eBooks About Politics

Black Ops by W.E.B Griffin eBook edition

2009-01-28T08:51:00.001-08:00

Henri shares his latest reading experience.

I’ve been on a reading binge and filling my spare time with books that stir up emotions around the themes of war, heroism, and patriotism. The latest is Black Ops by W.E.B. Griffin. He has been an author of note for nearly as long as I have been reading.

Griffin entered the military in 1946 and combines his experience with his considerable talent to draw plots and characters that compel you to keep reading.

Griffin’s main character is a blend of virtues and vices that compel me to like him. He is the son of two wealthy families who was raised in Europe and Texas. He has language skills and other capacities that made him stand out in the military roles he played but now he has become a Special Ops Warrior. How Griffin makes all of this work is a mystery to me but it works marvelously.

With Griffin you always feel like you have a seat at the big table and are watching significant events unfold. Black Ops is no exception. I bought it immediately and read it in two sessions separated only by family obligations. As usual it left me hungry for the next novel in the series.

I really enjoy reading novels that explore human values and the strengths and weaknesses of various social and political approaches to life. They do have to ring true in my ear past the fact that they are obviously only works of fantasy. Griffin’s latest book does ring true.

It comes down to something as simple as this, I read fiction to be entertained and if I am happy I chose that book at the end that is all I can ask of any author.

Black Ops delivers.

Here is the publishers take:

The Russian bear is stirring and its hungry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series thrilling fifth novel.The first disturbing reports reached Delta Force Lieutenant Colonel Charley Castillo in the form of backchannel messages concerning covert U.S. intelligence assets working for a variety of agencies suddenly gone missing and then, suddenly, inexplicably, found dying. Or dead. One in Budapest, Hungary. One in Kiev, Ukraine. One in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, mere klicks from the Iran border. And then one in Virginia, along the Potomac River, practically in the shadow of CIA headquarters.Castillo finds the information both infuriating and fascinating, particularly after a recent experience with two CIA traitors whose own deaths were swift and suspicious.

Despite there being some similarities, though, he thinks there's something different with these new cases, something he can't quite put his finger on. At first, its an idle thought, but Castillo expects it's only a matter of time before the commander in chief assigns him and his group of troubleshooters in the innocuously named Office of Organizational Analysis to look into the deaths while all those intel agencies fight among themselves trying to put the pieces together.

Meanwhile, Castillo has problems of his own; fallout from recent missions involving a clandestine rescue of a DEA agent from South American drug runners, and the confiscation of some fifty million dollars from thieves in the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal. He's made more than a few enemies, he knows both foreign and domestic. And then comes another back-channel message, this one delivered personally by his lethal friend, the Russian mobster arms dealer. All that has happened so far, he says, is just a warm-up for what's about to come out of the Kremlin.

Could sabers be rattling for a new Cold War? Or worse? Presidential Agent C. G. Castillo is about to find out. . . .

Filled with Griffin's trademark rich characters and cutting-edge drama, this is another exceptional novel in an exceptional series.

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The Audacity of Hope eBook edition

2008-12-10T10:50:00.001-08:00

It is eerily fitting that the author of The Audacity of Hope was written by a man who had the audacity to run for President of the United States of America. One look at the portrait on the cover told you that his chance to be President was roughly equivalent to the proverbial snowball in hell.

And yet somehow we woke up this morning with "a skinny black kid with a funny name" as the next President of the USA. Unbelievable from where I sit!

It wasn't that long ago (70 years) that the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow a "colored" woman to give a concert in their hall. As a side note -- I always find this story the ultimate irony! Women who's ancestors fought and died for freedom actually denying Marian Anderson access to a building! But I digress.

I am old enough to remember Selma and Montgomery and the passage of the Voting Rights Act. I am old enough to have heard Martin Luther King voice his dream.

In those dark days it seemed an impossible dream! Just the idea that his "children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" was unfathomable. And yet this morning those children will wake up to a country where their Dad's dream has come true!

My Dad used to say that "we are saved by hope." As a teenager I thought it was perhaps the corniest thing I had ever hears. And yet this morning I can't help but think that he was on to something.

After all. what keeps us going in the face of incredible odds? It is sometimes simply the belief in a positive outcome; the feeling we can get what we want or that at the very least everything will turn out for the best.

Hope brings out the best in all of us. Hope is the sometimes the only thing that gets us out of bed in the morning. Hope is the bedrock of the American Dream. And at least for this moment in time, hope reigns in America.

If you haven't done so yet, do yourself a favor and read Barak Obama's message of hope:

In July 2004, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. One phrase in particular anchored itself in listeners’ minds, a reminder that for all the discord and struggle to be found in our history as a nation, we have always been guided by a dogged optimism in the future, or what Senator Obama called “the audacity of hope.”

