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Newest Book Reviews
Built To Last (Audio Version)
Friday, November 02, 2007
I recently bought a number of the best selling business books over the past several years to play in our office. The idea is to expose our team to some of the leading business thoughts of the day.
Note that I have read virtually every business book of note that has come out in the past 20 years. Regretfully, I have come to the conclusion that many of them are fluff, with the only objective being to find an easy way for the author to make money. Business success follows the reading of these books, but for the author(s) as opposed to the readers. Nevertheless, there are notable quality exceptions.
This is not one of them.
I had read the book Built to Last years ago when it came out, but could not recall how I felt about it. Once I fired up the CD, however, I recalled. I hated it.
Listening to it on tape, however, was even worse. The authors made the common mistake of narrating it themselves. As much as I dislike the book, I dislike the way the authors sound as they read it even more.
In short, I find the authors voices squirrelly. They imply, in their "get their ass kicked in school every day" voices, that they have figured out how businesses become successful from their academic offices. The combination of these types of voices and such an implication is tough to deal with.
They look at companies like Apple, IBM, etc., with an eye toward identifying why these companies became successful versus similar companies at the same time in the same industries that did not become as successful. What frustrated me about the book, however, and frustrates me even more with their squirrelly voices narrating it, it the complete lack of statiscally valid samples. It is essentially one company versus another, with subjective analysis such as one company has core values but another does not, or not as much, or the wrong ones, but (apparently) in the authors' opinions.
This book should never have been a best seller. Additionally, the authors should have hired someone else to narrate it. Do yourself a favor, and skip both. I would, however, look for an abridged version or a web site that addresses the topic as alas, it was a highly successful business book and therefore the subject should at least be given a quick review. The only good thing that really came out of the book is the term BHAG, which is profiled on Wikipedia. Read this, and you have the only good content from the book, you've saved the time of reading all their other fluff, and you've saved yourself the cost of the book. You may also wish to read a related article in Fast Company that discusses how the identified "built to last" companies are not necessarily lasting.
We give a big thumbs down for "Built To Last" On audio CD. The content is generally not useful, little is to be learned from it, and the narration is squirrelly.
Sorry guys, I'm calling it like it is.
5:22 AM 0 comments
The Tiger Rising, by Kate DiCamillo
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Every so often, I am compelled to pick up a book that I might otherwise pass by. Maybe it is in a genre I normally do not read, or by an author, I had tried once before and decided to pass on, or even in an age range that I jumped past decades ago. This last group of books is the most compelling to cross over into. Books written for children, pre-teens, and teens often harbor good stories for adults whose time might be limited.
That is how I came to discover the compelling story of Rob Horton and Sistine Bailey, titled The Tiger Rising, by Kate DiCamillo. If you have read any other works by this author, you might be familiar with her Newbery Honor Book, Because of Winn-Dixie. Both of these titles epitomize why an adult like myself might be compelled to search out the childrens book shelves every now and then, as writing as good as these stories deserve to be read by more than just the ages the books were intended for.
When we open the first page of The Tiger Rising, we meet Rob Horton, standing beneath a flashing motel sign, a yellow neon star hanging over a blue neon shape of Kentucky. He lives at the motel with his father. In addition, if it was not odd enough that he lives at a motel, the Kentucky Star is a motel in Florida. His mother has died, and his father is doing the best he can to take care of him, working odd jobs around the motel to help keep a roof over their heads.
As he stands beneath the sign waiting for the school bus to come, pick him up, and take him to the last place he wants to go to, school, he is thinking about what he discovered behind the motel, in the woods, a tiger, and not any tiger, but an honest to goodness, live tiger in a cage. At least that is what he thinks he found. He is starting to doubt it, not so sure he can rely on his own memory. Not especially when it comes to something as amazing as a real, live tiger in the woods behind the crappy motel he lives at.
The good thing is that because he is thinking about the tiger, he is not thinking about some other things. The itchy, blistered, rash that has been on his legs since his mother died, his mother herself, and that he had to get on the bus to go to school.
