Agent

Agents Of Innocense is guaranteed to be a page turner. It is a wonderful spy story. Being from Lebanon myself, I can tell that the author not only has spent a great deal of time living in the Middle East, but he shares a bond with its culture. I have read one other David Ignatius novel, A Firing Offence, and am reading SIRO now, and became fascinated by his writing style. It is very descriptive and elegant and it prepares the reader for the plot by charging the reader with emotions for and against all the characters of the story. Agents Of Innocence is a fantastic novel set in Lebanon describing very vividly the political atmosphere of the Middle East starting in the 60's and culminating with the explosion that destroyed the American Embassy in Beirut, as well as the changes in the CIA that lead to that. The events of the novel are from the point of view of a CIA case officer who loved the Middle East, understood its people and spoke their language fluently. He managed to penetrate the most dominant branch of the Palestinian resistance, and established relationships where none could ever have been conceived. Enjoy it

I stumbled on Mr. Ignatius last year and was sufficiently impressed with his writing to read all his novels in print. Since I'd been reading about the Middle East extensively for a couple of years, especially the history of American involvement in support of Israel, I found this novel particularly interesting. Mr. Ignatius' book may not be history, but it surely has the ring of truth in its depiction of how American interests in the region influenced its relationship with Arabs in Lebanon and elsewhere. There is little wonder in my mind that Americans are held in disrepute by so many in Arab countries. We've earned it by both our actions and our failure to act. We may like to depict ourselves as the honest broker, the defender of liberty, but it is only a naive person unfamiliar with history who can voice such an opinion with a straight face. This book is worth reading. His other books are entertaining as well.

I was first turned on to this novel by an actual CIA recruiter. He said that it was the most true to life representation of the lives of CIA operations officers. Ignatius' extensive research really rings through, and allows the reader to become immersed in a world of espionage, deceit, and betrayal. Highly recommended.

After hearing Madeline Drexler speak at my university, I had to read this book. It is clear that Ms. Drexler has put forth a lot of effort toward producing a well-researched and well-written book. There are many quotes from professionals on the front lines of infection control, and there are many examples of normal people suffering from frightening and strange emerging infections.

Drexler's book offers a warning that we must focus on public health issues if we hope to avoid the tragedy that an agent such as a pandemic flu could cause. The book is filled with warnings about the overuse of antibiotics and the inefficiency of public health beauracracy and lack of funding. I hope that more professionals and lay people read this book and heed its message.

Madeline Drexler's book is as frightening as she wants it to be. Secret Agents is a gripping, well-written fast read that should deeply frighten everyone on first glance. The subtitle is the menace of emerging infections but it could almost be changed to the menace of everything. There seems little escape from the possible scenarios she clearly presents (and this clarity is definately one of the book's strengths as she makes bio-science quite understandable for the layperson.) The chapter on the West Nile Virus that begins the book is particularly exciting and will the hook the reader immediately. If one pauses to look at the actual numbers, the book is somewhat less frightening as the numbers of deaths are always substantially below many of the doom-sayers' predictions, although she will repeatedly tell the reader this may not always be so. A fascinating book for our times.

In "Secret Agents: The Menace of Emerging Infections," author Madeline Drexler takes us deep into the world of fast-moving microorganisms that can sicken people and end lives before doctors, hospitals or health agencies know what hit. Drexler shows "the bugs" at work in a well-chosen group of past and potential public health crises, including the West Nile virus's surprise hop across the Atlantic and the inevitable next influenza pandemic. With clarity and style, Drexler depicts in detail the characters in each drama: the amazingly adaptable bugs and the scientists and agency officials who must face them down. Meticulously researched, "Secret Agents" presents not only the scientific, but also the historic, political and economic contexts of approaching the seemingly intractable public health issues raised by the bugs. In the end, Drexler writes, such problems can only be addressed in a global context, in the interests of both rich and poor countries and the people who inhabit them. A fascinating read.