Now, in The Audacity of Hope, Senator Obama calls for a different brand of politics–a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship and alienated by the “endless clash of armies” we see in congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of “our improbable experiment in democracy.” He explores those forces–from the fear of losing to the perpetual need to raise money to the power of the media–that can stifle even the best-intentioned politician. He also writes, with surprising intimacy and self-deprecating humor, about settling in as a senator, seeking to balance the demands of public service and family life, and his own deepening religious commitment.

At the heart of this book is Senator Obama’s vision of how we can move beyond our divisions to tackle concrete problems. He examines the growing economic insecurity of American families, the racial and religious tensions within the body politic, and the transnational threats–from terrorism to pandemic–that gather beyond our shores. And he grapples with the role that faith plays in a democracy–where it is vital and where it must never intrude. Underlying his stories about family, friends, members of the Senate, even the president, is a vigorous search for connection: the foundation for a radically hopeful political consensus.

A senator and a lawyer, a professor and a father, a Christian and a skeptic, and above all a student of history and human nature, Senator Obama has written a book of transforming power. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to our Constitution, he says, can Americans repair a political process that is broken, and restore to working order a government that has fallen dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans. Those Americans are out there, he writes–“waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them.”

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Speaking for Myself by Cherie Blair eBook edition

2008-12-03T12:22:00.001-08:00

Do you ever play the game? You know, the one where you sit around with a bunch of people and talk about which famous (or almost famous) person you would like to sit down and have dinner with? We play it often. And in the last few years I have often said, "Cherie Blair." I just had a feeling . . .

I mean, here is a woman who is married to the Prime Minister of England, works as an attorney (and in this book I found out she is also a judge), has a family and still manages to show up for official functions.

You can tell from her accent that she isn't exactly "upper crust" and the British Press have a field day reporting on her. Most of the reporting less than flattering, but somehow managing to show her as a REAL flesh and blood person with a real inner life.

Often these conjectures about people are hilariously off base. But in Cherie Blair's case they may not be.

Speaking for Myself is her accounting of her life. Her telling of her own history is frank, opinionated, unsentimental and humorous. It is at times a painfully honest account of who she is (and not always to her benefit).

She is a study in contrasts and contradictions. A high achieving professional and a devoted wife and mother. A political operator who has a tin ear when it comes to handling people and personalities. A pugnacious defender of her husband who sees him warts and all. She has tremendous insecurities about money and this drives her to make some very unwise choices. She is in fact, very human. I ended up liking her a lot!

And even if you don't like her much, her "ringseat to history" make this compelling reading. Her recounting of the events, stories about the people and insights into government make it a fascinating read.

Sure, some of the intricacies of the British legal system and Parliamentary maneuverings are dense and to me as an American a little boring. But her story and her voice will keep you reading.

Here is the publisher's notes:

Even if she hadn't married Tony Blair, Cherie's story would have been amazing. Abandoned by her actor father, she overcame obstacles to become one of the UK's most successful barristers. But when Labour took power in 1997, she faced new challenges: her husband was the first prime minister in recent history with a young family, and Cherie was the first PM's wife with a serious career. Now, she gives a complete account of her own life--an astonishing journey for a woman whose unconventional childhood was full of drama and who grew up with a fierce sense of justice.

In her autobiography she reveals for the first time what it was like to combine life as a working mother with life married to the prime minister. She writes about her encounters with scores of foreign leaders and her friendships with Presidents Clinton and Bush, as well as with Hillary and Laura. And she offers inside details of her relationships with the royals, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana.

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The Secret History of the American Empire eBook edition

2008-07-14T14:27:00.001-07:00

This week Henri give us an analysis of his "light" weekend reading with a review of John Perkins' The Secret History of the American Empire. He calls it

John Perkins and Caesar

If you have ever wondered what it was like to live in the time of Christ you may have been interested enough to read a little of the history of the Roman Empire. Imperial might reached its longest lasting pinnacle in recorded human history starting around that time. The might of that empire has long faded but its works still are visible over much of the Continent where it was born. Is this Republic going the way of the Roman Republic which preceded the Empire? Are we becoming a modern version of Rome?

I think it is unlikely after reading several books promoting that point of view. Most of them were thoughtful and insightful but it is a false premise that defines their argument. In the power of the corporations that define our economic empire, if the word even fits this model, there is a whole new thing altering the face of this planet. Whether the corporate model should be used in building a human social and economic system, and whether it is good or evil, remains to be seen. What is clearly true is that it is not built on either the Roman model or even the colonial model of the British Empire. Imperial power is less the issue than raw economic force in this world.

John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" and his new book, The Secret History of the American Empire, comes down on the side of the argument that points out the evils in the system. While it would be impossible to argue about the evils of some of the actions he writes about it is also hard to swallow whole the imperial construct he sees operating here.

I give this latest book a good rating because it could wake up a few people who have not traveled extensively in the poorer nations. The argument that we as a nation are the author of much of the misery that is engendered there is even easy to follow. But that argument is erroneous in that it is ascribing the power to the USA to alter that piece of the world very much for the better or worse by manipulating corporations. Those corporations are manipulating every government on earth at this point in history. Ours is no exception. The difference here is that we can take back our power over our government if we are willing to pay the attention to politics that such an act requires.