As soon as he is on the bus, we learn why he would want to forget this last thing. Waiting on the bus for Rob is a group of kids that epitomize the term bully, and a bus driver who thinks that looking the other way is the best way to deal with the situation. Soon though, the attention is diverted from Rob, temporarily at least, when the bus makes an unscheduled stop and on walks the likes of Sistine Bailey. All dressed up in her party clothes, Sistine is as out of place on the bus as Rob is, just in a different way.
Once they arrive at school, Rob does get some good news, good to him at least. Parents of his classmates have been complaining about the rash on his legs, complaining to the point that he is called down to the principals office where he is informed that they think it would be best if he stayed home a few days until the rash clears up. The thing is, Rob knows the rash is not going to clear up, and he does try to tell them that, but no one will listen. Therefore, Rob takes the note home to his Dad, who decides that if the school does not want him, and if Rob does not want to be there, then staying home for a few days might be a good thing all around.
Then the new girl, Sistine, decides to take him his homework, and he inexplicably decides to confide in her about what he came across in the woods behind the Kentucky Star motel. What happens next is sure to keep you turning the pages to find out.
4:53 PM 1 comments
The Science of Success By Charles Koch
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
If you are interested in business success, can you choose to ignore a book written by the CEO of the world's largest privately held company? One has to assume that he has something he feels is worth sharing, as it can't be for the money. Agreed?
I was not disappointed.
In this book, Koch discusses his path to what his enterprise refers to as Market Based Management, or MBM. He then goes on to explain the MBM business philosophy.
In summary, MBM consists of balancing its five dimensions:
Vision
Virtues and Talents
Knowledge Processes
Decision Rights
Incentives
I would characterize MBM as a process of remaining entrepreneurial as you grow, continuing to make individualized decisions specific to people and situations instead of locking into a more beauracratic model. With MBM, you continuously evaluate opportunities, operations, how things are executed, etc., dynamically adjust decision rights, and align incentives for associates with corporate goals, among other things. It seems to be a system that replicates the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.
Also notable is Koch's interest in what makes people tick, what motivates people, particularly his choices for guidance, which ranges from Ludwig Von Mises to, seemingly, historians.
I strongly recommend this book. The success destined entrepreneur will definitely enjoy it and learn from it as it is quite like peering into the mind of a truly successful entrepreneur. Other types will find it a drag, I suspect, but then I doubt they'll be attracted to the title to begin with.
We give a Thumbs Up, way UP, for The Science of Success by Charles Koch of Koch Industries.
9:33 AM 0 comments
The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke by Suze Orman
Sunday, January 07, 2007
My first question is this: How can you possibly feel fabulous when you are broke?
Book Overview
Suze Orman is here in her newest publication, "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke" to rescue all those twenty somethings who sweep the credit card bills under the rug, get nauseous at even the thought of packing their money off for a retirement account and, credit debt safely festering beneath the rug, don't mind leasing a new sports car for a low monthly down payment.
No, no, no says Suze. She should know. Having spent years waitressing and even living out of a van, Suze has been there and done that. Now, the only thing she's doing currently is raking in loads and loads of money from four consecutive New York Time bestsellers and writing gigs for "Yahoo!", "Finance" and "O" Magazine. I guess if anyone can help today's debt heavy and savings lite society, Suze is the girl to call.
Her newest publications, "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke" is presented in a unique format. After a brief introduction in which Suze assures us that her book is different from any other money book out on the market, the chapters are each presented as individual blocks of information, which can each stand alone. Think of it as a personal finance buffet. Readers get to pick and choose the components for a personalized (and hopefully well-balanced) meal. In other words, Suze allows her readers the ability to tailor their book consumption based on their unique situation. For instance, someone drowning in credit card debt and considering bankruptcy can zip through the opening chapters that deal with pulling up your credit score, paying off student loans and even finding the right job. Those who are a little more comfortable (you could say more fabulous and less broke) proceed to the chapters on saving for retirement and purchasing a house.
