Agent Books

Though not a great book, or even the book that Curt Flood may have deserved, "A Well-Paid Slave" is important American history well worth reading. The best parts are the details of how Flood grew up in Oakland in a time when baseball players came out of the city in droves as well as his minor league days in the Jim Crow Era South. Less entertaining are the legal blow by blows of his court case and all of its machinations through the American legal system. I am not a lawyer and I found the many pages devoted to the Supreme Court decision, which of course Flood lost, to be beside the point.

Curt Flood was a great and important American in the way that Rose Parks was and so many others who fought racial and economic injustice in our wonderful nation are and were. He was far from perfect, and the author's lamentations that Flood was "blackballed" ignore his alcoholism and self destructive tendencies, though Flood died sober and in recovery.

This book is worth reading for though familiar with Flood's legal battles against the baseball establishment. I just wish the author had spent more time on Curt Flood the man and less time on the court case which he ultimately lost.

For anyone who knows the name Curt Flood but little of what compelled him to tilt at baseball's windmills. The book should be required reading for anyone who wonders how owners are falling over themselves to offer millions to the most pedestrian of today's players.

It has been so many years since the events depicted in "A Well Paid Slave" took place that I had largely forgotten a good deal of the story. In fact, I am ashamed to admit that I was unaware or had completely forgotten that Curt Flood passed away more than a decade ago. The story of Curt Flood was one that desperately needed to be told. I certainly needed to be reminded of the tremendous sacrifices that this man made when he gave up literally everything to challenge baseball's sacrosanct reserve clause in 1970. Oddly enough author Brad Snyder thought that the story of Curt Flood was so compelling that he abruptly quit his job at a prominent Washington D.C. law firm in order to devote full time to writing "A Well Paid Slave". This is a story of a man who was willing to put it all on the line for the principles he believed in. He seemed to be fully aware of the ramifications of his decision. Yet, as you will discover Curt Flood paid a price far greater than he, his legal team, or his small cadre of supporters could ever have imagined. Indeed, life would never ever be the same for the former St. Louis Cardinals centerfielder.
By way of review, or for those too young to remember, the event that triggered this historic chain of events was the news shortly after the 1969 season that the St. Louis Cardinals had sent Curt Flood to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a seven player swap. After a dozen notable seasons with the Cardinals what really irritated and hurt Flood the most was that he first learned of the deal from a reporter. And when the Cardinals finally did call to inform him of the trade the caller was not General Manager Bing Devine but one of his assistants. Flood was furious and immediately vowed that he would never report to the Phillies. In Flood's view baseball players were being treated like cattle. The reserve clause essentially bound a player to his team for life. For 90 years, baseball players had been bought and sold without any regard whatsoever to the players wishes. Flood recalled the time in 1957 when as a young Cincinnati Reds farmhand he was told that he had been traded to St. Louis. Curt Flood vowed right then and there that he would never again submit himself to a trade. True to his word Curt Flood announced that he would retire rather than report to the Phillies.
The idea for suing Major League Baseball over the reserve clause was first proposed in a meeting Flood had with St. Louis attorney Allan H. Zerman in early 1970. This was Zerman's idea. The more Curt Flood thought about it the more he was convinced that he was the man to challenge Major League Baseball's anti-trust exemption and ultimately the reserve clause. Shortly thereafter he decided to call Marvin Miller. The rest is history. Throughout "A Well Paid Slave" author Brad Snyder does a workmanlike job of tracing the long and winding road that Flood's legal case would take. Curt Flood and his legal team were under no illusions. They knew they were in for a long and bloody battle that they were likely to lose. MLB would use its vast influence and political connections to make sure that the status quo would be preserved. And like Curt Flood, readers are bound to get a bit upset when they read about some of the shenanigans that took place at the Supreme Court while this case was being considered. Brad Snyder also spends a great deal of time focusing on Curt Flood's personal life both during the time of the litigation and after. Sad to say this part of the story has more downs that ups but it is very important that people understand what Curt Flood went through in order to change a blatantly unfair system. In the end Curt Flood would fail in his attempt to overturn the reserve clause. But no one can deny that it was his courageous decision to press the issue that paved the way for free agency as we know it today.
Without a doubt, "A Well Paid Slave" is one of the most meticulously documented books I have ever read. There are 80 pages of notes at the end of the book! This book grabbed my attention in the first few pages and I simply could not put it down. Like the man this book is about "A Well Paid Slave" certainly deserved a lot more attention than it got. This is a book that can be enjoyed by a wide audience that would include sports fans, history buffs and general readers as well. Obviously, it goes without saying that this one should be required reading for all professional athletes who owe a debt of gratitude to a man who chose to make a stand. Very highly recommended!

Arthur Goldberg's grandson takes strong issue with Brad Snyder's excellent and wonderful book about Curt Flood for the singular, though substantial, reason that Mr. Snyder was, in Mr. Goldberg's view, unfair to his famous and respected grandfather, former Supreme Court Justice and former UN Ambassador Arthur Goldberg.