The issue of Imperial power versus corporate power needs to be addressed in every nation on earth. The power of corporate interests transcends any nation state's power in the world we live in today. We started forming governments to protect us from the tribe down the block as much as any one thing. If there were any litanies being said today they might include the plea to God, "From the power of the corporate raiders oh Lord deliver us." Part of the financial mess in this country is due to the chaos engendered by diverse corporate interests hijacking our government and using it as a tool for increasing their power.

I do recommend this latest book and hope that it doesn't depress you too much. It has that capacity but it also makes some good points and has some honest statements about the perversion of power and the capacity to create wealth when it is not used for the benefit of humanity. Do read it if you have the stomach it requires.

The Publishers' analysis follows:

Riveting expose of international corruption-and what we can do about it, from the author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, which spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list. In his stunning memoir, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins detailed his former role as an "economic hit man" in the international corporate skullduggery of a de facto American Empire. This riveting, behind-the-scenes expose unfolded like a cinematic blockbuster told through the eyes of a man who once helped shape that empire.

Now, in The Secret History of the American Empire, Perkins zeroes in on hot spots around the world and, drawing on interviews with other hit men, jackals, reporters, and activists, examines the current geopolitical crisis. Instability is the norm: It's clear that the world we've created is dangerous and no longer sustainable. How did we get here? Who's responsible? What good have we done and at what cost? And what can we do to change things for the next generations? Addressing these questions and more, Perkins reveals the secret history behind the events that have created the American Empire, including: * The current Latin-American revolution and its lessons for democracy * How the "defeats" in Vietnam and Iraq benefited big business * The role of Israel as "Fortress America" in the Middle East * Tragic repercussions of the IMF's "Asian Economic Collapse" * U.S. blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela * Jackal (CIA operatives) forays to assassinate democratic presidents.

From the U.S. military in Iraq to infrastructure development in Indonesia, from Peace Corps volunteers in Africa to jackals in Venezuela, Perkins exposes a conspiracy of corruption that has fueled instability and anti-Americanism around the globe. Alarming yet hopeful, this book provides a compassionate plan to reimagine our world.

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The Scandal Plan: Or: How to Win the Presidency by Cheating on Your Wife (eBook edition)

2008-06-16T14:07:00.001-07:00

I admit it. . . I am (or at least I used to be) something of a political junkie. A regular watcher of CNN, MSNBC,CNBC and Comedy Central (Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert).

This year has been something else! Almost in spite of myself, I ended up watching all of the debates; both Democratic and Republican. I am pretty sure I watched election night coverage for every primary. I even watched Hillary's concession speech on Saturday. At this point, I am pretty well burned out on politics.

So if I am so sick of politics, why did I pick up The Scandal Plan by Bill Folman? Probably because I couldn't help myself.

Satire appeals to my sense of the absurd and I am always a sucker for a good farce. OK, I know it is hard to believe that anything could be more farcical then this year's election process; but actually this particular book is!

Folman pokes fun at the American obsession with image and political correctness. We want our candidates to be perfect; but not too perfect. We want them to be Statesmen; but we want to sit down and have a beer with them. We want them to be authentic; but we are unforgiving of any slips of the tongue or small gaffes.

Folman also has a little fun with the media. He pokes fun at the 24 hour news cycle and the silliness of over reporting. He points out how really easy it is to create a news story out of nothing.

The book is an easy read and it is tempting to pass it off as silly and overly cynical. But I found it to be surprisingly insightful. Folman takes dead aim at the current political landscape and almost always hits his marks. If nothing else it is a great morality tale on the unintended consequences of a lie.

The Scandal Plan is highly entertaining; the perfect answer to political burnout and a great beach read!

The publisher says:

Senator Ben Phillips is the perfect man for the presidency. If only he weren't such a straight arrow. He's getting battered in the polls, and with only a few months until Election Day, his staff is growing desperate. Enter Thomas Campman, political guru. On a sudden inspiration, the eccentric Campman is convinced he can revitalize the candidate's image by creating a fake sex scandal for him. Nothing too over-the-top—just a little scandal to make Phillips seem more human. Maybe even cool.

Though it takes some convincing, Phillips gives Campman the green light. The plan is set in motion, and, right on schedule, a phony former mistress steps forward to accuse the senator of infidelity. But scandals—even the premeditated kind—rarely go as planned. Before long, Campman's scheme snowballs into a three-ring circus complete with a linguistically challenged Mexican chauffeur who thinks he's James Bond, a highly sexed middle-aged woman who's convinced she'll never land one of the really good guys, and a political cub reporter for TeenVibe magazine who's sure he's on the trail of the biggest story since Watergate.

