5 comments about Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets.

1. This is a fascinating book about a sociology student doing research in a low-income project in Chicago to find out how it feels to be black and poor and how they survive. He started with a questionnaire, but after getting laughed at and challenged to hang out with the people and see how things are, he abandons his questionnaires and hangs out with a gang for several years. This is non-fiction, based on actual experiences of the author who also talked to others in the community to find out their view of the gang and how they live. The funniest part was when J.T., the gang leader let the author be the gang leader for a day so he would find it wasn't at all as easy as he thought and his respect and admiration for J.T. increased. It was surprising to see that the gang was actually a well-run drug business. It's primary purpose was selling cocaine and keeping "peace" in the neighborhood, not fighting with other gangs or stirring up trouble. Whenever there was a fight or someone would get hurt, no one ever called the cops. They'd call on the gang members for help instead. No ambulance would go to the projects.
   
   It gives insight into the role gangs play in the neighborhood, how community leaders cooperate with the gangs, how hopeless some peoples' lives can be and the ineffectiveness of the police and government agencies. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see how life in the low-income projects is, at least in some places. Very educational and a good read!



2. Under the pretense that he was writing the gang leaders biography, the author was able to get firsthand research about the gang itself. It was very fascinating to see how organized gangs can be, and how "important" they can be to their communities. But I felt disgust at the authors admiration and respect for the gang and its leader. As I read the book I quickly came to realize how naive the author is...



3. If you are interested in Gangs, Chicago, or Sociology this is a must have book! Great Book!



4. I read this book for book club. It was a quick, fascinating, and easy read. Lots of good points to think about and discuss. Recommend for academics and folks who care about humanity. Interesting economic issues raised as well.



5. This book is just awesome!! Sudhir tells the story of J.T., a Chicago gang leader of the BK's, the project that they run and the people in the projects that their lives are affected by. It's just so fascinating!! You will get hooked on page 1 and will find it hard to put it down. I hated to see it end. This is a must read book for sure.
   
   --Gerard Zemek, husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

5 comments about Manson in His Own Words.

1. I HAVE READ ALL MEDIA EXPOSED IDEAS OF THE STORY OF MANSON AND HIS SO CALLED FAMILY.I JUDGE ALL AS HUMAN FIRST AND ALL OTHER THINGS ON CHARACTER.I NEVER BELIEVED THAT HE WAS A HIPPIE CULT LEADER,NOT THAT HE FORMED THIS FAMILY, AND BELIEVE HE KILLED NO ONE.THIS WAS JEERED BY MANSON HIMSELF BUT I BELIEVE THIS IS THE CLOSEST REVELATION TO EXPOSE THE WAY IT CAME ABOUT OUT OF THE MEDIA.1967, MANSON ASKED NOT TO GO TO SOCIETY.HE MET FEW INSTRUMENTAL PEOPLE HE HUNG OUT WITH. HE WAS SHY OF SEX. HE WAS IGNORANT AS TO HOW THINGS WERE. HE WAS INTO BING CROSBY, NOT BEATLES AND HELTER SKELTER.ONE OF THE GIRLS CREATED THAT BY HERSELF.IF IT HAD STAYED IN WHAT WAS HIS RELEASE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN O.K. BUT TOO MANY PEOPLE JOINED THEM AND THE LOVE AND PEACE ERA, REVOLVED TO BIKERS, WEAPONS ,THEFTS. THAT WAS NOT THE PLAN. TRYING TO KEEP UP EXSISTANCE, SOME PEOPLE DID NOT WANT TO STAY IN THE VALLEY. THEY BRANCHED OUT, BROUGHT OTHERS IN AND CHAOS EVOLVED.