As someone who recently finished Mr. Snyder's book, and found it outstanding, I wish to respond to Mr. Goldberg's defense of his grandfather and defend Mr. Snyder:

When one notes everything Mr. Goldberg states in his earlier review, it remains true to the portrait Mr. Snyder has painted of Mr. Goldberg as more accurate than inacurrate. Goldberg's vanity did play a significant role in his leaving the Supreme Court to take the position of UN Ambassador. Goldberg did mislead Marvin Miller when he said he would not run for governor of New York when Goldberg already knew he was being approached to run for governor of New York against a then very vulnerable Nelson Rockefeller. Goldberg refused to work up the Flood case and take it as seriously as was needed. The reviewer Goldberg's statement claims Topkis and the other quoted associate lawyer had an ax to grind, with no evidence for this statement provided--which leaves me unpersuaded. Having been in the position of the associated lawyers in various lawsuits, and sometimes seeing lead lawyers concentrate on everything else but the case, it makes me strongly believe Topkis and the others, (Yes, I'm a trial lawyer by trade).

The other sources Snyder relied upon with reference to the Justices of the Supreme Court's views of the case make clear the written briefs, which Goldberg had little to do with, had persuaded the justices who voted for Flood's position. Goldberg's oral argument was not a good one--and again, there was a lack of preparation that is also not denied by his grandson.

My father, a retired lawyer, and I have always held Arthur Goldberg in high esteem. I still think the US was a poorer nation with the loss of Goldberg from that august bench. Yes, Snyder's book could have found some room to say that Goldberg was important in crafting Resolution 242 at the UN and may have been too harsh IF he said Goldberg's tenure at the UN was a "failure." But again, Goldberg's performance in the Flood case was a disaster no matter which way you try to spin it.

The greatest irony is that had Goldberg remained on the Supreme Court, he would surely have supported Flood, and might have been the difference for Flood.

Synder's book is, overall, fabulous and a great read--with lots of information and analysis that really opened my eyes to a lot of issues surrounding the Flood lawsuit and the times in which Flood lived. If anyone wants to read a book about baseball and American society, "A Well Paid Slave" is the place to start. It is an important achivement and should be recognized as such.

I edited this review on September 26, 2007 to fix some typos/grammar errors. I also wish to be clear that I intended to rate this book as having 5 stars, but the editing process won't let me change it. It is one of the best sports bios I've read in a long time, probably since the Vince Lombardi bio by Maraniss and the Jackie Robinson bio by Rampersad.

Mr. Snyder I am reading your book about Curt Flood and I find it to be one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. I love baseball (but as a life long Texas Rangers fan, it has not loved me back) and have said on many occasions that each player in professional baseball should have two pictures that they carry with them; Jackie Robinson because he helped to make the game inclusive and Curt Flood, because he freed the players from their indentured servitude and gave them the ability to sale their services as they see fit. Now having said that, I have on more than one occasion cursed a player as he was leaving my team in free agency, to, as they say in the cliché "secure my family's future," but that is the fan in me and as a fan I am not required to be objective. When I think of what it would be like if I could not sell my skills to another company at a time and location of my choosing, I realize that what Curt Flood wanted from baseball is completely fair. Through reading your book, I see Curt as sort of a Christ-like figure; certainly not without his flaws, but possessing a level of principle and dignity that is sorely lacking in this day and age. To do what he did for others is the greatest self-sacrifice that one can aspire to.



Again, thanks for this book. I will recommend it to anyone who has a real interest in learning more about this important subject.

I am a Poirot fan, so I enjoyed this mystery as I expected. The little dog in the story is precious and adds a new element to the plot. I don't remember an animal being featured this way in another Christie book. While I was reading, I kept thinking that the plot reminded me of another Christie book but couldn't remember which one. I thought I had guessed the killer but I was wrong. Which makes me like it more!

Typical Agatha Christie novel. "Typical" here meaning classic. This book is definitely a page-turner, with many great characters as well as great clues and a great setting. Highly recommended. Mysteries don't get much better than this.

The 'silent witness' in this case is Miss Emily, not Bob; he couldn't speak in court. Agatha Christie dedicated this book to her most faithful friend and dearest companion. This book was also titled "Poirot Loses a Client", misleading since Emily did not personally talk to Poirot.
The death of Miss Emily Arundell was not a surprise, she had been in delicate health. Chapter 1 tells of the events in the preceding weeks. Emily's nieces and nephew came for a visit. One asked for a loan, but Emily refused. Do old people know what it is to live? These young ones have run through their inheritance. [Why do those who squander money think they know better than those who save money? Is it just a psychological problem?] Charles shows his personality at the bureau drawer (Chapter 2). The children of the wealthy are unhappy in their work. What if they inherited a large sum of money? [Does an elderly relative with money attract relations like chum attracts sharks?] At night Emily stumbled and fell down the staircase (Chapter 3). How could this happen? A few days later Emily wrote a letter to Hercule Poirot (Chapter 4). Emily asked Poirot for his counsel on her condition. But it didn't go out until 2 months after Emily's death (Chapter 5)!