Suze's book has it all (at least for those taking those timid first steps down the road to balanced financial management). She runs quickly through the financial basics without leaving your head spinning. No need for a classroom lecture or vocab cards. Suze makes the normally horrific notions like IRAs and mortgage loans seem positively warm and fuzzy (that is until you actually have to cough up your own money). Some of her money suggestions are innovative - for example, she encourages the use of low interest credit cards to pay off debt or even start a new business in the right situations - others feel like the same recycled tidbits even the most basic Google search for "money tips" could bring up. Still, Suze raised my eyebrows more than once with her suggestions.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Suze's book is its audience: us! The new generation of computer-loving, Xbox playing, "Daily Show" watching, debt-mounting recent college grads (sure we like to wear our pajamas till noon and eat Cheerios out of the box, but we clean up nice). Most of the money books on the market spread themselves too thin trying to reach every type of consumer, and yet most of them barely give a nod to the money-less crowd. Almost all of these books make the crazy assumption that their readers already have money. Bah! Not Suze. She's got our back. She is on the side of the young, broke and definitely fabulous and her advice reflects the needs of this crowd. In fact, though many of us may be in a little financial "rut" Suze butters on the positive. Even though we might not be aware of it, our crowd possesses a great gambit that may even lead us out of debt and into financial independence some day. That little wonder weapon? Time, Suze tells us. Time gives us the miracle of compound saving (nicely explained in the book) as well as the even better benefit of flexibility. Suze is all for living our dreams. In her chapter on jobs, she tells us to do what we love even if it doesn't pay well to begin with. With that wonderful wonderful time on our side, we'll eventually rise in the ranks and the money will follow.
Of course, not all the chapters are fun and games. Some of them are necessarily boring as Suze explains about different mortgage options in her big ticket items chapters. Other chapters, generally the earlier ones, are more than a little depressing as Suze tries to pull the worst cases away from the brink of bankruptcy. In all, the chapters run the gamut: paying off debt (which Suze commends), different savings and retirement options (you'll get so sick of reading how you MUST MUST MUST match your company's contribution to your 401k that by the end of this book you might actually end up doing it), job advice, buying big ticket items like cars and houses (hint: leasing a car is a big no-no) and Suze even springs a little relationship advice on the unsuspecting reader (Romeo and Juliet never had to deal with mis-matched credit scores, but you and your significant other do).
To supplement the book, Suze also maintains a Young, Broke & Fabulous section on her Suze-filled website (warning: this website contains lots and lots of Suze Orman) filled with additional tools and advice which includes financial calendars, community message boards and even a tailored "action plan" you customize for your specific needs. Each book comes with a code and password that will unlock these extra goodies. Through this site, you can also e-mail Suze direct questions.
The Good
Suze has been there and done that. Her personal story is compelling, and her book is easy to digest even for those of us who are a little squeamish when it comes to balancing the checkbook. Suze seems to understand that most of her readers are new to the money game and need a little hand-holding and reassurance.
Particularly useful is the format of the book that allows readers to skip to the most relevant chapters. The beginning of each chapter also contains a questions and answer session. While not all the questions are going to apply to all readers, when we see our personal grievances aired ("I lost my job, and now I can't afford my student loans" or "I cosigned for a car loan for a friend, and now my friend has defaulted on the payments") there's a certain flood of comfort that we are not alone, and that Suze is here with the answer.
I also found the layout of the book appealing. It is more colorful than most books and feels brighter, hipper (dare I say more fabulous?) and more engaging than most of its dry financial advice giving brethren.
Though this wasn't a particular selling point with me, Suze also infuses her book with a positive gleam. A can-do attitude practically wafts from the pages implying that all financial hurdles can be overcome (though Suze warns that bankruptcy is rarely the answer). Those of us struggling through money hardships are burdened by these constant worries and can feel trapped and hopeless. Suze gives us a little push in the right direction, and for those who are on the brink of utter financial despair, perhaps this book can give a little dollop of sunlight.