Thank goodness, Mr. Green made a sequel for John Taylor. Taylor is a supernatural detective that can find things with his third or *private eye* as he calls it. Half hilarious half frightening but alway entertaining, this book brings back my favorite characters, Taylor, Suzie, the bar guy, and Razor Eddie plus a host of other memorable characters I am hoping to see in the next installment sometime soon.(Please Mr. Green?) Anyway, this is part two of John Taylors Detective stories and I still want to know who is mama is. MMmmm well, lets hope there is another book to tell me.

*rubs hands together in glee* ok, let's get down to business, shall we? i didn't think green could top 'Something From The Nightside,' but i was wrong. Agents Of Light And Darkness is an edgy mix of noir and fantasy that's so engaging that when you get to the final sentence you want to yell, "no! more, more!" the character suzy shooter is fleshed out in appealingly gritty and straightforward style in the midst of a war between...well, the agents of light and darkness, duh. we watch as taylor's reputation preceeds (and exceeds) him, get treated to some of the less tangible aspects of his powers, and meet some of the Nightside's usual suspects, such as Merlin Satanspawn and Jessica Sorrow the Unbeliever, as John quests for the Holy Grail, finally finding it in the Collector's collection on the moon, guarded by feline fembots (of course! how obvious! why didn't he think of that before?). but the show's not over till the fat lady sings-taylor still has to figure out who, exactly, he should hand the unholy grail over to...when the angels from Above and Below haven't exactly impressed him with their brilliance. and then there's the client, 'jude,' to consider, because the client is always right...and you might be surprised to know, it was his to begin with. to top it off, suzy shooter meets her match-the speaking gun-and we are given yet another tantalizing hint about taylor's mother, the only person he knows who must be scarier than he is. buy it, read it, share it with your friends and family and strangers you meet on the street...well, don't go that far. Then while you're waiting for the next adventure, try P.N. Elrod's The Vampire Files.

This is not a "Robert Jordan", 5,000 pg fantasy - but for once i find myself wishing that this book had that length. Instead, the readers are treated to a short, no-nonsense romp in the macabre, thrilling world of the Nightside, where not all cars are really cars - some are just pretending, and they're usually hungry. . .
Anyway, John Taylor accepts a commision to hunt down the Unholy Grail, and is barred from using his special gift because those who want him to work for them can track him when he does. Confused? Hope not - Anyway, with Shotgun Suzie's help he evades angels, gains and looses the Speaking Gun, and meanders his way through interesting aspects of the Nightside toward his goal.
There is a lot mentioned in this book, and the previous one, that leave the reader wishing (ardently) for more Nightside stories, or even a little more explanation about the true nature of John's mother. in that, green treats the audience like he does his charachters, doling out info on a "need to know" basis. Obviously, we don't need to know - thus, we are left begging for more. Anyone happen to know anything about a sequel?
Oh - be prepared for description and action that borders on the gory and is definitely in the realm of "beyond the pale", though swearing is kept to a minimum and the hint (bare, as in almost not-there) of romance spice it up. but the somewhat (as in, there ARE worse out there) graphic descriptions may be surprising. All in all, a wonderful read, but i'd have to say it's also PG-13.

I brought this book because I was curious. I had really enjoyed and learned so much from Billy Graham's Holy Spirit and desired the same experience from Angels. The book is very detailed and easy to follow. If you desire to know more about angels, I beseech you to buy this book.

The Bible tells Christians that we have angels watching over us. Billy Graham focuses on that truth in this book. In the first chapter he discusses the reality of the spirit world and goes on to offer a rationale for a book of this nature. The second chapter is a progression of that thought as he describes the reality and nature of angels. Chapter 3 goes on to look at both the visible and invisble manifestations of angels. Subsequent chapters discuss the differences between humans and angels, angelic organizational structures, angelic rebellion, the ministry of angels, angels as God's agents, and Angels and the Gospel. The book continues by discussing angels involvement in the earthly life of Jesus. From there he goes on to talk about the role of angels in prophecy. A chapter on angels and death is included, as is a section on angels as spiritual spectators. The concluding chapter has to do with angels in the lives of Christians today. I highly recommend this book. He keeps angels in proper perspective, i.e., they point to Jesus.