For those too well acquainted with politics-as-usual, The Scandal Plan is the perfect antidote. It's a witty political farce in the tradition of Jon Stewart and Dave Barry that will have readers—and even candidates—laughing all the way to the polls.

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Truth & Frenzy

2008-03-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

'Truth & Consequences' by Keith Olbermann. The book is well written; Olbermann has an obvious gift for words and the writing is partly amusing, partly sarcastic and always deadly serious. I suppose the comments would be better if they were spoken, however there are some of us who do not get his television station (in my case because the cable company chose that station alone as the only news channel to be made a "premium channel") and these are comments that should be preserved and read again and again. Whether you agree with his viewpoint or not, you cannot deny Keith's skills as a writer. The most interesting parts of the book to me were his explanations of what he was thinking when he wrote each Special Comment, or to what he was reacting. He gives credit to his high school teachers for the endless writing drills that turned out to be perfect training for broadcast writing!

'Fat Envelope Frenzy' by Joie Jager-Hyman. I really enjoyed reading this eBook. It is still shocking to me how hard it is to get into an Ivy League school, so it's great to get a former college admission's officers take on things. The author definitely demystified things--for instance I never knew that being wait-listed in all but the rarest cases means your out. But the best thing about this book is the five kids who are followed during the year they are applying to college. One is the US champion in rhythmic gymnastics. Another spent his summers in China working in orphanages. Another is a math machine. And a fourth had his family home trashed in Hurricane Katrina. All such fascinating teenagers, with really moving stories. Great Read. Use the Coupon Code below to receive a Discount on these two eBook Titles.

TRUTH & CONSEQUENCES eBook edition by Olbermann, Keith

Keith Olbermann is the host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC. A veteran broadcaster, he was the co-anchor (with Dan Patrick) of ESPN’s SportsCenter from 1992 to 1997 and helped to launch ESPN2 and ESPN Radio Network.

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Fat Envelope Frenzy eBook edition by Jager-Hyman, Joie

A former Ivy League admissions officer, Joie Jager-Hyman follows five bright and eager high schoolers—students from diverse ethnic, social, and financial backgrounds—as they each put their best foot forward on the road they hope will lead them to the hallowed halls of Harvard University.

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Planes, Trains, And Automobiles, Oh and Politics

2008-01-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

'Riding Toward Everywhere' by William T. Vollmann. Getting on and off moving trains can be a dangerous business: Vollmann has many tales about broken limbs and lost legs. You will learn about the people in this life. People outside the life, are referred to derisively as "citizens", and inside the group, there are codes of conduct. It's all rather like, in a way, homeless street people--people who live outside the normal boundaries of society. It's a fascinating look at a little-known life.

'The Power of the Vote' by Douglas E. Schoen. This eBook offer's incredible insights into the country's political process. Important, and thought-provoking book. Schoen obviously loves and intimately knows about politics. In this eBook, he skillfully informs us about the inner workings of the political process in a perceptive and entertaining manner. I not only enjoyed reading it, but I feel much smarter for having done so. You will too. Use the Coupon Code below for a Discount on one or both of these eBook Titles.

Riding Toward Everywhere eBook edition by Vollmann, William T.

Vollmann is a relentlessly curious, endlessly sensitive, and unequivocally adventurous examiner of human existence. He has investigated the causes and symptoms of humanity's obsession with violence (Rising Up and Rising Down), taken a personal look into the hearts and minds of the world's poorest inhabitants (Poor People), and now turns his attentions to America itself, to our romanticizing of "freedom" and the ways in which we restrict the very freedoms we profess to admire.

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Power of the Vote, The eBook edition by Schoen, Douglas E.

In The Power of the Vote, Douglas E. Schoen—one of the premier strategists in the history of Democratic politics—offers a never-before-seen glimpse inside the most pivotal campaigns of his storied career, providing an essential primer for understanding the elections of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

2007-12-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

'Bush On The Couch' by Justin A. Frank. The book was originally written in 2004 and examined the mind of Bush 43 through his actions, words and movements. The current book contains the original book, plus several additional sections that look at any changes, since the first book and to give a prognosis. What is contained in these pages is scary. Bush seems to have serious problems and it is a wonder we are not in worse shape than we are. Fascinating reading. Frightening when you think it's about someone who sits in the oval office.

'The Nine:' by Jeffrey Toobin. This book on the Supreme Court is the best book I have read this year. I am not a lawyer or legal scholar so much of the information about how the court operates was new to me. In additon I wanted to read about Bush v. Gore, the abortion decisions and the decisions on religious displays. I have wondered for years if the Bush v. Gore decision would come back to haunt us and damage our country, our confidence in the court and our faith in democracy and after reading this book I remain very much afraid that it might. Use the Coupon Code Below to receive a Discount on either or both of the eBook Titles.

Bush on the Couch Rev Ed eBook edition by Frank, Justin A.

With the Bush administration in permanent crisis, a renowned Washington psychoanalyst updates his portrait of George W.'s public persona—and how it has damaged the presidency.