Poirot and Hastings visit and learn of Emily's will: her companion Miss Lawson inherited the house and the fortune. Nothing for her relatives! Posing as a buyer, Poirot pumps the servant to learn all about Miss Emily's last years and the people who visited her (Chapter 8). Poirot learns something about the stairs where Emily fell (Chapter 9). [Note the cover stories used by Poirot to gather information.] The interview with Miss Peabody provides background information on the Arundell family (Chapter 10). Poirot believes nothing unless it can be corroborated (Chapter 12). Poirot interviews Theresa and Charles (Chapters 13, 14). In Chapter 15 Poirot speaks with Miss Lawson. Poirot interviews Bella and her husband Dr. Tanios (Chapters 16, 17). Then Poirot reviews the statements (Chapter 18).

Poirot visits the lawyer (Chapter 19), then revisits the Littlegreen House. Poirot learns something from the gardener (Chapter 20). In spite of the medical opinion Poirot is sure Emily was murdered (Chapter 22). There is a crisis in Chapter 23. [Did you catch the clue in Chapter 24?] Can a person die of a genuine disease that was artificially induced (Chapter 25)? The pace and drama speed up in Chapter 26. A telephone call brings surprising bad news (Chapter 28). All the people involved in the case were assembled at Littlegreen House (Chapter 29). Poirot goes over the events and eliminates the suspects until the guilty is named. People who always want what they can't get are miserable.
The idea of receiving a message from the dead was used in John Le Carre's first novels.

A classic wealthy-relative-murdered-for-her-money plot, witty dialogue between Poirot and Hastings, and a gripping denouement make DUMB WITNESS one of the most quintessential of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot detective novels, along with THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES and AFTER THE FUNERAL. Highly recommended.

If you are a dog lover, you will especially enjoy this novel, which features the canine "Bob" (the dumb witness?). I guessed certain aspects of the mystery but not the murderer. Having said that, I've only ever guessed whodunit in one of Christie's novels so far, that being "A Murder is Announced," where Christie mentions a pearl choker one too many times.
"Dumb Witness" is really quite humorous, with Hastings playing the admiring Watson and Hercule Poirot at his most colorful. If you are a Christie fan, "Dumb Witness" will not disappoint.
For a contemporary Agatha Christie-style mystery that incorporates a little more action and light romance, I suggest Christmas is Murder: A Rex Graves Mystery by C.S. Challinor as an ideal Christmas read or gift.

u guys out there this book here will help you become a extra or a movie star you should read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now in an updated and expanded twenty-fourth edition, "Extra" Work for Brain Surgeons is a one-of-a-kind reference - an annual directory compiled especially for individuals working as background actors in the entertainment industry. Assembled with direct input from casting directors so that aspiring extras have the most current information about the correct procedures to secure work, "Extra" Work for Brain Surgeons is jam-packed with over 500 pages of information about Extras casting companies, calling services, guidelines on everything from how to write a resume to the requirements for children seeking work as extras, maps, a "must-know" glossary for anyone working in the business, and much more. Indexed for quick and easy reference, "Extra" Work for Brain Surgeons is an absolute must-have for anyone pursuing work as an extra or getting an acting career off the ground, and highly recommended.

I worked as a background player (Extra) for the first 3 years of my retirement. Without "Extra Work for Brain Surgeons: A Hollywood OS Directory" by Angela Bertolino I would have been lost. This book is the best book ever written for those who want to be in the movies and don't know how to do it. You DO get your money's worth and more with this Informative and great book.

I recently read the entertainment directory titled "EXTRA" WORK FOR BRAIN SURGEONS. This guide has it all for anyone who wants to get started in the entertainment industry by doing extra work. They help you avoid the scams and actually help you find legitimate work on real film and TV sets, many of the big-budget ones too. This is a really useful handbook for anyone wanting to break in to show business. And the author, ANGELA BERTOLINO, has a pretty interesting story: She started writing and self-publishing the book because she was scammed out of thousands of dollars trying to "make it" in Hollywood. She set out to disseminate the information she wished she had had access to when she was starting out.

Have you ever longed to walk through a scene on a set featuring your favorite soap stars? Have you wondered how you could be one of those people eating pasta in a restaurant scene behind the great actors like George Clooney or Will Smith? If you've been trying to break into the Extra world you absolutely have to have a copy of "Extra Work For Brain Surgeons." It is the extreme guide to Extra-hood. Honestly, I don't know where else you would look for this much helpful information.

Having been there (Los Angeles) and done that (paying way too high registration fees for not much return) Co-Founder and CEO Angela Bertolino decided it was time that there was a truly helpful guide for newbies to the extra set. Teaming up with Co-Founder Carla Lewis, Hollywood OS was born. Now, this annual directory is a must have for every walk on wannabe.