2. I won't pretend I know all about the "Manson Family" and I haven't even read Helter Skelter (i've seen the film, though) and I don't really read many true crime novels, but this was one I couldn't pass up. I don't know why some are going on about how Charlie didn't write this book, it is plain as day that there is another author, so Charlie more or less dictated the book. Right? Now, how well Emmons adhered to those words I don't know. But I liked this book. It was a fast read for me, compelling, sometimes frighteningly rational, and I understand the motives behind the Manson Family better. No, Charlie didn't commit those murders himself, but he was a ring leader, although I think at that point if he'd told them not to commit the murders they probably would've done them anyway - that being hyped up on drugs thing. I must say that I walked away knowing more than I ever wanted about Manson's previous sex life. I did like the honest feeling that I got from Manson (what there was of it) and he owned up to some things. He didn't try to paint himself as a victim, he did take some responsibility. Does that make all he did excusable? No.
   What disappointed me about the book was the lack of information of the trials. Like I said, I haven't read the prosecution's book (maybe i should), but I really would've liked more of Manson's view on his trial, the Family's trial, etc. What was with the swastika on his head and the "I am Christ" claims? I realize some of it may've been media propaganda, but I would've liked more of his view.
   Is this book entirely the truth? Probably not, nothing ever is. But it's a good read, in my opinion. He's just an average guy who made some horrible choices, probably has brain damage from all the drugs, and definitely has childhood trauma. It's easy to see how he ended up where he did.



3. very interesting book. was one of those you do not want to put down. it gave a different perspective of the happenings of the manson family. however, one must keep in mind it was recorded from what charles manson believed happened. great book.



4. ok, ok,- so these arent actually charlies exact words, but it is a decent overview of how everything came to be. If you saw this book on the 'mind of manson' tv show - i really suggest you read it, because the lady who was commenting on mansons interview didnt mention one single time the actual reasons the murders came to be, her OPINION was that it was revenge for a failed music career as the motive - it really wasnt...and besides, that would only explain the tate residence murders and not the others.. and the "helter skelter race war" angle is also incorrect. The world believes the helter skelter race war garbage that manson was supposedly trying to start, when it was just a bunch of 'tripping talk' among the whole group. The media pushed this along with the prosecutor and it was blown into something it really wasnt...After reading this you should gain a better perspective of this man. It does cover tons of information about his life and the 'family' members. He may be guilty of not trying to prevent the crimes, but he isnt the monster the media makes him out to be. Read this book and l GUARANTEE you will see things more clearly. I also recommend 'my life with charles manson' by paul watkins. He didnt FORCE anyone to commit murders. I obviously disagree with what they did, but I am at least openminded enough to understand others perspectives no matter how disturbing. lm tired of people blaming it all on Manson- Dont judge someone based on what the media portrays, or people who are seeking immunity for testimonys against him. The reason he captivated so many people was not because he was some evil guru who hypnotized people into his control- he was a generally peaceful man who rarely used violence unless he was using it in defense. He is a simple man, a deep thinker who loves animals and nature, and those kids looked up to him by their own choice, not because he made them... and dont judge on interviews where they have him all drugged up to entertain the public or when he's in the mood to act like a madman cause thats what he knows the public expects to see....



5. This book was written by an ex con and former friend/cellmate of Manson's. It was written based on Manson's account of the events of his life. The two talked behind bars and then the author would write Manson's words down to the best of his ability. Manson did not write anything and a tape recorder was not permitted in prison so the ideas were Manson's but the wording was the authors. That said the author does his best to use Manson's wording whenever possible and tries to not veer off from Manson's account of his life story.
   
   This book pieces together many loose ends in the Manson story. We learn of his troubled childhood and see the formation of antisocial personality disorder at a young age. Manson also finally admits that he did organize the murders of 9 people and actually expected more to be killed. The motive is still fuzzy. It was in part "Helter Skelter", copy cat killing and robbery but mostly it was hatred. Hatred for his mother. Hatred for society and everyone in it that once neglected and mistreated a little boy from Ohio named Charles Miles Manson.

5 comments about Down These Mean Streets.

1. Down These Mean Streets is the story of Piri Thomas' journey into adulthood. The book is set in Spanish Harlem in the 1940s. The author's writing style is refreshing and lyrical. He uses some Spanish words here and there(readers might find the glossary in the back of the book helpful), and kicks in a few slang words as well, which makes the dialogs that much more genuine.
   
   Piri struggles through poverty, family troubles, and desperately wanting to belong. He fights with being a dark skinned Puerto Rican during a time when racism was strong, and trying to find his place as neither black nor white. Piri did some not-so-good things in his life, being in a gang, drug addiction, and armed robbery among other things, but throughout it all it is easy to tell that Piri is a good guy at heart.
   
