples stating ‘the obvious’ like situation #2: folding 27 offsuit before the flop.

Purdy’s advice is mostly in-line with most other poker authors however there are certainly some debatable answers to a few of his problems (i.e. Problem #46 suggests to cap the betting with 36s pre-flop?). There is often more than one correct way to play any individual poker hand however I sometimes found myself wondering why Purdy would suggest such advanced plays, especially since these situations can be easily misinterpreted by new players. The intention of this guide may have been to give definitive situational advice to poker scenarios, however, I suggest that readers actually place more importance on the general strategy advice given in the answers rather than the specific action to take. It’s really the whole strategic approach you take to the game that will make the most difference in your results.

The visual representation of each of the poker situations is by far this book’s greatest asset. I personally know readers to have picked up this book after ignoring the other acclaimed texts on the premise of its simple and fun-looking learning method. Another quality point is that no commitment is needed as the reader can easily review a couple pages and put the book back down again without losing the value of the material. The teaching pattern also follows through with its ideas, enabling the reader to encounter the same notions and strategies in various problems throughout the book (for example, each of situations #17, #38 & #148 address folding small pocket pairs in early position before the flop).

Due to the popular nature of problem solving game books, this style of teaching poker is expected to appeal to many players and will most likely be adopted in more books to come. Like many books of its nature, The Illustrated guide to Texas Hold’Em is not recommended as the only book to teach you sound poker strategy, but as a visual practice supplement for those players not interested in studying the more technical texts. Readers that insist on keeping the fun and excitement first and foremost in their poker education will appreciate this chance to learn without being bogged down with abstract concepts or complicated terminology.

Proof Evident is a newly released crime fiction novel by lawyer and controversial psychologist, John Dicke. The story line is based around a criminal case for Judge Avery Jackson who coldly murdered Sheriff Hardacre during his speech to 150 city officials. The problem is, Mr. Jackson has no memory of the event at all…

Jack Maine leaves the public service and starts up a private practice with the assistance of his talented wife while taking on this difficult and seemingly doomed case. His dedicated and patient staff includes a master investigator and a phenomenal young novice lawyer &ndash both of whom are fully aware they may not see a paycheck for some time. Jack’s nemesis is the quick-witted and well-financed defense team led by an ambitious attorney that is set on becoming “seen”. Death follows this case everywhere. Just when the lawyers feel they are getting somewhere – people start dropping like flies. Soon a CIA scandal is discovered that threatens national security, which powerful people are desperate to cover-up; meanwhile a drug ring threatens to take control of every aspect of the community.

John Dicke addresses the issue of pleading Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity, which is a much larger issue than I had previously been aware of. Even mentioning the plea will turn off a jury, who are hardened by the preconception that the plea is repeatedly used to falsely gain sympathy, and therefore, receive a lighter sentence for a crime they are guilty of committing.

John also shows the intense stress of an exhausting case, which can be exhilarating to intrigued lawyers bored with the mundane courthouse activities, and the temptations that could destroy those that have more desire than sense. Mr. Dicke uses elements of real life, historical events &ndash including the government scandal.

It is my opinion that Proof Evident is a book for deep-thinking individuals who favor courtroom drama – because there is a lot of it. I found myself wanting to skip through those sections, but had I done so the ending would have left me shocked and baffled. I loved the eventful conclusion and was surprised by a few characters as well. Overall, I think John Dicke has created an interesting novel that deserves to be given a chance by readers of this genre.

ISBN#: 0-9764981-5-4

Author: John Dicke

Publisher: Synergy Books

Author, Beresford McLean brings a new novel to his fans, this one delves into a time when British culture dominates over those within Jamaica. Providence Pond’s 500 pages are divided into four parts; each involves four generations of the King family between 1880-1920. The book closes with an afterword that provides insight into some of the issues in Jamaica over the years. Readers may want to read this section first, as it will definitely enrich the experience.

A mysterious Wiseman suddenly appears to a small group of seven individuals from Providence Pond just when matters were about to get out of hand. Asa, an aged shaman-like character, intends to begin a new branch of his “Family” within their community, and this scares some folks who are intimidated by the persecuting officials. But Asa leaves and does not return until much, much later &ndash bringing Congo King and Miss Hene along with him. There are numerous characters in Beresford’s novel but Congo, the co-leader of the new branch of Asa’s Family, is the leading role.

