1 comments about Nature's Justice: Writings of William O. Douglas (Northwest Readers).

1. Few national leaders have shaped present-day America more positively than Justice William O. Douglas. The force of Douglas's ideas has had a profound influence on our world--from the individual liberties that we enjoy to his attitudes about protecting the natural world from human encroachment. At the core of it all is Douglas's idea of the human person. The advantages Americans enjoy over citizens of other nations, particularly totalitarian regimes " . . . are not in material things such as technology and standards of living. They relate to matters of the mind and the spirit . . . Man's moral and spiritual appetite, as well as his political ideals, demanded that he have freedom. Liberty was to be the way of life--inalienable and safe from the intrusions of government."
   
   James O'Fallon's edited selections provide us with an excellent overview of Douglas's vast experience and the life that underlay his philosophy--from his boyhood days growing up in near poverty in the Yakima foothills, through his great Supreme Court decisions (establishing the right of privacy) and dissents. Here we also get a feel of the great men Douglas knew: Brandeis, President Franklin Roosevelt (with whom he played poker and drank martinis regularly), Hugo Black and many others.
   
   In the tradition of John Muir and Aldo Leopold, Douglas is one of our great nature writers with his descriptions of the experiences and characters of the great wild places of our Pacific Northwest. He has a botanist's feel for the detail of a landscape and paints a vivid picture with all the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness.
   
   Douglas was the partner of presidents, but he also had a great understanding and sympathy for the poor, for persons such as prostitutes who lived in conditions where criminal conduct was prevalent, and hobos with whom he rode in boxcars in his early days. These are outstanding recollections and ideas--Douglas is one of the greatest thinkers of the last Century.

5 comments about Life After Johnnie Cochran: Why I Left the Sweetest-Talking, Most Successful Black Lawyer in L.A..

1. This book debunks the myth that every woman who's in an abusive relationship must've been raised in a trailer park with parents who beat her. It debunks the myth that all relationships where women are systematically abused take place in "poor families". The book shows that emotional abuse and abandonment matter. It shows that under the cover of wealth, a husband with a successful career can still be an abusive mate. Of all things, it shows that Johnnie's parents aided and abetted his affair with, and child with a white woman, while still married to his black wife. (Crazy family dynamic.)
   
   The book reads well, is easy to follow, and documents one woman's journey to a point where she finally had to say "No, I can't stand this any longer -- even if I have to live in poverty." Not a given, but she finds a positive marriage after that, and you can't help but rejoice with her. A great book to read if you've ever known anyone living with someone who didn't treat them right, and wondered why they stayed.



2. This book is not even worth reading. Although I do believe most of Barbara's tales about Johnnie's philandering, I don't buy her mostly negative and one-sided story. Her story about chronic domestic abuse is not very convincing because she only cites about one or two alleged incidents where this might have occurred. If anything Johnnie was fighting this woman to stay out of his life and recognize when a relationship has ended. At one point in the book she even mentioned her own daughter wanted her to get back with him. Why the heck would her own daughter want her to go back with him if he is such a monster? It is obvious to me that she was just using him for his money and would not divorce because she had more to lose and was upset that he was with a "white" woman. In fact, the real reason why she left him is because Johnnie decided to take a cut in pay when he left his private law practice to work in the #3 position in the LA District Attorney Office. She was afraid that she would not be able to maintain her extravagant spending. This book was a real disappointment. Barbara makes a high and mighty claim about educating physically abused woman when in reality she is just trying to make a quick dollar by fabricating a bunch of stories and trying to dig up dirt where none existed. If you want a more accurate spin on the truth about their relationship, read Johnnie's book entitled " A Lawyers Life".



3. This book is not even worth reading. Although I do believe most of Barbara's tales about Johnnie's philandering, I don't buy her mostly negative and one-sided story. Her story about chronic domestic abuse is not very convincing because she only cites about one or two alleged incidents where this might have occurred. If anything Johnnie was fighting this woman to stay out of his life and recognize when a relationship has ended. At one point in the book she even mentioned her own daughter wanted her to get back with him. Why the heck would her own daughter want her to go back with him if he is such a monster? It is obvious to me that she was just using him for his money and would not divorce because she had more to lose and was upset that he was with a "white" woman. In fact, the real reason why she left him is because Johnnie decided to take a cut in pay when he left his private law practice to work in the #3 position in the LA District Attorney Office. She was afraid that she would not be able to maintain her extravagant spending. This book was a real disappointment. Barbara makes a high and mighty claim about educating physically abused woman when in reality she is just trying to make a quick dollar by fabricating a bunch of stories and trying to dig up dirt where none existed. If you want a more accurate spin on the truth about their relationship, read Johnnie's book entitled " A Lawyers Life".