   Overall, this is a captivating story. You might find yourself wondering what you would have done faced with the same situations. I even found myself rooting for Piri at times. This book is still a very accurate depiction of "the hoods" of New York, despite being published for the first time about 40 years ago.
   
   I was sad to have to finish the book, and in the end I felt like I knew Piri. I look forward to re-reading this book over the years. It is truly a classic. Everyone should read it. Anyone can find something in the story that they will be able to relate to.



2. This book really told me what it was like to live in Harlem in the 40s. The discrimination and racism is real and raw (although Mr Thomas does get a little jaded and think all white people are bad). The way he describes coming off heroin is realistic, colorful, and explosive. This whole book is very alive, as a memoir. It was funny to see the slang they used back then!



3. I've read this book more than a few times and have taught it to different level readers a few extra times. There was one high school student who came to me after the book was done and told me, "This is the first book I ever finished." Even if it's not the first book you've read, you'll find writing that is fearless, honest, and powerful. You won't forget it, and if you're really lucky, you'll get to share it with someone else.



4. Grabbed it off my english teachers shelf junior year of high school, loved it so much I never gave it back. This is an amazingly wonderful book. Vivid writing style...I could see every last detail in my head. It was like a movie in my brain. Love it.



5. Book Review: Down These Mean Streets
   
   We recommend this book because Piri Thomas wrote the book in a way that you can visualize the story. This book is interesting because it talks about a young Latino's life growing up in the streets of Harlem New York in the 30's. However Piri the main character in the story gets discriminated throughout his young life for being a black Puerto Rican. We think this book has some strong scenes suitable for children under 13. Little by little the story gets interesting to the point where you don't want to stop reading. To conclude, this story is a good autobiography to learn from

5 comments about Morrie: In His Own Words.

1. After reading the wonderful 'Tuesdays with Morrie' I was craving for more wise lessons from Morrie Schwartz. Eventually I came across this little booklet written by the man himself. It's filled with the same inspiring wisdom and lessons you'll also find in 'Tuesdays', but there's one big difference. In 'Tuesdays' Morrie was teaching his old student Mitch how to live a better life. As such that book is enormously relevant to everybody who reads it. In 'Morrie in his own words' the focus is more towards helping the dying and terminally ill deal with their situation, settle some important relational 'unfinished business' and reach acceptance and closure. About 75% percent of the book seems to be aimed at this specific group of people.
   
   It still includes valuable lessons and especially Morrie's interpretations of Buddhist concepts appeals to me, but for most people this book will be less relevant than 'Tuesdays'. Having said that, Morrie remains a remarkable man and among his inspring lessons is one about accepting that we'll eventually all die, so we better learn to accept it and make the best of the days that are given to us. So, even the lessons in dying in this booklet will become relevant sooner or later. As such it certainly doesn't hurt to have this little booklet in your collection for when the time comes ...



2. I wish I had read this book when my husband was dying of ALS. It should be a must for everyone who'd been given a Medical Death Sentance and their family who have to stand by helplessly while their loved one diminishes and then dies before their eyes. It's compelling and would at least ease the sorrow that becomes part of their life.



3. This book makes you realize that Morrie was such an amazing person. It makes you wish you had known him. But it is also more a book for a person who knows he is dying. Or for someone who loves someone who is dying, you could read it together. It offers positive thinking for a person who has already accepted his imminent death.



4. The shipping to Guam was VERY FAST although it was only USPS priority mail. If you are a Mitch Albom fan, this book is literally in Morrie's own words. So the style is not quite the same. If you just want a little more in depth of him (Morrie), this is must. My 17 yr old has to do a project quarterly and read all of Albom's books, and this is the last one.



5. Reading Tuesday's With Morrie touched me deeply, since I struggle everyday with a congenital heart problem--and I never know when the next day may be my last. Morrie's wisdom, humor and expriences is brought through from Mitch Albom's terrific writing. Morrie's words cannot be more insightful and wise as my body is beginning to break down....I re-read his book quite often, so I can feel uplifted.
   