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The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Toobin, Jeffrey

Bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin takes you into the chambers of the most importantâ€”and secretâ€”legal body in our country, the Supreme Court, and reveals the complex dynamic among the nine people who decide the law of the land.

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From The Sublime To The Ridiculous

2007-12-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

'An Inconvenient Book' by Glenn Beck. OK, sport's fans, I never thought I would say this, but Mr. Beck makes O'Reilly and company (take your pick) seem, oh I don't know, semi-literate. Reactionary to a fault, this man either has never been taught nuance--and its relationship to thinking critically--or, in the Ann Coulter fashion of punditry, say the most outlandish things to sell books. Either way, this quasi-fascist is the inconvenient problem to America's woes. Mr. Beck: Have you no decency?

'Bill Of Wrongs' by Molly Ivins, Lou Dubose. Molly Ivins has always been an inspiration to me. She tells the truth about often difficult subjects--being a progressive Texas journalist. However, she brings this forward with a distinctive wit, certainly needed now. Domestic and foreign policy headlines might continue providing late night comedy shows with lots of source material. But, they are depressing me and many other citizens, despite our never having voted for the man. The only thing which really makes me mad is that Molly is not around to promote this book's release. After all of the hard work which she put into warning Texas and the country, she should have been able to tour for this book. Life is so unfair. What is Fair…. Is the Coupon Code below, so that you can receive a Discount on either of these eBook Titles.

An Inconvenient Book: Real Solutions to the World's Biggest Problems eBook edition by Beck, Glenn

FUNNY. OUTRAGEOUS. TRUE. Have you ever wondered why some of the biggest problems we face, from illegal immigration to global warming to poverty, never seem to get fixed? The reason is simple: the solutions just aren't very convenient. Fortunately, radio and television host Glenn Beck doesn't care much about convenience; he cares about common sense. Take the issue of poverty, for example.

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BILL OF WRONGS eBook edition by Ivins, Molly, Dubose, Lou

Molly Ivins, a three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, began her career in journalism as the complaint department of the Houston Chronicle. She then went on to work for The Texas Observer, as co-editor, and The New York Times, as a political reporter and later as Rocky Mountain bureau chief.

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Does Everyone Have The Same Dreams?

2007-11-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

'Other Face of America' by Jorge Ramos. In The Other Face of America, Jorge Ramos, explores the important issue of Latino immigration. Using oral histories, he shows the human side of immigrants attempting to provide for their family and improve their quality of life. This is an important issue and what is needed is good solid reporting not one-sided opinions. Ramos seems too lazy to do the research. He simply threw together a number of essays written over the years and calls it a book. Thus, we hear no less than six times why the birth rate of Latino families is greater than American families. He cannot even be bothered to edit his work so he ends up repeating himself. It is unfortunate that this respected reporter has not taken the time and effort to explore, analyze, research, and evaluate the immigration issue. I rarely blog about books I don't like but I just had to on this one. Read for yourself…
'Substance of Style' by Virginia Postrel. I found this eBook smart, fun to read, and correct. She tells us that we have entered the "Age of Aesthetics," a time when beauty and style are to be found everywhere, at least for market economies. Every product, every place, and every experience now is supposed to offer a touch of the aesthetic. The reason is simple: increasingly wealthy and sophisticated customers demand "an enticing, stimulating, diverse, and beautiful world." Upon first hearing of Virginia Postrel's new project, I confess I was somewhat taken aback. After her fascinating analysis of political thought in The Future and Its Enemies, what was she doing writing about something as ephemeral as style? I therefore approached her new work with some trepidation, as I wasn't sure where she might take such an odd (to me) topic. I need not to have worried. Below is a Coupon Code for a Discount on these two eBook Titles.

The Other Face of America, eBook edition by Ramos, Jorge

Immigrants in America are at the heart of what makes this country the most prosperous and visionary in the world. Writing from his own heartfelt perspective as an immigrant, Jorge Ramos, one of the world's most popular and well-respected Spanis

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The Substance of Style, eBook edition by Postrel, Virginia

Whether it's sleek leather pants, a shiny new Apple computer, or a designer toaster, we make important decisions as consumers every day based on our sensory experience. Sensory appeals are everywhere, and they are intensifying, radically changing how Americans live and work. The twenty-first century has become the age of aesthetics, and whether we realize it or not, this influence has taken over the marketplace, and much more.

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Interesting, Interesting, Interesting...

2007-11-14T09:02:00.001-08:00

'Testimony' by Nicolas Sarkozy. Testimony is an engaging read for anyone interested in French politics and social issues, and should be required reading for every candidate running for presidential office. Sarkozy demonstrates more faith in American society than most Americans do these days. "America's strength," he observes, "is that it was able . . . to identify its own weaknesses, and decide together as a society to remedy them, and then to take action without useless nostalgia about the past."
'Meant To Be' by Walter Anderson. I was watching the O'Reilly Show when he was interviewing Walter Anderson concerning his book "Meant to Be". Based on the few details he revealed, I knew it was a book I had to read. As soon as the show was over, I went to eBooksAboutEverything.com web site and bought the eBook. I was not disappointed. It is a very enjoyable read. I cannot wait for other members of my reading group to read it. Check below for the Coupon Code to receive a Discount on these two eBook Titles.