4. This book is not even worth reading. Although I do believe most of Barbara's tales about Johnnie's philandering, I don't buy her mostly negative and one-sided story. Her story about chronic domestic abuse is not very convincing because she only cites about one or two alleged incidents where this might have occurred. If anything Johnnie was fighting this woman to stay out of his life and recognize when a relationship has ended. At one point in the book she even mentioned her own daughter wanted her to get back with him. Why the heck would her own daughter want her to go back with him if he is such a monster? It is obvious to me that she was just using him for his money and would not divorce because she had more to lose and was upset that he was with a "white" woman. In fact, the real reason why she left him is because Johnnie decided to take a cut in pay when he left his private law practice to work in the #3 position in the LA District Attorney Office. She was afraid that she would not be able to maintain her extravagant spending. This book was a real disappointment. Barbara makes a high and mighty claim about educating physically abused woman when in reality she is just trying to make a quick dollar by fabricating a bunch of stories and trying to dig up dirt where none existed. If you want a more accurate spin on the truth about their relationship, read Johnnie's book entitled " A Lawyers Life".



5. I didn't expect much, coming from a non-public personality writing a "my life with..." tome. I was very pleasantly surprised. Barbara Cochran Berry is a likeable and intelligent storyteller. She shows herself to be way above the league of that (in my opinion) smooth-talking sociopath she married. She gives it to him straight between the eyes, but in a restrained manner, which only adds to her aura of dignity and veracity.

   This is a solid, well-written book about a woman who has gone through emotional hell and come through it stronger. I would recommend it particulary to women who are themselves experiencing the pain of marital betrayal. Best of luck to her.

4 comments about Snow Blind.

1. You will not have any trouble reading this book.It is one of the few books I have read where someone snorting his brains out on coke tries to explain, almost romantically, how he got started in dealing (the head of U.S Customs personally asked him to do it!!) and why Coke has a bad rap (after all, it WAS in Coca-Cola). He describes some great concealment methods that would still work as well today as it did in 1972, and it almost seems like he was the underdog fighting against the system. Almost. In reality he just dealt in misery and slowly became more misarable himself. Good book for anyone in law enforcement to read.



2. I first met Douglas Kalajian after toasting the New Journalism with the fabled editor Eddie Sears during a wine-fueled chit-chat in the executive floors of The Palm Beach Post. The year was 1994 or 1995. I forget, mainly because I left all my brains to the wrinkled mavens who entertained me nightly at the many ornate bars I frequented in Palm Beach. What Sears said about Kalajian pretty much cements my belief that Douglas, more than any other writer in star-crossed Southern Florida, has a full grasp of the many flawed characters that walk that wild geography. "Kalajian will shock the Hell out of a witch," Sears said. This book is about one such wicked dude. You can visit Florida for a week and it isn't long before you get the distinct feeling that Florida is no Midwest Wimp like Oklahomo or Kancer or Rita Nebraska...No, sir. Here, in his book, Douglas Kalajian is both Dali and Diego Rivera. He has painted a factual mural so alarming and bright that to read it is to see what's on the other side of the Sun. I read it while fishing in The Gulf of Mexico and damned if every damned fish I caught didn't look ugly as all Hell. Truth is scary and Douglas Kalajian has thrown truth at us...



3. Snow Blind is a true story that moves at the pace of an action adventure. The action happens in the courtroom, as a youg public defender with a gift for showmanship rights wrongs, rescues the innocent and puts the high-and-mighty in their place. And then something goes wrong, big time. If you live in South Florida you WILL recognize the protagonist and the bigwigs he must duel. You'll be surprised, because not many people know the details. Even if you live elsewhere and don't know the names, you'll be swept along by this amazing story.



4. Kalajian has written a riveting tale of the true life fall of a passionate advocate for the poor who becomes caught in the seductions of the drug underworld and who saves his soul only when he returns to his calling to help others.

2 comments about Tearing Down Walls: A Woman's Triumph.

1. I agree with Robert Reich's five star review of this book, and found it a brave and honest look at one woman's breakthrough career, a study in how to overcome all the barriers from the workplace, as well as family imprinting, that plagued Ms. Jones, our first female Federal Trade Commissioner. Here is Robert Reich's review:
   
   "Mary Gardiner Jones not only tore down walls that kept women out of positions of power and influence - she smashed them to smithereens. And in so doing, she created opportunities for future generations who never knew how high and thick the walls once were. Hers is an exemplary life, offering men as well as women a lesson in what one person's indomitable spirit can accomplish. Read this and be inspired." Robert B. Reich, Prof. of Public Policy, U. of Cal, Berkeley, former U. S. Secetary of Labor, author of the book Supercapitalism.