   This is truly a powerful learning tool for those who know people who are suffering, or are dying, or who just wish to know more about "why we're here".
   
   There is one thing they didn't mention, perhaps was edited out-- We live on in immortality through the memories, experiences and love of the ones we leave behind. [and in some cases, in books, essays, quotes, music etc. that are produced by us]
   
   One will underand from reading Tuesdays With Morrie is that Death and Life are intertwined, and that Death is nothing to be afraid of. Not even the pain of death is something to fear, as long as you are ready to face it.

5 comments about Turning Stones: My Days and Nights with Children at Risk: A Caseworker's Story.

1. It was hard to get into,it was supposed ot be about cases and a caseworker, and the stories are pretty cool but he spent 3 pages talking about mumbo jumbo..stuff that wasn't irrelevant.
   The cases weren't as bad as other books I 've read on this subject.
   it was ok but i wouldn't read it again
   t



2. When a book has 'children at risk' in the subtitle, you might expect some bloviating op-ed column in book form rife with numerous stats and a preening sense of self-importance in its outrage ("I'm a prophet. Hear me roar!").
   
   But this author primarily tells stories, cases he dealt with as a NYC Emergency Child Services caseworker. By virtue of the sweat and tears of his experience, the author is able to relay wild heartbreaking stories without getting mired in a sentimental or sensational mood.
   
   "...how quickly, with a simple twist of the dial, the deepest calm can turn to chaos--how stealthy the chaos is and what a convincing costume of serenity it wears..." The author shows how the rationale behind seemingly horrific acts can follow some kind of logic underneath. A boy considers killing his baby brother, but not because the boy is demon possessed. Two caseworkers remove a child who is kicking and screaming in front of disgusted onlookers, but are really following the protocols of their job as best as they can under the circumstances.
   
   This book is a real eye opener into some dark corners where children have lived. Still, the author rounds out the book with some sobering, yet heartening things to say. "Where despair and abuse spread back across generations, there are no such things as knockout punches." "The only way to lose this fight is to stop fighting."



3. As social workers we need to always advocate for chilldren at risk, unfortunately there are some fundamental flaws to the "system" which makes even our most caring workers burn out too fast. A real, gripping, honest portrayal raises this book high above the rest. For a fictional account, readers might want to check out RETURNABLE GIRL, about a teen in foster care who must choose between the woman who wants to adopt her and the mother who abandoned her.



4. Fresh out of college, Parent left rural Wisconsin for New York City and applied for a job at Emergency Child Services, which covered critical abuse and neglect cases during nights and weekends. He shares with us some of his most dramatic and intense cases, as well as his personal reflections. During his fourth year on the job, he makes a poor judgment call that has tragic consequences. In his ensuing depression, he remembers a story he heard in junior high about some old nuns turning stones in the desert...and comes to an energizing insight. I would highly recommend this book, particularly for anyone who works in human services and feels burn-out creeping in. If you cannot read the whole book, at least read the last chapter.



5. I read this book very, very quickly. That's the only way to read it, to avoid breaking down and sobbing throughout every chapter. And there are some doozies in here.
   
   Remember the story of the woman who threw two of her five children out the window of her tenement (something like five floors up) in New York City? Marc worked the aftermath of that case. The woman had never been investigated before, hadn't even been diagnosed with mental illness, nothing. She kept down a job, the kids saw their father (who wasn't married to the mother) every weekend, they were well-fed and well taken care of. She just snapped, just like that.
   
   He told of an eight-year old girl diagnosed with gonorrhea. Pitbulls attacking caseworkers. Women so afraid of hexes they wouldn't let their children eat the food, for fear of glass in the food killing them. Homes so infested and horrible that the caseworkers were scared to enter. An eight year old boy, mentally ill and neglected by his druggie mother, left home alone and terrified that he would kill his brother. Marc talked him down from plunging the knife, which the boy held at his two year old brother's throat, and killing his brother. Another scary story was about a nine year old boy who basically just snapped and beat one of his cousins to death.
   
   A good read. Read it fast, and then turn some stones of your own.