The Bad
Suze gets it, or at least that's what she wants us to think. Of course she has a good personal story to back it up. She was once "in our shoes" and is now a successful gazillionaire. Still...she seems a little too positive, a little too insistent that with a little elbow grease all our debt can be scrubbed away. She oh-so-lightly paints over the years and years of hard work and penny-pinching this might entail.
The format of the book can be a drawback for those residing on either side of the money-success pendulum. Those who are more or less secure with a good credit score, little debt and a steady job can pretty much skip the first half of the book. Those who might have to file for bankruptcy if they so much as charge a McDonald's Happy Meal are not really going to find the second half of the book particularly useful unless they want to know the best way to save for a house just in case a wealthy and childless uncle suddenly croaks. By creating personalized chapters, Suze guarantees that much of her book won't be useful to her reads. This might lead one to ask what they paid $20.00 for a book with only three relevant chapters.? So, warning: make sure there is enough here for you to warrant the spending.
Summary
All in all, Suze presents a lot of the same information most money books offer. She explains mutual funds, 401ks, mortgages, credit score ratings etc..., which are all terms you can easily look up on line. The true value of her book is the unique concentration on those in most dire need of advice: the young, broke and perhaps not so fabulous. Some of her ideas are intriguing, fresh and smart. The writing itself is what makes this book. It is simple, repetitive and generally unimaginative, but still gets the job done in a smooth manner. I found Suze's voice a little too enthusiastic, flattering and a bit repetitive. However, this is a financial advice book after all, so the weight of the advice is slightly more important than metaphorical nuance. In my opinion, this book is a perfectly good starter financial guide for anyone taking those first wobbly steps into the real world or those who have, until now, shirked the whole balanced check book lifestyle and are just coming around to the cold hangover of debt. If you are young and broke (fabulous or not), then you have a lot of struggle ahead of you in order to get into the financial fast lane. To make that struggle a little easier, pick up this book and head for the chapter that is right for you.
9:06 PM 0 comments
State of denial
Monday, January 01, 2007
In 1983, PBS presented a 13 part documentary series entitled VIETNAM: A TELEVISION HISTORY. The documentary chronicled the complete story of the Vietnam War starting with its origins as a colonial war with France ending with the 1975 abandonment under the fall of Saigon. The final episode poignantly asked the question "What were the lessons of Vietnam?"
In other words, did the United States realize its tragic mistakes during the war so as to avoid the same disaster again? Or, more importantly, will these same questions be asked when all is said and done and finished in Iraq?
While there is no multi part documentary series examining the war in existence today, there are many books on the subject of the collapse of the Iraq campaign, many of which are of dubious, partisan quality. In Bob Woodward’s new book STATE OF DENIAL, the celebrated author presents an examination of all the mistakes made after the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime and how those mistakes led to the current out of control chaos that permeates the war in the Middle East, a war that may forever threaten the stability of the oil rich Middle East for decades to come; perhaps even to the point of leading to perpetual wars and a possible nuclear arms race.
State of Denial remains one of the more interesting political books to come down the pike in many years. There is much misunderstood about the book because many have assumed that Woodward decided to cash in on the anti Iraq War sentiment by releasing an anti war book. In reality, what Woodward has published in an interesting examination of how the mismanagement of the war campaign led to the Iraq War turned into a complete disaster and lead to significant division among the United States domestically as well as internationally.
What led to the disaster? According to this book, the disaster was the result of the administration being in a proverbial state of denial as to how bad things in Iraq were descending into in the era following the collapse of Saddam and his regime. Things were bad. Real bad. Nothing was done about it because there was the proverbial state of denial that existed in terms of how bad things actually were.