Billy Graham really brings home the reality of angels in this book and how they are not some imaginary beings, but mighty warriors used by God for His purposes.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book. However, after the first chapter, I was hooked. Bina Kiyonaga has effectively portrayed the difficulties of trying to strike the delicate balance between maintaining a semblance of normalcy for her family, while supporting her husband's career as an officer of the CIA. Having lived overseas, I can certainly appreciate Bina's problems of having to raise a family without the normality and convenience of life in the United States (not to mention having to raise 5 children in this environment!).

While the details surrounding much of what her husband accomplished during his tenure at the CIA will never be disclosed, Bina has done an excellent job of providing background to lend a certain aura to what her husband was all about. I was awestruck by the devotion she lavished on her husband during good times and in bad. Her faith and her family certainly allowed her to become the women she is today. And is portrayed in the book in a very effective manner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite the minor redundancies throughout the narrative, I think this is a remarkable story...truly something in this book for everyone!

This is an interesting book about the marriage of a middle class woman of Irish descent to a Hawaiian man of Japanese descent. Aside from the differences in their backgrounds, their lives were further complicated by Joe Kiyonaga's career as a CIA agent. Throw in several children, add tours of duty to Japan, Central and South America and you have a lifetime of various adventures. The author, Bina Cady Kiyonaga writes with feeling, and tells the story of her marriage to Joe Kiyonaga with a great deal of candor, even describing the racial prejudice that her husband had to endure. Her rich descriptions of the various places that the family lived really enhance the story and give it an extra dimension.

Bina has an easy style of writing and describes her life with a great deal of wit and humor. I recommend the book to anyone who might be interested in what it was like for the wife and family of a CIA operative.

You're not going to learn much about the profession of "spying," but you are going to experience a wonderful true story of a family held together by the wife and backed up and nourished by the father. It is a little like a travelogue and a lot of how to have a successful marriage even while having problems and a husband who is away from home a lot. At the end, you should shed a tear or two if you have a heart within you!

This book covers basics in the real estate JOB from start to finish. Very straightforward in his approach, Mike Ferry explains how to do well in real estate and how to be committed to it and be organized and scheduled as if it were a regular 9-5 JOB.

Although there are many realtors that do very well in this JOB, (the Mike Ferry approach), this JOB is tiring, requires multitudes of commitment and is very, very, very repetitive and boring.

Most top producers do not treat real estate as their JOB, they treat it as their business. Gary Keller in "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" explains how to make it a business, rather than just a JOB.

This book is a fabulous road map to real estate success! If you want to earn an above average living selling real estate ... then you must read this book! It is essential reading! In fact, throw away all of your other real estate "success" books and follow this one!

Thank you Mike Ferry for finally showing us the way that it really is!

This is a great book for anyone starting out in real estate. But be warned it requires committment from you. Changed my life and my career. It helps you get what you want, in the time you want, won't that be nice?

I've been a VP for a major mutual fund compay, started 3 companies, traveled all over Western Europe, Africa, and unfortunately only some of Asia. Why do I start my review with this informaton? Because this 'Donald Maass' is everything that is wrong about an agent...or SHOULD BE. He explicitly tells hopeful authors all the ways to NOT communicate with him, and what NOT to say. Then he offers little tidbits about what impresses him. And where I've been wouldn't impress him at all if it doesn't have a meaningful part of plot in the manuscript you're sending him. He doesn't want to know you. He wants a machine. He wants 100 Dean Koontzes or Robin Cooks.

Yes, he mentions the 'I can do better than they can' syndrome. And of course one should not belittle someone else in an introduction to an agent. But sheesh, to use the above two as any comparison to Updike or Block or John D. MacDonald...well you have to worry about his instintive ability to see good writing.

And it's truly scary if this is what the 'agent' world has been reduced to. His 'successful agent' firm only manages to read FORTY manuscripts a year? Are they stupid? Are they lazy? Are they elitist? He certainly comes across as so. And it's an obvious marketing tool for his potential authors to come running to him. The one good thing is that if you're truly interested in writing and get Writer's Digest, you can safely cross of the name of his firm if you think your stuff is any good. I certainly hope that most agent firms don't limit themselves to READING 40 manuscripts a year. I could do that in a month. Just me. One person. If he was honest and said that he is the only person that actually READS anything, then that's another story. But he brags about his 6th Ave. address and office space. We're supposed to be impressed.