You'll find it all here...what exactly you can expect as an extra, why you'd want to be a member of SAG or AFTRA, how to get paid for extra-extra work, what vouchers are, what the new point system is going to be like, how to get your name and headshots out there, why you should register and how much you can expect to pay for registering with casting companies, and oh so much more. This is truly the "how-to" guide for actors and actresses wanting to do walk-ons. More than that though, it is a why-to, when-to, who-to go to book. And then there is the whole second half of the book that lists casting companies, what their fees are, what types they usually cast, how long they've been in business, what they won't tolerate from background actors, what they will allow, what they will do for you, and inside scoops. Looking for an agent? The book will give you pointers. Need help with your resume? Yep, that too. Don't know what a "meat axe" could be? How about a "wigwag?" Don't worry! The book even has a glossary of unusual acting terms.

I live on the east coast, I don't act and I've never had an interest in it. But this book could help even a person like me find work, if I moved to Hollywood. Yes, it is a regional guide, but I doubt there is a more comprehensive one out there! Not only that, but the book is entertaining. Written in an easy going, friendly voice, reminding readers not to skip certain sections and making even the mundane side of extra work interesting (filling out forms, taxes, and labor codes), "Background" actors will find the read not only imperative, but enjoyable.
Review by Heather Froeschl

A riveting book. Brutally honest, tragic but always uplifting. This author, activist, scholar and educator is one of the great leaders of our time! "Eyes to My Soul" should be subtitled "eye opener" and is a must read for all who enter the FBI. Unlike so many undergoing the same treatment Powers did not give up and is widely regarded as an expert on Terrorism/Counter-terrorism, Organized Crime, Ethics within Law Enforcement and is a pioneer within law enforcement training.

M. D. Johnson, Author
"Circle Around The Sun = Part One of The ISIS Project"

The book is excellent and I recomment it to anyone who is open minded

Such a shame. What a force for progress this man and his book could have been.
There is so much good in him and in this work. His deep love and respect for his mother and for motherhood. His urgings that education is the bedrock of progress. His hatred of drugs. His disgust for the senseless, conspicuous consumption of material goods as a false display of success. His gut-wrenching guided tour through the streets and minds of the ghetto and its subculture of drugs, violence, death, and mourning. His accounts of racism within the FBI. His disgust with the failure of inner city schools. His passion for his family. These are the bedrock values that can lead any person or people to true success.

Yet there is so much here that is harmful to our society and African Americans in particular. His incessant message that whites are responsible at a causal level for virtually every malady suffered by Black America, including his father's rape of his own daughter and his brother's decision to use and sell drugs, and to kill people. His claim that an ultra secret, anti-African American conspiracy exists, which he does not define but which is apparently both international yet American at its heart. But most of all by his condemnation of African Americans who choose a lifestyle or who hold opinions that differ from his view of what a Black should do or be. These are the messages of a failure mentality, and they lead to further wasted lives.

The many polarizing lectures he delivers in this book are comprised 95% by passionate statements of his beliefs, and 5% by assertions for which he provides some factual support. This mixture is similar to the writings and speeches of other zealots from white racists to Marxist revolutionaries. The technique is very effective. You start with a fact, ideally one that fires the emotions of the audience, and then follow with a string of loosely connected points that steadily and imperceptively diverges and departs from reality. The original and occasional fact lends an air of legitimacy to the unsupported major part of the work which nonetheless appeals emotionally to the target audience.

His overview of the drug problem is one example. He asks why we don't strike it where it's grown, in the same way that we have attacked nuclear weapons facilities and ammunition depots. He concludes that the reason is someone very powerful wants the drug business to remain, because they are profiting from it. He further claims that this power also wants drugs to flow, because stopping it would free the inner city from its drug-induced stupor. The inhabitants, "no longer anesthetized and miseducated", would then realize that they are being "targeted for drugs and alcohol, cigarettes and pork, and heart attacks, strokes, and AIDS." This book is filled with his fixation on conspiracy and devoid of other explanations. He does not mention that there may be an awful lot of people who would have reasonable objections to our bombing coca fields in Bolivia and Peru. He has no room for the many, many other views on this complex, international issue.

In fact, Mr. Powers's intolerance for other views may be his most destructive trait. He insists that all Blacks who differ fundamentally with him are "sellouts". He cites the "unity" of the Jews as the reason for their success in defending themselves against prejudice, and says that African Americans must adopt the same strategy. He fails to acknowledge that the success of any group has been, more than anything else the result of its work ethic, especially in pursuit of education. And that this is manifested by the choices that individual people have made throughout their lives to defer pleasure and amusement for study and work, until they have earned a secure place. But closely following work ethic has been a respect for each person's right to pursue his/her own values and beliefs. To follow his example of the Jews one has only to observe the heated debates occurring in Israel, and the difficulty they have in even maintaining a majority government, because of the variety of passionately-held positions. The Jews do not practice Mr. Powers's version of unity, and neither does any other successful group. Freedom of thought and expression are central to advancement The author's caustic criticisms and name-calling of African Americans who disagree with him hurts the people whom he seems to honestly want to help.

