false 1 73 70 true 5688157 read 3 true 2882681 currently-reading 0 true 2882680 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78531098 to: SuperFreakonomics: Tales of Altruism, Terrorism, and Poorly Paid Prostitutes (Hardcover) by Steven D. Levitt
More great insights from the Freakonomics guys. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77201883 to: The Governor (Hardcover) by Rod Blagojevich
I read this book to see what Blagojevich had to say about his situation and to learn about the ins and outs of Chicago politics. From that perspective, the book was OK as the Governor did write about those things. However, the book could easily have been condensed from 250 pages to 100 without losing any content of value, unless you want to read about the Blagojeviches decorating their Christmas tree or the Governor's 5th through 20th protestations of innocence. But then, he wouldn't have had a book.

As far as the history goes, I don't know. I appreciate hearing his side of the story, and he does point out some fishy aspects to the whole episode. I'm willing to see how the story plays out in the courts. The Governor may very well have gotten shafted in the whole deal. But as far as the book itself goes, it was pretty mediocre. I'm glad I got it from the public library and didn't buy it. Guaranteed this thing will be a very cheap remainder next year.

If you live and vote in Illinois, you should read what he has to say. Illinois voters need to clean house. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76885321 to: The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power (Paperback) by Jeff Sharlet
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76475680 to: In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect (Hardcover) by Ronald Kessler
This is an easy read, mostly filled with entertaining yet enlightening "war" stories of Secret Service protection from the time of Harry Truman forward. The serious message of this book is that the Service is underfunded, has poor management, and regularly compromises on its mission of providing security to the President and its other protectees. Definitely worth reading, and it won't take you very long, either. Also, it is refreshing to read a book about Washington that doesn't have any bias, right or left. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74190598 to: Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government (Hardcover) by Glenn Beck
Good, documented information presented in an engaging manner. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70394423 to: Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East (Hardcover) by Dennis Ross
I can't think of a better book to inform oneself about the current state of affairs & choices facing the US in the Middle East. I thought this book was very fair in examining the two competing schools of thought within the government over the past few decades vis a vis the Middle East. Ross & Makovsky present their views on how the US should address the situations in Israel/Palestine, Iran, Lebanon/Syria, and the Middle East at large. Frankly, their prescriptions seem very compelling. With David Ross now working in the Obama administration, I hope his views are taken to heart.

Read this book and you'll gain a much better insight into what is happening, and why, in the Middle East over the coming few years. You will also be able to anticipate the likely effectiveness of future US actions & policies in the region.

With the exception of 5 or 6 pages that seemed to go a little over the top in praising the history of US-Israel relations, I can't recommend this book highly enough to those interested in government, foreign affairs, US security, and the Middle East in general. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49123367 to: Never Quit the Fight (Hardcover) by Ralph Peters
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/28077488 to: Words That Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear (Hardcover) by Frank Luntz
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