No comments about Classmates, The: Privilege, Chaos, and the End of an Era.

2 comments about Luhmann Explained: From Souls to Systems (Ideas Explained).

1. This book surprised me since I received it from Amazon and immediately started reading it! I am always a little bit suspicious about this kind of "summaries" and "reports" on someone's else work. Mostly when this someone else is Niklas Luhmann, whose work I have been studying for my academic texts. In the case of Moeller's "Luhmann Explained", I have to recognise the excellence of the result in the "dangerous" task taken up by his author. First of all because he tried to introduce Luhmann's complex and difficult theory by using quotations and citations from Luhmann himself. The fact is that he succeeded in being as much as possible "faithful" to Luhmann's own texts. In few occasions, when strictly necessary, Moeller puts forward his own opinions on Luhmann's ideas. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to be "safely" introduced to Luhmann's complexity. It is a serious "entrance gate" to the contingency which caracterizes Luhmann's ideas as, for instance, the formulation of a theory of a nonhuman society based on the differentiation of the autopoietic "social systems".
   If you are interested in learning about one of the most intriguing and "puzzling" thinker of 20th century: be welcome on board!
   
   Ulisses Schwarz Viana
   Brasilia (Brazil)



2. College-level collections strong in philosophy will appreciate this blend of philosophy and sociology, which considers systems, society, and Niklas Luhmann's sociological theories in particular, which departs from many competing concepts in explaining how economics and mass media evolve. From biology to philosophy and other genres, LUHMANN EXPLAINED analyzes the fundamentals of world society and its logical systems. College-level students will find it a challenging, exciting read.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about The Happy Hooker: My Own Story.

1. Anyone who can sell well over 15 million copies of their book, must have something going for them. In Xaviera Hollander's case it's SEX! SEX! SEX!
   
   That subject always seems to sell, but what makes THE HAPPY HOOKER such a sinful delight, is just how much she enjoyed her work as the world's most famous madam and ever active prostitute. As so thoroughly and often clinically described, she really knows how to turn on both men and women and even both at the same time. And because of that she was bound to attract the attention of the not so understanding competition and the police.
   
   In 1960's New York, police corruption was rampant to say the least, Xaviera's co-author Robin Moore certainly knows that subject from having written THE FRENCH CONNECTION. I imagine he helped with that side of the book whilst MISTRESS Hollander concentrated on what she knows best. Her customer's tales and fetishes, their needs and demands, may not be everyone's cup of tea, but theres plenty on offer here for any reader whether at bedtime or on that break from work. Numerous studies show prostitution should be fully legal, controlled and regarded as any other "service" industry. Of course we're a long way from that happening. But pornography took a while to be fully accepted and look how well thats done, specially on wall street. Don't forget illegal gambling, off-track betting and the numbers racket and interest only loans becoming legit as well.
   
   Where would the everso righteous politicians be without the sex for sale industry. Xaviera's financial climax came in writing this book,not from running her brothel which at best had a hard job breaking even, what with all the police raids, lawyer exspenses, payoffs and bad debts she had to contend with in her business. As she saids and then there are the clothes`for the "sissy boys", the whips and chains, condoms, bed laundering and all that lubricant. With all that in mind, how how many of us can truely say we enjoy what we do? THE HAPPY HOOKER is both horny and honest about what she once did.



2. Perhaps this is my second time to read it after more than 15 years.It has always impressed me.and i wonder how how a human being could express this level of honesty to tell the most private life which most of us are ashamed even to think about telling. I feel very few tell such story and is quite natural to be like her acording Freud'view.More over it is written in splendid literary flow and i really appreciate her for the top level work she produced for the reader.



3. I read this book at a friend's house in the 1970's - so many of us high school buddies grabbed it off his bookshelf that he barely noticed. There's even an autobiography interspersed between the pages of gratuitous sex, as Ms. Hollander describes her upbringing in Holland, and her life as a prostitute and madam in New York City. Then, ofcourse, comes more descriptions of her escapades with men, women, couples, etc., in those days before most people worried about safety. This book may be less stunning in today's era of DVD and cyber-porn, but that doesn't exactly elevate it to literature. Still, it's readable style helped sell 15 million copies, leading one to surmise that trashy books have an erotic effect on more men and women than will admit it.