Still, I recommend that this book be read, but followed with works of other Black authors, including one which Mr. Powers repeatedly vilifies, Tom Sowell. Do this, think for yourself, and then compare.

I have been an avid reader for about two years. I always enjoyed reading but not as much as I have since I started reading mostly books from Oprah's list or the literature of African and African American authors. I bought this book shortly after my son-in-law expressed a long held desire to become an FBI agent. Since he is from Haiti and is not very knowledgeable about the opression faced by American blacks. I thought that this would be a big mistake. Eyes To MY Soul not only confirmed by belief, but gave me quite an enlightening experience. It gives a powerful reminder of what our ghetto brothers and sisters face each and every day. Even more importantly, it is an autobiography so it does not give you alot of trumped up horror stories just for shock value. Mr. Powers LIVED THIS LIFE, and was able to rise up from his childhood circumstances and uplift others of his race with him. I admire and respect this man highly and consider it a privilege to have read his book. I have been telling everyone about how great this book is and especially my son-in-law. At present he is pursuing a masters degree in Informational Technology so he hardly has time to read anything else. However, I intend to keep after him until he has read this excellent story of a Black man's struggle to rise above racial confines.

When I bought this book I was just looking for background information on the FBI from an former African-American FBI agents perspective. The book is very insightful, and gives great details on how there is still a hostile attitude toward African-Americans in Law Enoforcement among their non-minority colleagues. It is a must read for any minority (especially African-Americans) interested in a career in Law Enforcement!

Some of the other reviews saved me from buying a book I didn't need. The 2006 version # 16 does NOT have an index and you need one. It said the 2007 version # 17 did have one but when I checked today on February 1, 2008 ... I found out that the 2008 version is available for sale and IT HAS AN INDEX.
Without one you end up asking a literary agent to represent you and they might not take writers in your field.
If the agency doesn't do children's books for example - then you are wasting your time trying to convince them to find a publisher for your book - CURIOUS GEORGE and the LEAKY PLUTONIUM CANISTER. ... Good luck to all and listen to no one, just keep writing.

There isn't anything in this book you can't find online. That said, there is a great deal of information in here and there is value in having it all compiled into one, easy to read and easy to handle resource.

Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents 2007 is one of the best resources I have found for anyone needing to find an agent, an editor, or a publisher for their work. I have queried one place which regretfully declined but still sent favorable comments about my work. I've only had the book a week. If you are in earnest about writing then this book is a "must have" resource.

What I like about this book is that each agent gives a summary of their literary likes and dislikes, the kind of query letter they appreciate, and how to submit to them. I have a chance to see their personalities, not just what genres they represent. The features on writing a book proposal, advice for writers, web sites and other resources for writers are excellent. This is my first time purchasing this book. It will not be my last.How To Pick The Best Tenant Landlord Policies That Manage Tenant Evictions How to Pay Your Rent During Hard Times

If you are distracted or dismayed when an ostensibly unrelated article is used as a platform for spouting atheism or criticizing religious beliefs, then you should steer clear of this book. Hopefully, the next edition will achieve a higher level of professionalism.

I loved every second of A Life In Secrets. It was like reading the best mystery, spy novel, espionage thriller, personal history, and WWII fact-finding book all in one volume. In it Sarah Helm tells several stories and unravels many mysteries. The obvious story is that of Vera Atkins and her "missing agents", the women (mostly) and men who were dropped into France and other countries by Britain's Special Operations Executive, formed to help assist underground resistance movements in Nazi occupied countries. These agents were civilians who were hand picked and trained to blend in and do their job, and it was Atkins' job to communicate with their families and make sure they were okay.

The obvious aim of Secrets is Helm's biographical telling of the life and career of Vera Atkins, which partially involves interviews with Atkins herself as well as surviving relatives, co-workers, and friends. Just the recounting is fascinating, as Helms travels all over East and West Germany, Roumania, France, Canada, and England, tracking down her tale. Then we have the chronicles of the missing SOE agents and Atkins' dogged pursuit of their fates, however tragic, made even more interesting when Atkins gets approval to travel to France and Germany. Her stories of attendance at war crimes trials, testimonials from concentration camp leaders, guards, and inmates, and her search for closure amongst the wreckage of post-war Europe are detached enough to be clear and objective yet connected enough to be horrifying.

But the deepest and most interesting mystery turns out to be that of Atkins herself. How did Vera Rosenberg, a Roumanian Jew, become naturalized British citizen and SOE leader Vera Atkins? Why was she so interested in Nazi Germany? What drew her to this work, and especially to her dissection of the ends of the lives of her agents? What secrets was Vera Atkins hiding?

The answers to these questions are surprising and a bit disturbing. The lines between good and bad, collaborator and enemy, friend and enemy are blurred. But in the end I had not only a great respect for Atkins and how she did her job (in more ways than one) but for Helm, who solves several deeply buried mysteries. Highly recommended!