While many books have been written placed the blame exclusively on George Bush, Bush becomes takes a backseat to a certain degree as the villain of STATE OF DENIAL is presented as being Donald Rumsfeld because of his micromanagement and stubbornness that primarily centered on allowing the dissolution of the entire infrastructure of Iraq allowing the nation to descend into anarchy and, those who know their history will tell you, anarchy is the period of time that exists prior to revolution. For too long of a period of time, there was no government in Iraq and all the people who relied on the government for their safety net (Hussein designed is system very close to a variant on fascism which is, itself, a variant on socialism) Without the government providing an infrastructure, the populace quickly descended into factions. Al Quaida terrorists quickly took advantage of the situation and instituted a series of agent provocations designed to get the Shiite and Sunni Muslims to fight amongst one another in a protracted campaign of violent sectarian violence that has left tens of thousands dead. STATE OF DENIAL asks the question, "Could all this been avoided?"
Woodward presents some intriguing evidence and documentation to build a very detailed picture of what went on behind the scenes. It is easily the most interesting presentation of possible scenarios that occurred among the White House, NSA, State Department and Defense Department. The key word here is "possible." While the book is highly detailed and interesting, it is not the actual events and the reader was not privy to the actual events. In fairness, what exists in Woodward’s book is a possibility of what happened and may not be 100% accurate. We simply do not know as we were not there. What we do have, however, is a book that creates a compelling and credible argument that provides a very nonpartisan and unbiased look at the failures in Iraq. This is a book that will be in print for decades. Highly recommended.
6:47 PM 0 comments
Fullmetal Alchemist graphic novels by Hiromu Arakawa
Sunday, December 31, 2006
The Fullmetal Alchemist anime series has been a popular show on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup. It was also widely lauded as one of the best anime shows in recent years. However, not everyone realizes that the show was first created in manga form, a manga that is still being published to this day. It appears in Japan in a monthly magazine, and graphic novel compilations are being released in the U.S.
In the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, alchemy is real, more or less taking the place of scientific advancement in the world in which is exists. Edward and Alphonse Elric were two gifted young alchemists. However, when faced with the death of their mother, they turned their alchemic skill to dark purposes and attempted a human transmutation, or attempting to bring a dead body back to life. Human transmutation is one of the great taboos of alchemy, a practice that is forbidden in no uncertain terms.
Alchemy is based on the theory of equivalent exchange. In order for something to be created, something else must be destroyed. In the process of trying to bring their mother back, the principle of equivalent exchange was in full force. Ed lost his arm and leg, and Al lost his entire body. Ed attached Al's soul to a nearby suit of armor which is now his only connection to the world. Ed and Al set off on a quest to find the legendary philosopher's stone in the hopes of returning their bodies to their original forms.
In order to reach their goals, Ed becomes a State Alchemist. This position holds great prestige, but it's also considered part of the military. Ed has misgivings, especially as he learns more about some of the military's past misdeeds and the things alchemists were called on to do in the name of the state.
I once saw the manga in the bookstore, flipped to the first few pages, and put it down because it seemed almost like a panel-by-panel recreation of the first episode of the television show. However, I've since realized that once the story reaches a certain point around volume five, it becomes a completely different Fullmetal Alchemist. By the second season, the anime series had caught up with the plot of the manga, so the television writers created their own ending, and came up with their own explanations of several key points in the Fullmetal Alchemist world. So perhaps the best suggestion for fans who have memorized every episode of the television show is to borrow the first five volumes from the library or a friend to skim and then turn to the manga in full force after that point. I did enjoy reading every volume, though, even the early ones when I pretty much knew what was going to happen at every turn.
As I read, I did find myself constantly comparing the manga and anime version of events. In many cases, when an event occurred in both manga and anime form, I preferred the anime version. The anime tended to add more depth to several key scenes. However, I wonder if some of my opinions weren't colored by seeing the anime first rather than because that format was inherently better. I came to this conclusion after finding some really amazing sequences and plot points in later volumes that could rival anything the anime threw at us. Or perhaps I should be sad that those events never made it to the anime because maybe they would have been even more amazing in animated form.