When I began this project, I was under the mistaken impression that it would be about a cultural clash between two peoples. Instead, the story seems to be more about a small group of people in a rural area who have children and the children have children &ndash the readers witnessing all the drama from adultery, romance, jealousy and greed.

Anticipation of a mistaken impression could have lead to my disappointment with some sections of the book. But the transformation of Detective Graham was something I wouldn’t have wanted to miss and I am glad that I read the book through to the end. I was certainly intrigued by the beliefs, culture and drumming &ndash perhaps due to our home-based business, Drum-it Percussion. Sadly, the story did not delve deeply into these subjects. However, the brief glimpses were certainly bright points for me.

Providence Pond is Mr. McLean’s second novel &ndash the first being Broken Gourds &ndash and is currently working on a third book. He is a generous man, deeply involved in numerous charities. Beresford actually emigrated from Jamaica to the United States roughly 36 years ago, and so writing about his homeland obviously slips easily into his novels.

This book would certainly appeal to readers who enjoy rural romance.

Publisher: Anancy Books

ISBN: 0-9753297-1-5

Quest for the Source of Darkness, Patricia Perry’s first novel, has an action fantasy story line with a strong mystery theme and an interesting romantic twist. This is no short novel, at 422 pages you’ll be kept entertained for quite a while.

The main hero character is a strong and gifted woman who is stricken with a form of memory loss. Little flashes of memory come to her, but she is frustrated with not knowing who she is and what her origins are. All she can remember is her name, Ramira.

Baffled in a tumultuous world of elves, dwarves and desert nomads, whose inability to co-exist peacefully could spell doom for all. They are forced to work together to battle the evil Mahn and his minions, a variety of demons from the low demons called Kreetch to the terrifying Vox, who are capable of possessing a body and torturing its soul for centuries.

The Elf Kings, Alyxandyr and Gard, and their royal peers – the Dwarf King, Seven, and the rulers of the Herkahs, Zada and Allad – converge together at the gates of grand city of Bystyn. Together their people find solace in numbers while they prepare to battle the sourcerous evil. Ramira discovers her power and learns that she is not meant to be alone. There is also a powerful seer and the hidden elf magic to aid her &ndash but they all must grow in strength if there is to be any hope at all.

Patricia does not explain things in this novel. Instead, the book expertly unfolds little tantalizing bits to the reader at just the right pace. Quest for the Source of Darkness is a larger-sized book that will take the reader on fantasy adventure for many days.

ISBN#: 141377427X

Author: Patricia Perry

Publisher: Publish America

Joyce Meyers has been inspiring Christians for decades with the pearls of inspirational wisdom which she has faithfully shared via her radio program and books. Now, her husband Dave shares a powerful devotional crafted from a strong, personal walk with the Lord. Let’s take a look at the book that will certainly capture the attention of those drawn to Christian devotionals.

Dave Meyers is one of those rare men who works quietly in the shadow of their wife’s ministry. Joyce Meyers, who has been inspiring and motivating Christians for decades is a strong inspirational and motivational speaker in her own right. Still, Joyce credits the quiet, strong leadership of her husband in keeping her ministry on track as well as debt free. In reading Life Lines you will fully appreciate the saying, “still waters run deep” and quickly understand that Dave’s relationship with his Savior is a strong one.

Life Lines is only 126 pages in length, but each page is a separate devotional that stands by itself. On any given page the first thing that you will read is a Biblically based saying followed by the chapter and verse that the saying is based upon. The body of the devotional is a 1-2 paragraph exposition of the text full of wisdom and laced with nuggets of truth. Indeed, on page 98 Meyers states: God is more interested in your stability than your tranquility. He then references Psalm 1:2-3 for supporting text and sums up how “a life rooted in God and His Word is like a tree rooted in the eternal stream.”

The devotional is composed of five chapters featuring five separate themes:

Faith

Grace and Forgiveness

Character

Life in Christ

Secrets of Daily Living

I personally like to read devotionals from varying themes on one day or several devotionals from the same theme on another day. You may find yourself cracking open the Word and reading the supporting chapter to glean the most out of every devotional. Truly, Meyer’s book exhorts believers to seek God’s will for every aspect of their lives. In that, this book is a real gem.