I read the book. Sure, I guess it had some good obvious common sense things. But they're all things that are required to make a success of anyone in the business world also. What's the point of an agent if he/she wants YOU to do the advertising/promotion writing for him/her? What's the point of an agent actually adding (after brow-beating so many submiitters of his little pet peeves) a statement like 'if any of your books have ever been on a top 10 list then please don't forget to mention it!'.

Basically, this book is everything that you should NOT look for in an agent. This guy is marketing his services, by writing a book (actually, it appears that he's baited a number of people into buying his stuff'). He never mentions his actual name for the '14 novels under an pseudonym', but it's unfortunately obvious that he's trying the 'late-night TV Don Lafavre or whatever his name is' method of making money and attracting established authors. And his love of Dean Koontz (as he uses him in his prototypical perfect one-page email or letter to an agent), makes one worry that his ability to read talent is less than extraordinary.

The first 50 pages basically state that the best way to get his attention is to have already written a bestseller, or have an established author (like Dean Koontz) have read your stuff and recommended it.

Do yourselves a favor. It's hard enough getting published today. But Faulkner, Salinger, and any number of other authors would never even get their manuscript read by this person. FORTY manuscripts a YEAR? Why bother sending this guy anything? He gives the psychotherapy reasons for all the idiosyncracies of the aspiring authors who are foolish enough to send his 'firm' anything, but he doesn't bother explaining his own need for a psychotherapist, for why he really doesn't want to do any work; ideally wants a former 'bestselling author' or author that's been 'recommended by a current bestselling author' as all his submissions. After all, if his company only actually reads 40 manuscripts a year of 5000 submitted, then I can only guess he get's a 100% satisfaction ratio of former bestsellers who have been abandoned by other publishers, or authors who have managed to harass current authors with a rep to recommend their stuff.

Do NOT read this book folks. If you want to know what he says, I can encapsulate it for ya: Being an author is a business. That's it. What he doesn't say is that finding a good agent can make this travail easier if you're good. Trust me on this or not. I've written a couple of reviews here on Amazon. I tell it like I think it is. If I had an employee that acted like this agent, I'd fire him.

And no. I've never been published. The day I am, I know that it won't be via this person, nor any of his advice. Read my one line synopsis above. That's all he basically says in 160 pages or so. I've never been so disappointed in a book. It's almost weird reading a person who has no ability but obviously a connection to the publishing world. Alas, that is still really the best way and the way most authors get published. He actually SAYS to get a publisher before an agent! Ack.

The down-to-earth, practical, useful advice in this book can't be had for money (or wait . . . it can be had for the price of this book . . .)

Donald Maass has been an agent for longer than I can imagine and he has been a novelist in his own right for years. The man knows the market. He knows what kinds of lies writers tell themselves and what kinds of fantasies interfere with getting the job done -- writing and selling your novel.

Far from being a commodity-centered approach to the modern market this book is a sympathetic account of how to do it and what to watch out for from a man with a lifetime's experience in writing, production, and sales.

I keep buying copies to give to friends and acquaintances who have a novel and want to market it. While some of his information can be had from other sources, his depth of knowledge and all-round market savvy is worth its weight in gold for anybody with a novel who wants to know what's next.

I've read a number of books by agents, but none of them have focused on the needs, expectations, hopes, and mistakes of the fiction writer like this book does. Donald Maass is a triple publishing expert: a former editor, a published fiction author, and a successful literary agent. Reading the book, I felt like I had been introduced to my long lost uncle by marriage to my second cousin, who, upon learning of my interest in the publishing world, freely shared all his expertise. While dining at his favorite restaurant (my treat of course) he told me what really happens in the publishing world. How do publishers afford those astronomical advances I see in Publishers Weekly? How does he choose the query letters that make him want to see a manuscript? How do authors help, or more often, hurt their careers? Now I know. He also shares his formula for calculating when a published author can make the leap into full-time writing without undue fear of crashing back to earth and having to get a job at the local convenience store to meet the bills. The best non-fiction books educate while entertaining, and Maass' friendly, chatty style is the Madeira sauce on this highly satisfying, juicy slice of steak.