I find that one of the biggest advantages of the manga over the anime is the increased focus on the military characters. Colonel Roy Mustang and his loyal subordinates are shown participating in some complex operations where things aren't always as they seem. Al is also given more of a chance to shine as his alchemy skills are allowed to develop a bit more than they ever did in the series. Other characters are essentially the same. Winry is still Ed's automail mechanic and oldest friend. Hughes still torments everyone with pictures of his daughter. Armstrong still sparkles. There are also some interesting manga-only characters from the nearby country of Xing.
Fans of the anime would do well to pick up this manga, and those who are completely unfamiliar with the world of Fullmetal Alchemist are in for a treat.
8:20 PM 0 comments
The ECCO Book of Christmas Stories edited by Alberto Manguel
Friday, December 29, 2006
Over the busy holiday season, I was lucky enough to have the chance to read a newly released book of Christmas short stories, "The Ecco Book of Christmas Stories". Edited by acclaimed essayist/translator Alberto Manguel, this book was truly a Christmas treat for me.
I've always been a fan of holiday-themed short stories and actually have a collection of Christmas shorts that I read each season. Some of my favorite Christmas stories, like "The H Street Sledding Record" by Ron Carlson, I have practically memorized from reading so much. Every year I also read Jean Shephard's book of essays, "A Christmas Story", as well as John Grisham's thin novel "Skipping Christmas". I love these stories but I know them like the back of my hand. So suffice it to say that I was more than thrilled when I spotted "The Ecco Book of Christmas Stories" at my favorite bookstore chain last month. Finally some new Christmas stories to get me into the holiday spirit! Or to at least get my mind off of all of the holiday spirit!
And while not all of the stories in this collection are uplifting, all have a message. This book features 23 stories by such acclaimed writers as Ann Beattie, John Cheever, Alice Munroe, Truman Capote and Muriel Spark. There's also a short introduction by editor Alberto Manguel.
A few of the stories have been translated into English by Manguel. This makes for the chance to read some classic stories in English for the first time.
Some of my favorite pieces from this book include "Christmas is a Sad Season for the Poor" by John Cheever. It's an unusual story about an unusual man, written in that great Cheever style. You can't help but feel for Charlie the doorman a she meanders through another lonely Christmas day.
"A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote is a story that I have read before, but had long forgotten about. I love the style of this story and am thrilled to now have it in my permanent collection.
Ann Beattie has long been a master of the short story form, and is known for her interwoven tales of family strife. Her inclusion in this book, with the story "Horatio's Trick" does not disappoint. I became completely enveloped in this story of Charlotte and her family and their dog, Horatio. Beattie packs a lot of punch into such a short story and the message comes across loud and clear.
My favorite story in this collection by far is "O'Brien's' First Christmas " by Jeanette Winterson. I had never read Winterson's work before, but after reading this story about a single woman named O'Brien, who is searching for love (or just companionship) at Christmastime, I have perused Winterson's website and come across all sorts of little gems that she has written.
"O'Brien's First Christmas" is part reality and part fantasy, as most classic Christmas stories usually are (take Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" or Philip Van Doren's "The Greatest Gift"). I absolutely love this story! In my opinion, the Winterson story is worth the price of this book alone.
I'm a writer, so I get excited when I discover a "new" writer that I can connect with. That is why I am such a fan of short story collections, as you can learn a lot about a writer's writing style in the extremely hard-to-write short-story format. And while most of these authors are by no means "new", many of them are new to me. Thus, I now have a list of great writers to add to my ongoing library search list.
The book concludes with a short biography on each of the writers. I always enjoy reading author bios, as they give me insight on other books by those authors. Some of the writers I intend to read more of include Grace Paley, Siegfried Lenz and Graham Greene.
Yes, most of the stories included in "The Ecco Book of Christmas Stories" have been seen elsewhere, but how wonderful to have them gathered together and to read them all in this great collection.