The extraordinary life of Vera Atkins- the woman who parachuted female secret agents into occupied France during the war, and then in 1945 made it her personal mission to track down the missing agents and find out the awful truth of what had happened to them. Sarah Helm, the author of A Life In Secrets: The story of Vera Atkins and SOE's lost agents, tells the whole story about the underground and dark side of political intrigues, spies and beyond. A most fascinating book.

Numerous interviews with family members and friends, aggressive pursuit of declassified documents and old letters, allow secrets to be revealed in this book. A LIFE IN SECRETS traces the history of special agents parachuted into France during World War II and their fate. The bravery of these people, and especially of the women, should always be remembered.

Secret organizations are secret, their files restricted, purged, and hidden. That makes it especially difficult to trace decisions, responsibilities, and fates. To place credit for the actual heroic achievements and to place blame for mistakes and over-developed egos is exceedingly difficult.

This book is meticulously researched and reconstructed and reveals the facts of agents in World War II yet it evades being tedious. The reader is left to decide the personality and motives of various responsible cadre members and who may be a traitor or not.

There is no doubt as to the achievement of the agents or the author of this superb book. It is an extraordinary book about courageous people in monstrous times.

It's one thing to be a trained trooper, heavily armed and supported by your comrades. It's another to be a young female civilian, clandestinely landed or air-dropped into enemy occupied territory. Sarah Helms has written a very personal biography, a page-turner that helps today's interested reader access a facet of the war that hasn't been forgotten because it's never been widely known. The portal is Vera Atkins, the woman behind F section at SOE, who was personally responsible for recruiting, training, dispatching and managing civilian female agents in occupied France. It's an inspiring and byzantine story that takes the reader back to the roots of the 20th century. More immediately it makes you shake your head when you realize that many of these young heroines, idealists all, risked and lost their lives owing to the incompetence and betrayal of their colleagues, as well as the twisted and bestial treatment they received from the men and women they faced in German uniforms. It's comforting to know that at least one person - Vera Atkins - felt a personal responsibility to discover the fate of her female agents. Vera's motivations are sometimes questionable and murky, and the tapestry of her roots and experiences are as complex as the war itself. It would have been useful to read more about the specific training of the agents and have more details of their actions in the field. It's not entirely clear what they were supposed to do and what they actually accomplished. More attention on the issue of whether these women were legally considered spieds or not would have helped. Overall Helms book succeeds because it makes an important chapter of the war accessible to today's reader/student. It makes you want to go out and continuing reading on the subject, but one already suspects that her book is one of the best.

Vera Atkins kept secrets for a living; in the top ranks of Britian's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, she dispatched agents into Nazi-occupied territory to, according to Churchill's mandate, "set Europe ablaze." She also lived a secret life, covering up her past life as a Jew from Romania (both of which would have hindered her within the British wartime establishment) and battling allegations that she was a fascist (during the war) or a communist (afterward.)

Sarah Helm has nonetheless succeeded in crafting a superb biography of Atkins; ultimately, the effort to uncover all the secrets of her subjects background becomes as compelling a narrative as Atkins' life itself -- no mean feat. The book revolves around two quests: that of Helm to uncover the true story of Atkins, and Atkins' quest decades earlier to discover the fate of the agents she dispatched into the field during wartime and who vanished without a trace. Atkins's intrepid and unflinching pursuit of the truth leaves the reader in awe of her integrity -- even while recognizing that this forceful and idiosyncratic personality may have been hard to live with. (Indeed, she emerges from the book as a prickly individual, it seems, who was not well liked by many and who even some members of her family did not know well.)

Tales of SOE agents in the field abound, as do other World War 2 tales (A particularly obscure favorite of mine is the very nuanced Secret Army - The Complete First Series [Region 2].) But it struck me, reading this, that Atkins's tenacity in tracking down the fates (sometimes horrific) of her dozen missing women agents is itself worthy of a feature film.

It's rare to find a biography this good and vivid, especially one in which the character emerges as so human and flawed. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in the history of World War 2, or espionage more generally.

The truth is that if you want to make it in Hollywood, you have to come to Hollywood. You can't phone it in, and producers don't have the time or the inclination to track down scripts... they are sent 100 a week to choose from. This book is worse advice than you would get in one night of hanging out at any bar in LA that real, credited writers go to. I mean, look at the other credits this writer has... "your modeling career"... what the heck sort of background does this give so that the writer can speak to script writing, being that he has no script sales (verified by using Studio System, the entertainment industry database) or movies to his credit? The advice in here is plain, common sense, not insightful... and what the other poster said about telling Black writers where to get the best fried chicken in LA is just the sort of stuff you get. He spends three pages detailing how many brads to bind scripts with... and if you actaully talk to any agent, the truth is they don't care. In short, this book is worthless, written by someone with no experience in the subject.