2. I agree with Robert Reich's five star review of this book, and found it a brave and honest look at one woman's breakthrough career, a study in how to overcome all the barriers from the workplace, as well as family imprinting, that plagued Ms. Jones, our first female Federal Trade Commissioner. Here is Robert Reich's review:
   
   "Mary Gardiner Jones not only tore down walls that kept women out of positions of power and influence - she smashed them to smithereens. And in so doing, she created opportunities for future generations who never knew how high and thick the walls once were. Hers is an exemplary life, offering men as well as women a lesson in what one person's indomitable spirit can accomplish. Read this and be inspired." Robert B. Reich, Prof. of Public Policy, U. of Cal, Berkeley, former U. S. Secetary of Labor, author of the book Supercapitalism.

2 comments about Bus Ride to Justice.

1. Fred Gray knew how. Mr. Gray defended some of the movements biggest names, you should read some of the things he accomplished.Mr Gray did make every effort to destroy seregation where ever he found it. And he was good at it.



2. Fred Gray isn't just a Civil Rights Lawyer, he's THE Civil Rights lawyer. This man represented Rosa Parks in the Bus Boycott, MLK Jr in the Selma March, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and desegregation lawsuits for Alabama public schools. In a world where the word 'lawyer' holds a negative connotation, Fred Gray's story is about what a lawyer ought to be doing. This isn't the movie of the week, it's the real thing by the man who did it.

3 comments about Yield: A Judge's First-year Diary.

1. "Yield" is a non-fiction work that reads like a fast-paced action novel. It is a well-written, easy reading account of Judge Janice Law's first year on the Harris County, Texas Criminal Court. Judge Law describes in chilling detail the cold blooded, heartless individuals who frequent the corridors of the Criminal Court system, preying on the innocent as well as the guilty. And those are only the lawyers and judges working the "system" for their own personal gain! Defendants brought before the Criminal Court system for adjudication are often at the mercy of lawyers and judges who should, themselves, be brought up on charges.
   This book is not about individual cases brought before the Criminal Court; it is about the Criminal Court itself and is a stunning indictment of the judicial system in that one Harris County court. One hopes the worst of the lawyers and judges described in this book are no longer practicing their brand of "justice" in Texas, but one is left with the uneasy feeling that politics, power, and money may still trump justice in the Harris County Criminal Court.
   
   This book was a finalist in its category at the Texas Book Festival - Violet Crown awards.



2. Entertaining book?...Not so much if you actually knew the author. I'd have to say that this woman was probably the most inept excuse for a criminal court judge in Harris County Texas in the last 35 years. She did not know criminal court law and "shot from the hip" usually, which got her into trouble with "all" the other presiding judges (15 total)AND The Supreme Court of Texas.
   
   Ms. Law was a traffic court judge before becoming a criminal court judge and did a good job in traffic court. But, she was entirely "out of her league" in criminal court. I sometimes felt sorry for her but normally not for long as she was dealing misery to all who had to be associated with her through her childish, selfish, nature. What judge would require a bailiff to furnish snacks and drinks to juries and not offer reimbursement? ...just to mention 1 of hundreds of instances.
   
   Poor thing kept the post-it notes company in business. Post-it notes reminding her of what the criminal laws were...were stuck all over her bench and chambers. She was advised by the other presiding judges of rules, laws, procedures, in order to avoid embarrassment to the Harris County justice system and possible grounds for appeal. She did not take kindly to "any" criticism as if she was being unfairly persecuted.
   
   I can truthfully say that this lady did not gain the respect of anyone employed in the Harris County Criminal Courts building for her prowess as a criminal courts judge or on a personal basis.
   
   As mentioned earlier ... traffic court was her forte. You should notice that her 1st term as a criminal court judge was her last term as a criminal court judge. Even MADD whom she swayed to promote her election as a criminal court judge was appalled by her actions. And, MADD wrote her off as a mistake.
   
   Read the book but remember the grain of salt.



3. Judge Law certainly captures your attention through excellent, entertaining writing giving the public a rare glimpse into our legal system. She uses her judge/journalist background to give us a fascinating peek behind-the-bench and at court house politics.
   
   Judge Law's diary of her tumultuous first year on the criminal bench contains marvelous anecdotes of humorous and poignant court room drama. But on a larger scale, Yield also explores the shocking inequities of the Texas criminal court system where judges are elected in often brutal partisan political combat, lawyers who practice before the courts contribute to the judges' political campaigns, and the judges appoint lawyers to represent indigent defendants.
   
   Judge Law dramatically shows why there is a $ sign in Yield's subtitle.

No comments about Love And Riot: Oscar Zeta Acosta And The Great Mexican American Revolt.

5 comments about Allan Pinkerton: The First Private Eye.

1. As one who is both a American history buff and a lover of mystery, Private
   Eye novels- I was very drawn to this book.
   
   I am not familiar with the author James MacKay- he is very deep in his
   research and writing.
   
   If you can get through the first 2 chapters of the book, You'll find a
   very interesting novel.