Testimony by Sarkozy, Nicolas

In an important book from the newly elected president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy sets forth his personal vision of France's role in world affairs and his plans for modernizing the country and equipping it for the twenty-first century.

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Meant To Be eBook edition by Anderson, Wal

Published to strong reviews and major media attention, this heartfelt and inspirational rags–to–riches memoir by the highly regarded CEO of Parade Publications tells the emotional story of how he came to terms with an identity

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Somthing Old, Somthing New...

2007-10-26T10:02:00.001-07:00

'For Love of Politics: Bill and Hillary Clinton: The White House Years' by Sally Bedell Smith. This eBook is fascinating in that it looks inside the marriage as a powerful partnership that, despite its famous flaws, works beyond the wildest dreams of most people. They've made it work for their common goal. Many of the details of For Love of Politics are well known - Whitewater, Paula Jones, Vince Foster, health care - but the author's intention is, I think, an attempt to understand and explain the complex relationship between Bill and Hillary Clinton. I do not view the book as yet another in an endless litany of campaign propaganda. Despite the length, anyone familiar with the Clintons can read this book very quickly. The stories are familiar, but the perspective is unique.
'The Girl Watchers Club: Lessons from the Battlefields of Life' by Harry Stein. You really get to know & enjoy this lively group, just simple people/guys at first, but ultimately, you realize, complex. In addition, you will understand how these guys from humble beginnings who were allowed to develop to their full potential in a free society helped make America great in the Twentieth Century. However, Harry Stein seems to be suffering from the conservative equivalent of liberal guilt. Contemplating the inequities of a 60's draft that he admits to having evaded, Stein philosophically strokes his chin and says, "I still think the war was wrong, but maybe I should have gone." In spite of its flaws, however, this is a eBook well worth reading! Check below for the Coupon Code to receive a discount on these to eBook titles.

FOR LOVE OF POLITICS eBook edition by Smith, Sally Bedell

During their eight years in the White House, Bill and Hillary Clinton worked together more closely than the public ever knew. Their intertwined personal and professional lives had far-reaching consequences–for politics, domestic policy, and international affairs–and their marital troubles became a national soap opera. Based on unparalleled access to scores of Clinton insiders–cabinet officers, top administration officials, close personal friends–and skilled analysis of a vast written record, including previously unavailable private papers, For Love of Politics is the first book to explain the dynamics of Bill and Hillary’s relationship, showing that they are two halves of a unique whole and that it is impossible to understand one Clinton without factoring in the other.

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Girl Watchers Club, The eBook edition by Stein, Harry

Harry Stein gives us the conversations of a group of older men who meet every week for lunch to reflect on their lives and the state of the world. What is a well–lived life? What is honour, and does it have a place in our society? A profound and poignant meditation on the meaning of honour, told through the words of men who lived life according to the forgotten rules of trust and responsibility. From these conversations, Stein shows us men who lived their lives according to values that have since been declared relative or obsolete: honour, responsibility, decency, and an uncynical commitment to being the best men they could be. Stein presents the stories of this remarkable group of men who lived through the difficult time of the mid–20th century and all its wars and social upheavals.

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Another Republician Bites The Dust!

2007-10-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

'Silent Partner' If you want to read this book you will want to read James McGreevey's book to get the whole picture. Two people who found each other but probably should have never gotten married in the first place. Dina must feel vindicated by telling her side and I don't blame her, but there really are 2 sides to every story. A tragedy for the little child being in the middle of all this, but how blessed Jam & Dina were to have this one positive thing come out of this unusual marriage.

'The Confession' I am glad he is at peace even if only making a half confession. I really am. What about the fact that he would have been running for President right now - had he not been caught? I was prepared to find McGreevey unlikable and pleading, but that was not the case. I could care less about the sex lives of these politicians. They may do whatever they wish as long as they do not do it in their place of business and remember that their position demands ethics -- it is their fiduciary duty to taxpayers -- as well as their duty to be a role-model for our nation's children. Any gay, purple, black, female or gorilla politician is fine with me -- I fully understood his concerns and recognized the dilemmas he faced. Well worth the read! Be sure to check below for you're coupon code for a discount on these two eBooks.