Life Lines is published by Warner Faith, New York, 2004 and is available at Christian bookstores everywhere or through Joyce Meyers Ministries.

Mrs. Salinas has written a very nice romance novel that readers can disappear in for a few days. The Captain Has Her Heart was just recently released, but is already stealing hearts!

The main character, April, is a nurse who really loves her job and often takes on extra shifts. Her husband is away completing his internship to become a Doctor. April is awoken by a man that comes in with an unusual fever &ndash in fact they are both awaken by each other. She returns to her empty home only to receive a “dear John” letter from her husband who wants a hurried and clean divorce so that he can pursue his new interest.

Shocked and staggered by the loss of the plans that she had for her life, April’s strong spirit soon has her taking on the job of a traveling nurse &ndash and ends up not only finding herself but a whole lot more.

Commercial pilot careers are notorious for short-term relationships, but Trig Power was more than willing to take the chance when fate kept placing April near him. He adores her deeply but must also face a shattering experience before he can do anything else. In the end, he learns that what makes a man cannot be seen in a mirror.

Author, A.G. Salinas is a wife and mother of three. She shares a similar career with her main character, which really helps her bring the experience of nursing to her readers.

ISBN#: 1-4241-1111-0

Author: A. G. Salinas

Publisher: Publish America

Published: 2006

The Chaos Cycle by John Kerchack is destined for the best sellers list! I couldn’t put it down and was quite frustrated when my life kept interrupting my reading sessions during the review process of this book. Honestly, my husband would talk to me and I wouldn’t even know it. He even made and served supper and I was scarcely aware of what had happened. I heard some banging of a pot lid being taken out of a drawer and then all of a sudden there was this steaming plate of food in front of me and the amused face of my husband beaming back at me.

The author uses excellent writer skills that provide a steady flow of suspense. His characters are full, realistic &ndash you really feel like you are right there. Not like watching a movie, but rather, right THERE. This is a rare talent indeed, and as a writer myself I can only envy it. John has incredible insight into the thought process of his characters – from those of the small abused children to the brutal killer.

Here we are taken on a chaotic ride while Harris and his team of talented detectives track down those responsible for a relentless murder spree in the state of Maryland, USA. I would classify The Chaos Cycle as a murder-thriller fiction novel with moments of brutal violence.

The cover is absolutely a work of art. The first thing my husband said when he saw it on my desk was “Wow! Check out this cover!” I’ve reviewed nearly 100 books to date and this is the first time anyone in my family reacted this way to a book cover.

The book itself is of very good quality and is a nice size &ndash at 288 pages.

Time will slip away for the reader who opens THIS book!

ISBN#: 1-4137-8536-0

Author: John Kerchack

Publisher: Publish America

Author Todd McClimans is a 5th grade teacher and young father, who lives in Nevada with his family. Todd has been writing short stories for his students for more than 10 years and The Elf Prince is his first novel. Currently, Todd is working on a sequel to this book and has two other book projects ahead in his future.

All the elements for a wonderfully mystical tale for youth, and for those with youthful minds are here in this novel. Haunting dreams, caring creatures of the forest, magical swords, a quest to defeat wickedness and free its captives along with humorous moments and unique characters – truly, it is all here. Each of Todd’s characters is pressed to find their individual strengths, to accept the uniqueness of their abilities and learn respect for things they once held reservations about.

There are three main characters in The Elf Prince. “Tenii” is a half-breed Man-Dwarf and just might be the most interesting wizard readers will have met in a long time. “Petra”, a gorgeous young fawn, has a persistent and doggedly determined nature that saves them all more than once. Finally there is “Dantin”, the 11 year-old half-breed Elf-Man Prince – who along with his two courageous friends endeavor to break the dominance of Dantin’s cold-hearted, ruthless uncle. They cannot do this alone and are aided more than once by their friends: Tierra, the she-elf Princess and Byron, the leader of a tribe of Dwarf warriors.

I have to say this was an excellent novel. Scene transition moved smoothly from one to the next in a realistic and engaging style. I completely enjoyed each stage of the tale and did not want it to end. The gorgeous book cover is certainly an asset to The Elf Prince, which pictures one of the two intricately carved magical medallions that play a part in the tale.

ISBN#: 1-4137-8553-0

Author: Todd McClimans

Publisher: Publish America