4. This book is a sexy classic. As a sex worker in New York, I found this book to be truthful and entertaining at the same time (although dated in many respects). You will find yourself liking her because she never feels sorry for herself and truly loves the business. She is street smart, funny, and feminine with no apologies. It's too bad they made such a bad movie adaption - I would love to see another one made!



5. As a modern twenty-something who wasn't even born when this book first came out in 1972, I enjoyed picking up what is undeniably a part of the history of American sexual culture. I tried to keep in perspective how shocking this book must have been in the 1970's, before our bookshelves and televisions were plasted with frank talk about sexual health and sexual deviance. To me, the opening lesbian girlhood fantasies and the nymphomania (of course all prostitutes love sex) seemed cliched, but I don't doubt Hollander's account of her early sexual life and introduction to the profession.
   
   Hollander had an fascinating life growing up in Holland and moving to America. She was well-educated and very intelligent, and she eloquently explained how a girl of her breeding could become absolutely trapped and imprisioned in an abusive relationship. Her insight on that relationship alone makes this book a worthwhile read.
   
   The book is a true page-turner as Hollander describes her sexual escapades in New York and the ways in which she earned money on her trip to Mexico. Hollander explains all the ins and outs of the high-end prositution business and the complicated formal relationship hookers have with their madam. The end of the book becomes a business treatise on the prostitution world, and it makes for compelling reading.

2 comments about Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil (Dover Thrift Editions).

1. This book addresses global issues, immigration policy, womens rights, civil rights, and the nature of European colonizaton of Africa. Du Bois connects the dots that tie the East St. Louis riots, the brutal treatment of african labor by european colonists, the low wages of domestic african american workers and women in america, and the shortage of european migration/workers because of the "great war". This is a first hand account of history by an African American that differs from past accounts of the above mentioned events in history texts, the movies, and the majority press.
   Darkwater is an easy read that educates. This is history not written as history by the author but as a comment on the events of his time that have significance to what is occuring in the world today.
   I found the book very enjoyable and enlightening. I witheld one star from the rating because the poetry, although good, seemed be tossed in as a filler.



2. Fondly called W.E.B., Dr William Edward Burghardt DuBois was a conscientious voice, whose mouthpiece was just a pen. Each of his writings buttressed this point.
   A bundle of intellect, all his works have remained potent till this day. Having enumerated the problems and experiences of emancipated slaves in "The Souls of Black Folk", Dr DuBois used this book, "Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil", to highlight the intricacies of the then White-Black relationships. This book has a socio-economic focus, and dealt with such associational issues like exploitative labour, voting rights, women's rights, and family values. It suggested guidance and remedies wherever necessary. The ideas and insights of Dr DuBois were general in perspective: both Whites and Blacks were thought of.
   This book is more than eighty years old; however, anybody who reads it, needs only to turn a few pages before discovering that we are still grappling with most of its lamentations.
   Finally, I must say that I cherished reading this book. "Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil" is a compelling piece; especially for anyone who is familiar with either "The Souls of Black Folk" or "Dusk of Dawn".

2 comments about Emile Durkheim on Morality and Society (Heritage of Sociology Series).

1. This book provides a good overview of Durkheim's work, but since it is just excerpts it's hard to get any in depth understanding into any one particular subject. As a reference book, it is practically worthless, as there is no index. So, if you are writing a paper and think, hey, I know Durkheim said this, but I don't know where, it's difficult to figure out. Nevertheless, I suppose it does serve as an adequate introduction to Durkheim.



2. Bellah has gathered Durkheim's most oft-cited writings (including Elementary Forms, Division of Labor, Suicide, and Sociological Method) and arranged them topically in this work. The book begins with Durkheim's review of French social thought, then chapters on "Sociology and Social Action, The Evolution of Morality, The Learning of Morality," and "Social Creativity." A lengthy introduction gives an overview of Durkheim's biography, other writers who influenced his thinking, as well as summaries of the major works whose selections are within. It's an excellent book for both undergraduate and graduate theory courses: most selections are between 10 and 20 pages.