Silent Partner: A Memoir of My Marriage eBook edition by McGreevey, Dina

Dina Matos McGreevey speaks out for the first time in her New York Times bestselling memoir.In August 2004, New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey resigned from office, announcing that he was a "gay American." His wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, the picture of grace and loyalty, perfectly composed in her pale blue suit, gave no sign of the tangled emotions she felt that day, no hint of the devastation that was to come. Since then she has been asked repeatedly about the nature of her marriage, about what she knew and when she knew it. Since then, she has remained silent. Until now. Speaking up at last, Dina Matos McGreevey here recounts the details of her marriage to Jim McGreevey. What emerges is a tale of love and betrayal, of heartbreak and scandal.and, ultimately, of hope. With scalding honesty, she tells of her life with the former governor, of the passion for politics and public service that brought them together, and of the lies that tore them apart. It was anything but happily ever after

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The Confession eBook edition by McGreevey, James

More than a coming-out memoir, The Confession is the story of one man's quest to repair the rift between his public and private selves, at a time in our culture when the personal and political have become tangled like frayed electric cables. Teeming with larger-than-life characters, written with honesty, grace, and rare insight into what it means to negotiate the minefields of American public life, it may be among the most honest political memoirs ever written.a

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Change. Are We Ready?

2007-09-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

Change, are we ready? This is definitely a changing World as we know it. Hasn't that always been the case though? These two titles are very different but both talk about change in society, history, politics, families, religion, and the so called elite. I found that God and Hillary Clinton by Paul Kengor a good read. Despite my political views (which I won't go there!) I have a weakness when it comes to the Clinton's and wanting to know more. This book fulfilled my hunger. Again a very thoughtful perspective and well written book. Delux: How Luxury Lost It's Luster by Dana Thomas was a title I thought I would never read. This book was recommended to me by a friend so I took a chance. Boy I'm glad I did! The "Style and Cultural Reporter for Newsweek" Dana Thomas did a fantastic job on representing Change. A changing world and society. Very informative and accurate. This eBook will surprise you and leave you wanting more.

God and Hillary Clinton eBook edition by Kengor, Paul

For nearly three decades, political observers have sought to understand the complex relationship between Hillary Clinton's faith and her politics. Now, in this first spiritual biography of the former first lady, acclaimed historian Paul Kengor sets out to answer the elusive question: What does Hillary Clinton believe? Based on exhaustive research, God and Hillary Clinton tells the surprising story of Hillary's spiritual evolution, detailing how her lifelong religious beliefs have intertwined with her personal history to make her the politician that she is today. Born into a strict Methodist family and raised on a spiritual diet of private prayer and self-reliance, Hillary, at a young age, used the Methodist Church's emphasis on community service to catalyze her involvement in the changing world.

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Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Thomas, Dana

Dana Thomas, style and cultural reporter for Newsweek, brings a hard-hitting behind-the-scenes look at the world of "New Luxury" and how the massification of luxury goods has ensured that luxury isn't luxurious any longer There was a time when luxury was available to only the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty. Luxury wasn't simply a product, it was a lifestyle, one that denoted a history of tradition, superior quality, and a pampered buying experience. Today's luxury marketplace would be virtually unrecognizable to the old-world elite. Gone are the family-owned businesses dedicated to integrity and quality; the industry is now run by massive corporations focused only on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits. Handmade goods are practically extinct, and almost all manufacturing has been outsourced to large factories in places such as China, where your expensive brand-name handbag is being assembled right next to one from a mass-market label that will cost substantially less. Dana Thomas, a journalist who has covered style and the luxury business for The Washington Post, Newsweek,and The New York Times Magazine from Paris for the past fifteen years, digs down into the dark side of the luxury industry to uncover all the secrets that Prada, Gucci, and Burberry don't want us to know. Traveling from the laboratories in Grasse, where Christian Dior and Prada perfumes are manufactured, to the crowded factories in China, where workers glue together "Made in Italy" bags by the thousands, Thomas explores the whole of today's high-end shopping experience to answer some pressing questions: What is the new definition of luxury when advertising for this upscale lifestyle is targeted mainly to the middle-class masses? What are we paying for when quality has given way to quantity, and luxury is no longer just for the upper-class elite? Thomas has travelled all over the world to interview corporate heads and factory workers, the old-money, old-luxury clients and the new luxury-obsessed middle-class consumer, and she paints a surprising picture of today's New Luxury. With Deluxe, she delivers a fast-paced, uncompromising look at the real world behind the glossy magazines and red carpet couture and asks: How did luxury lose its luster?

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Innocence Lost... Now What?

2007-09-13T13:30:00.001-07:00

Innocence is lost. We are beyond that now. Knowing where we, as a culture and as individuals, go from here is enormously complex. This week's features deal with youth, sexuality, race, and social injustice - they are sure to increase our understanding of these complex issues. Don't forget to check below for this week's discount code for special savings on these titles and more.

Restless Virgins eBook edition
by Jones, Abigail

An honest, intimate look at the lives of today's teens—told through the true experiences of friends at a New England prep school

Established in 1798, Milton Academy has a proud history of achievement. It has educated artists and CEOs; it has produced a long line of distinguished scholars and dignitaries; and it has shepherded students through the world of high-pressure academics for generations. Since its founding, the public face of Milton had always been one of integrity and pride . . . until a sex scandal rocked the campus and made headlines in the spring of 2005. The offense? Teenagers doing no more than what others had done before them—except this time they got caught.