2. This biography of the inventor of the private investigation industry is not only a thrilling look at a fascinating man, it is also a fresh perspective on a slice of American history. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in mystery fiction or detective novels, as well as anyone who is looking for a history book that isn't boring. While it may well be a bit biased, the presentation is thought-provoking and makes me want to research the period of the late Civil War/early Reconstruction more thoroughly.
   Better than most fiction I've encountered lately, and definitely an overlooked gem.



3. Mackay is as talanted a literary detective as Allan Pinkerton was as a criminal detective, written in a clear style that's a pleasure to read. It's a well balanced account, explaining the character's actions in the context of the times.
   Mackay's first surprise is that Allan Pinkerton wasn't born when most biographers say he was. From there he goes on to uncover the truth about Pinkerton's early career in Scotland, and the truth about a 'supposed' assasination plot against Lincoln before he took office. (The plot was independently confirmed by a political enemy of Pinkerton who had no motive to make Pinkerton look good--which convinced Lincoln the plot was real, and to follow Pinkerton's suggestions to foil it. Political enemies of Lincoln denied the existence of the plot to make Lincoln out to be a coward.) Before he finishes the Civil War period, Mackay has 'rehabilited' the often pilloried Union general McClellan (whom Pinkerton worked for) and divulged startling information uncovered in 1967 about the plot to assasinate Lincoln. This book is outstanding, a definite 'keeper'.



4. Pinkerton Biography

   The story of Allan Pinkerton, a poor Scottish immigrant and former working-class radical who rose through the ranks of society to become the protector and confidant of presidents and tycoons is a quintessential American story that deserves such a thorough telling. This book was a fascinating read, and left me wishing that the author had delved more into the numerous early cases that were only hinted at in the text.

   The only serious criticism of this biography is the author appears to have gotten a little too close to his subject, which in several points has clouded his objectivity. This is apparent in the book's tendency to rush to Pinkerton's defense, particularly regarding the handling of the Molly Maguires and other labor disturbances of the late 19th century. A sweeping condemnation of the labor activists as "terrorists," or stressing the fact that they greatly outnumbered the Pinkerton operatives during violent strikes, are intended to make Pinkerton and his agents "the good guys" in the eyes of readers. This stance is questionable, however, considering the book's general lack of background information on the U.S. labor situation at this time. The author also neglects to explore how Pinkerton, a well-known Glasgow labor radical in his own youth, so readily sided with "other side" -- the titans of American industry -- later on in life.

   But overall this book is a good read and well-researched, especially the chapters concerning Pinkerton's early life in Scotland and his association with President Lincoln during the Civil War.




5. This books encompasses all of Allan's PI's work. I had an enjoyable time reading it. It is a fasination subjet for me. I am considering of changing careers and going into the PI business.

5 comments about Get Carter: Backstage in History from JFK's Assassination to the Rolling Stones.

1. As the leading civilian authority on the Secret service, I recommend this book from former agent William Carter (despite reservations I have about his post-assassination work--see chapter 12 of my book). Still, a great read and well put together. Worth your time and money. Get it!



2. "Wow! Bill Carter's life can only be described as a giant thrill ride and one which everyone should accompany him on. Not only will you be held hostage by the historical events, famous people and gripping stories in this book, but you will be reading a roadmap to high achievement in your own life. Get Carter. Get Reading."



3. What a life! Just when you think his life couldn't get anymore interesting you turn the page and presto, it's more interesting. Great life and great book.



4. "Shedding light on some of the most intruiging events of the twentieth century, Bill Carter delivers delicious tales of someone privileged to have a rare view in one of the front seats of our world. Bill rode the events of history and tells you about them in his unique and entertaining way.
   
   Read "Get Carter" and take a seat next to Bill in this enlightening book!"
   
   Terri Marie - Award-winning author of "Be The Hero of Your Own Game."
   www.herobookonline.com



5. Reading Bill Carter's book was like traveling through a time warp with stops at many of the important historical and social events that make up the history of the last half of the Twentieth Century. What an enjoyable ride! Bill Carter is a true American original. A fascinating personality.
   
   Robert Kleine - Author, Copywriter, Website Developer
   www.rapidarticle.com/copywriting

1 comments about Equal Justice Under Law: An Autobiography.

1. The book was best when the Judge provides her perspective on events and personalities known to most of us only through news accounts. I enjoyed the book which was a quick read and left me hoping Judge Motely would write another book with greater detail of some of the very interesting episodes in her career. The author's career is remarkable and tracks the major events of the civil rights movement through the eyes of a women who appears to be uneasy with the role model label. I had been looking for a book on Judge Motely after reading several books concerning the civil rights movement. It is remarkable that Judge Motely has not been the subject of biographers. Her story is unique. The book would be useful for lawyers, legal buffs and those searching for true role models. It avoids legalease and is written in a manner which made it a very easy read.