There is some decent info, but the worst part is how outdated the numbers and addresses are! You go to call a company and they're gone! Same with addresses--I had many queries returned to me because the company was no longer there. So then, what's the point of the book if you can't get ahold of the people?

I love this book! Mr. Press has done a terrific job. I strongly recommend this book to anyone wanting to make a career as a screenwriter!

This book is mostly hype and little delivery. The "inside" information can largely be found on the net and/or in better-written books by screenwriters of prominence. The agent and producer listings are vague and of little help. The book tells you almost nothing about "what they want" and virtually nothing about "how to win them over." All in all, it's poorly written and verbose and could have been cut down to a third of its length. Some of it is shockingly inappropriate, such as recommending to African-American writers where they can get good fried chicken in LA. In sum, it's yet another add-water-and-stir screenwriting book by somebody long on self-aggrandizement and short on Hollywood experience. I also find it quite suspicious that twelve five-star reviews here on ... were posted within a three-day period. Yeah, right.

As a professional writer in South Africa on an award winning sitcom, amongst others, I have endured constant battles to even have my feature scripts read in Hollywood - to a large degree because of Tinsel Town's blinkered approach to writers who are not based in LA. It really is a business where WHO you know, far outweighs WHAT, and in this respect alone, Skip's book is an invaluable resource. Not only does it provide a wealth of interesting and useful information about the movie industry, it also includes a substantial list of contacts for those who feel they have, to the best of their abilities, mastered the craft of scriptwriting and are ready to start querying producers, agents and managers. Thanks to Skip's book, and his monthly newsletters, I am now repped by a WGA signatory agent and receive regular readings of scripts that before no-one would bother with. While I still haven't sold anything in Hollywood, my confidence has risen since purchasing this book and when I do sell, it'll be to a large degree due to Skip's assistance.

I like this book. The only problem I had was why hadn't the author allowed Eric a part in the book and whatever happened to Marvin and Shay? Did BB and Mr. Towers ever get married? She could have focused a little more on these characters since they were a part of CeCe and Nate's life and followed through with some closesure.

I could barely keep my eyes open. This book was recommended to me. I liked the title, but the story was so long and drawn out. CeCe was just playing games. The charaters didn't seem real. It read more like a Harloquin Romance novel than a true black christian fiction romance. It didn't flow. Sorry. I cannot recommend this read.

Ms. Benson, I loved this book from cover to cover. I appreciate your style of writing.
God bless
Fran

IF THIS AUTHOR IS A CHRISTIAN, THEN WHY WOULD SHE ENCOURAGE ADULTERY? NATE WAS ANOTHER WOMAN'S HUSBAND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS DIVORCED FROM NAOMI. ADULTERY IS A SIN. BY HIM MARRYING CECE, HE HAS CAUSED HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY TOO. SEE MARK 10:11 AND LUKE 16:18. AND ROMANS 7:1,2,3. THIS LOVE STORY WOULD BE NICE IF ONLY NATE HAD NEVER BEEN MARRIED PRIOR TO MEETING CECE. ALTHOUGH IT WAS ANNOYING THAT SHE OVER DID MOST OF THE SEQUENCES. FOR INSTANCE, IF THEY WENT TO A BASEBALL GAME, SHE SPENT SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS DESCRIBING EVERYTHING! LIKE HOW HE HELD HER HAND AND HOW HE GAZED INTO HER EYES AND HOW DAVID LOVED HIS MASCULINE ARMS PICKING HIM UP, ETC. SO FAR, THERE'S ONLY ONE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE NOVEL THAT I READ THAT WAS SPEAKING THE TRUTH AND THAT BOOK'S CALLED "THAT FAITH, THAT LOVE, THAT TRUST."

As CeCe Williams heads out to meet the director of Genesis House community center she is prepared to let him know that he had cost her to lose a much needed real estate commission by missing their first meeting. But she is not prepared for Nate Richardson's immediate meaningful apology and she is definately not prepared for a smile that erased any ill will torwards the man who will be her boss for the next couple of months. CeCe finds herself becoming more involved with Nate and the goings on at Genesis House. Nate admits to himself that he wants CeCe and her young son to remain in his life. But before they can come together he and she must share secrets and ask God to help them heal past hurts and accept this gift of love given to them. AWAKENING MERCY is my first Angela Benson novel and my first Cristian romance and I totally enjoyed it. Ms. Benson's beliefs shine through in this beautiful novel of faith, healing and love. I recommend this book.Vannie(~.~)

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK VERY HIGHLY. FASCINATING PLOT AND VERY WELL-WRITTEN.
COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

The concept behind the novel is interesting and the setting and basic storyline are intriguing; however, the novel has way too many typos and leaves a bit to be desired. I was disappointed that a love affair never materializes between Melanie and Jack. The writing style is not stellar, although it was entertaining and what I would term a 'cheap' read. I hate to sound like a pretentious book snob, but the writing style exhibited in this novel just didn't have the characteristic marks of a great writer in the making....I was entertained though!