Restless Virgins is the riveting real-life story of a group of seniors who were there as the "incident" (as it came to be called) unfolded: Whitney, the athletic and sensual beauty every girl wants to be; Annie, who craves acceptance but is torn between the desire for peer approval and musical success; Jillian, the smart one who is sick of high school drama and desperate to go to college; and Reed, a "hockey god" who has it all but whose charisma masks a secret insecurity.

From "friends with benefits" to STDs, today's teens face a wider array of social and sexual opportunities—and pressures—than ever before. Through its eye-opening yet sensitive depiction of a group of normal kids with normal struggles, Restless Virgins offers an important look at contemporary adolescence no teen, parent, or educator can afford to miss. And it is written by two recent Milton graduates who know this world—and these students—like no others.

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White Guilt eBook edition
by Steele, Shelby

In 1955 the killers of Emmett Till, a black Mississippi youth, were acquitted because they were white. Forty years later, despite the strong DNA evidence against him, accused murderer O. J. Simpson went free after his attorney portrayed him as a victim of racism. The age of white supremacy has given way to an age of white guilt—and neither has been good for African Americans.

Through articulate analysis and engrossing recollections, acclaimed race relations scholar Shelby Steele sounds a powerful call for a new culture of personal responsibility.

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Whether the Storm? Are we responsible?

2007-08-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

As our world changes, there is so much focus on disaster... it seems to be everywhere. But in a culture dominated by the focus on human tradgedy, some great stories of human resiliance, compassion, reason, and growth emerge. We can learn what to do to prevent disaster, or when it is not preventable, how we can weather the storm.

Little Chapel on the River eBook edition
by Bounds, Gwendolyn

Forced from her downtown Manhattan apartment by the terrorist attack of September 11, journalist Wendy Bounds was delivered to Guinan's doorstep -- a legendary Irish drinking hole and country store nestled along the banks of the Hudson River in the small town of Garrison, New York -- by a friend.

Captivated by the bar's charismatic but ailing owner and his charming, motley clientele, Bounds uprooted herself permanently and moved to tiny Garrison, the picturesque river town they all call home. There she became one of the rare female regulars at the old pub and was quickly swept up into its rhythm, heartbeat, and grand history -- as related by Jim Guinan himself, the stubborn high priest of this little chapel. Surrounded by a crew of endearing, delightfully colorful characters who were now her neighbors and friends, she slowly finds her own way home.

Beautifully written, deeply personal, and brilliantly insightful, Little Chapel on the River is a love story about a place -- and the people who bring it to life.

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The Storm: What Went Wrong and Why During Hurricane Katrina--the Inside Story from One Louisiana Scientist eBook edition
by van Heerden, Ivor

The ultimate inside story: how bureaucracy, politics, and a disregard of science combined to cripple--perhaps forever--a great American city As deputy director of the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center, Ivor van Heerden had for years been warning state and local officials about New Orleans's vulnerability to flooding. But like Cassandra's, his predictions were ignored--until Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29, 2005. Suddenly, van Heerden found himself at the center of a media maelstrom. Stepping forward to challenge the official version of events, he revealed the truth about the city's shoddy levee construction. Now, in The Storm, van Heerden shares up-to-the-minute reporting from his investigations and connects the dots among the Army Corps of Engineers, the bureaucrats, the politicians, and the chain of events--both natural and human--that culminated in catastrophe. An epic of cutting- edge science and systemic bureaucratic failure, The Storm is the first book from a major player in the Katrina disaster and a riveting narrative that brings expertise, passion, and a human viewpoint to America's greatest natural disaster.

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Back to School - Required Reading Reinvented

2007-08-30T13:39:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Labor day we, at eBooksAboutEverything, are giving you an additional 5% off on these fun titles, to divert you from giving up your summer fun & buckling down to work...
Use coupon code: la78dy9 at checkout for this extra special discount.

Jinx by Cabot, Meg
ISBN: 9780061254437
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books
Year Published: 2007

The only thing Jean Honeychurch hates more than her boring name (not Jean Marie, or Jeanette, just . . . Jean) is her all-too-appropriate nickname, Jinx. Misfor-tune seems to follow her everywhere she...(by Meg Cabot, author of, "The Princess Diaries" & "Size 14 is Not Fat Either")

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FOREVER IN BLUE by Brashares, Ann
ISBN: 9780375843181
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Year Published: 2007

By the author of, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,"... Brashares continues to deliver a delightful and comforting story of friendship, life and more from the blue-jean's eye view...

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eBook Coupon Code for 8-22 to 8-29

2007-08-22T12:49:00.001-07:00

We love to use our blogs as a platfom to give out special rewards! So this week, use coupon the following coupon code at checkout for an extra 5% off your order total:

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