Customer Comments

This book is a real eye-opener. From the heartbreaking scandal of the oil industry's high disregard for any safety or economic fairness issues that might slightly dent the bottom line- learn why Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf oil spill and even the Exxon Valdez were so devastating, and why more of the same is practically guaranteed- to the tiny group of "vultures": "financiers" who've found the way to suck any and all resources from countries whose crime was to modernize by entering the modern system of debt, and been caught out by the drying-up of economic growth- we learn how deeply rooted corruption is, in so many areas, and how they are interconnected. Palast actually makes this into an enjoyable read, casting himself as a modern Sam Spade, and introducing us to fascinating people all over the world, from the native Arctic peoples to the incredibly dignified victims of British Petroleum in Tadjikhistan. Not only is this a must-read, it's important to support this writer and his work! Buy it.

An astonishing, radiant story. Lusseyran recounts his experience when he was accidentally blinded at age 7, and then discovered that, if he looked in the right direction, inside himself, he could in fact see, though in a new way. He went on to organize a significant network of young people in the French Resistance, supplying reliable information to thousands throughout France. he was one of very few to survive Buchenwald. his story is not only inspirational, it is full of life-changing insight on every page. He came to America and taught at Case Western Reserve.

A truly amazing book. Rooted in the harsh bedrock of early Midwestern settlements, illuminated by compassion and deep insight, Marilyn Robinson lets us share the heart of an aging preacher, who has stayed to serve his tiny community when those he'd thought to emulate have abandoned, not only their roots but their own beliefs. As he comes to terms with modernity, in the person of the ne'er-do-well son of his friend and fellow pastor, he learns that things are far from being what they seem- and we learn what it is to HONESTLY examine a heart and a conscience, resisting the temptation to believe what seems obvious or easy. With all of that , it's still a readable, engaging story. The portrait of his wife, a much younger, uneducated woman, and the quality of her love and understanding will stay with me forever.