Norman Spinrad is one of the best writers of the 1970's. His novel Bug Jack Barron is considered one of the 100 best SF books of all time. This is one of his first novels and as such is a precursor of the technique and themes appearing in later books. I would buy this book. But then again, I know a book with Spinrad's name on it will not be a waste of time or money.

The author opened each Chapter with a verse from George Markowitz, fictive author of the Theory of Social Empathy. He draws his characters in this story to produce conflict between the theory of social order and of that of social chaos. Sprinrad presents human emotions as random factors serving the forces of chaos. This is a very good job of using his characters to teach his anti-utopian ideal. Basically he is telling his reader to stop fighting the entropic degradation of the universe--just lay back and enjoy it. That one group committed suicide, as the Brotherhood of Assassins did, in order to accomplish their mission of universal planetary exploration was a paradox that enthralled the author. Thus he labeled victory by suicide as the Ultimate Chaotic Act.

With calls for a National ID system with biometric controls, Agent of Chaos should be required reading for everyone to understand what a government could do with the ability to track everyone everywhere. We are now descending into the fascism that Spinrad predicted, but much sooner than he anticipated.

As a new real estate agent, I bought a number of books on the subject, hoping to get a few different points of view. Mr. Hopkins has been in real estate for many years, and because this book was written in the early '90s when the market was VERY different, some of the commentary is dated. The concepts for generating business and how to build a clientele are timeless however. As with any book on "how to" I have taken some of the suggestions as gospel and others with a grain of salt, to best fit my style and my marketplace.
Overall it is a very worthwhile book, which discusses everything from why it is important to dress a certain way to why it is so critical to maintain a certain attitude.
There are agents with 20 years of experience in my RE/MAX office, and there are copies of this book on their shelves. Hmmmm. Makes you think it might be worth your money doesn't it?

Whether you are new to the business or are a seasoned pro, this book will give you all the techniques, strategies, scripts, ideas and more to build a great and lasting real estate business.

Probably the best feature about this book is that Mr. Hopkins doesn't just tell you what to do, he tells you EXACTLY how to go about doing it -- step by step, including the exact language to use. (My only issue with the book is that, even though it was written in 1991, it is a bit dated. But this is a minor point at best.)

This book covers essential real estate business development activities such as:

* Canvassing
* For Sale By Owner
* Expired listings
* Listing banks (farming)
* Listing Tools
* Listing Presentations
* Closing

Chock full of scripts to handle each situation, necessary charts and graphs for presentations, letters and notes, plus essential descriptions of how to be and what it means to be a real estate professional versus a run-of-the-mill real estate person, this book is worth its weight in diamonds for anyone willing to study it and put its ideas into action.

For the SERIOUS real estate professional ONLY, this book will kick your business into high gear!!

A must read for any new Real Estate Agents. The material is older, but there are timeless techniques that any Realtor can benefit from. There is an abundance of information and inspiration. Highly recommended.

This book should be on every new writer's bookshelf! It's an excellent source of information chock full of suggestions, ideas, tips, dos and don'ts and terrific examples. Query letters and synopsis's are covered in great detail, and the authors present them in a way that the normally dreaded task can actually be a fun exercise and a challenge. I especially praise them for their positive approach, encouraging new writers to keep on writing in spite of rejections, that can actually serve as a learning experience and convert a mediocre writer into a great author. They emphasize rewriting or honing what one has written rather than giving up.

The writer is a lonely creature that crafts its work until his mind cannot budge anymore. But after he finished his masterpiece comes the real world: to publish it. That's where this fine book may be of great help. It shows you how to enter this world of hope where one may get published. A must for those who wish to see their work published one happy day.

This book gave a great review of the process, including on-target examples for aspiring fiction writers. It was interesting reading the first time and I now consider it one of my reference books.