Other than a somewhat transparent plot (did anyone else want to scream out Nevin's nickname 80 pages before they finally figured it out?) I guess it wasn't too bad a read. However a perfectly good dog was wasted on the story line. Too bad she didn't give him more time (especially since he appeared the smartest one of the entire cast).

The editing was sloppy at best (Melanie went from being left handed to right; within one page the group went from sitting at the diner counter to a booth then ended up back at the counter; the spelling of her nickname went from Mellie to Melly then back yet again). Shoddy editing is inexcusable.

I was also somewhat disappointed in Sophie's apparent ignorance of astrology. She used it as an excuse to keep Chad at a distance because of their Gemini and Capricorn Sun signs respectively. She gave no consideration to having their charts done for comparison (who knows...she may have a Capricorn ascendant or Moon or he might have a Gemini ascendant or Moon or any other combination of aspects that would render them compatible). It seemed so totally out of character for her, especially considering her in-depth knowledge of everything else she approaches.

Let's hope General Lee gets more coverage in Ms. White's next go-round.

Murder and romance in an old haunted mansion south of Broad in Charleston, SC, was the perfect book for my introduction to author Karen White. Melanie Middleton is a highly successful realtor with all her ducks in a row until she inherits the house on Tradd Street and meets the perfect man in Jack Trenholm---plus a few unsettled spirits. The plot is loaded with mystery, suspense, romance and treasure. Miss Middleton is charming and engaging as an intelligent, yet vulnerable heroine. Her handling of her estrangements with her parents and her deep sense of responsibility to her benefactor make her believable and delightful. I can't wait for # 2 in this series scheduled for November 2009!

This book is rife with so many issues and themes that it could have easily become a tangled, unreadable mess. The fact that Karen White was able to deftly handle each and every plot is a testament to her talent as a writer. She was able to tackle everything from ghosts (both of the benevolent and evil varieties) to treasure, betrayals, love, abandonment, and even how one goes about restoring an old house to its former splendor.

Through all of that, White managed to create characters that are deeply flawed, yet also realistic, and the reader winds up truly caring about them as they navigate through traumas and obstacles that not only creep up on them in present day, but also those that befell them in the past.

Even as they deal with pain and loss, their likability shines through, which leads to quite a bit of humor throughout the book. Case in point - the story's protagonist is, on the surface, all about strict organization and efficiency, and the reader quickly finds out that this is part of the defense mechanism that she's relied upon since her incredibly troubled childhood. A less talented writer would have made it pretty difficult to care about Melanie, but White imbues her with so much snark, humor, and quirks - i.e. her love of spreadsheets is second only to her utter devotion to sugar in all of its various forms - that the reader quickly becomes invested in her and her relationships as she deals with (amongst other things) a multitude of ghosts and her desire to solve the mystery of a family's tumultuous, tragic past.

Then, too, Jack is an excellent foil for Melanie. Rather than merely being an exceptionally attractive playboy writer, his charm and humor endear him to readers as he interacts with Melanie, and tries to solve a mystery or two of his own, while he's still reeling from an event that caused him a great deal of emotional pain.

This book was very good on any number of levels - it's both funny and sad at times; the multiple mysteries are all interesting and suspenseful; and the ghosts run the gamut from being heartwarming to exceedingly creepy and dangerous. It is truly a great book, and the only downside to it is that, according to the pages at the book's end, we have to wait quite awhile until the next installment of Melanie and Jack's adventures is released.

Become the Squeaky Wheel is a very simple and easy to understand credit & collections guide book. I have read several credit & collections management books throughout my career but I found this book most resourceful. Michelle Dunn has based on her own experiences and gives the reader valuable advices. She has provided everything useful for collection business in her book, from basic business letters to debt collection related Acts & Laws. I would recommend everyone planning to start their own agency to read this book.

Being a collector for the better part of a decade now I have read many books on the subject. I was very impressed with Michelle Dunn's "Become the Squeaky wheel." Michelle has written a book that will help you make an immediate and lasting impact whether you are starting your own agency or you want to clean up your receivables. Michelle not only gives you great advice and guidelines to follow, she has also included many forms needed to get results. If you are a collector or you extend credit or you are planning on starting your own collection agency, you need this book. Michelle Dunn's "Become the Squeaky wheel" could very well be one of the best investments you will ever make.

If you are a new business owner and have trouble with delinquent accounts, this book would be helpful.

Michelle Dunn offers most of the "how to's" necessary to be a successful collector. This is a quick-reference guide that is essential for any collector regardless of experience! Ms. Dunn shows how to get the debt resolved effectively and efficiently without beating people into it,the way it should be and CAN be for every collector! As the owner of a consumer collection agency I highly recommend this book and am having my staff read it as well!! Thank you Michelle!

The credit, collection and phone calling policies and procedures are a must if you are starting a credit and/or collection department or agency. Credit and collections letters and forms are a must and Michelle Dunn provides a variety to choose from. There is also a large section devoted to the laws. Another must.