I highly recommend "The Ecco Book of Christmas Stories" any time of year-- either as an escape during the hectic Christmas season or as a great read while you're lying on the beach.
5:11 AM 0 comments
The Clinic by Jonathan Kellerman
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Jonathan Kellerman's novel, The Clinic , ( Bantam Books, Published February 1997, Copyright 1996 by Jonathan Kellerman) tracks psychologist Alex Delaware as he solves the brutal murder of Hope Devane, a college professor and best selling feminist author. Dr. Alex Delaware's investigation probes the worlds of academia, psychology and medicine, revealing even these hallowed professions are not immune to debauchery and murder.
Alex Delaware is called into the Devane murder investigation after the case has gone cold and been assigned to his friend, Detective Milo Sturgis, of the L.A. police department. Milo and Alex have previously worked together, successfully, on police department cases and in this particular matter, Alex's psychological and academic background are assets Milo needs to solve the case. As Milo and Alex begin to investigate Devane's murder, the ugly underbelly of even these esteemed professions is revealed.
Hope Devane's life provides the investigative duo more leads than the murder scene or the physical evidence. Devane's book, Wolves and Sheep, was not only an international seller, it was fodder for numerous television talk shows and public appearances. The last year of Devane's life had been filled with guest appearances on the television talk show circuit. These talk shows had been characterized by hostile guests and misogynistic audiences. As Alex reviews the tapes, he is baffled, as is Milo, by Devane's public persona. She is attractive, personable and met her adversaries with a calm demeanor and intelligent debate. Her personal performance is at odds with the angry male bashing nature of her book. As Milo and Alex assess the anger caused by her book, they realize their suspect pool may be as large as the television audiences that have tuned into any number of shows she has appeared on.
Reviewing Devane's academic background, Alex finds in a footnote, Devane chaired the Interpersonal Conduct Committee, which even with Alex's academic background, he is unfamiliar with. He finds the committee, now defunct, was Devane's brainstorm and was described as a form for informal resolution of sexual harassment issues. While participation was to be voluntary, the transcripts revealed those called before the committee were subjected to a mini trial and that their presence was more or less commanded. The committee was shut down under threat of lawsuit, and a review of the proceedings only makes Alex realize their list of suspects has grown once more.
Even Devane's financial records give Milo and Alex new leads to pursue. In addition to Devane's book activities and academic duties, she also reported income from consulting for a prominent lawyer and a Beverly Hills ob-gyn and fertility doctor. Neither avenue was adequately investigated by the detectives who had been previously assigned the case. Preliminary research reveals the doctor, Milan Cruvic, is also active in a free abortion clinic. Both Alex and Milo agree if Devane had also been involved in the clinic, her killer could have ties to her clinic activities. Once again their circle of suspects has grown.
Last but the least is the victim's own husband, Professor Philip Seacrest. Seacrest's own behavior has done nothing to remove his name from the suspect list. He is much older than his deceased and more successful wife. He is poised to inherit her estate which will contain significant book royalties for years to come. He has shown almost no interest in the investigation into his wife's death and has been uncooperative with the police department. His reclusive lifestyle is only interrupted by contact with his wife's ex teaching assistant, Casey Locking. This association in and of itself is odd, as Seacrest and Devane seemed to live separate professional lives and his sudden association with Casey is out of character. While neither Alex nor Milo is fixed on Seacrest as a suspect, both are sure he has not been completely forthcoming with the police department as it relates to his wife's death.
As Alex and Milo delve deeper into the circles of Hope Devane's life, the more deception and oddity they find. Each avenue of her life seems oddly separate yet prove to be intertwined in a deadly way. The constantly changing suspect list and the bazaar underbelly of Hope Devane's life challenges the investigative skills of both Milo and Alex. While they manage to understand the odd world that Devane inhabited, it is not without discovering debauchery, abuse and criminal ties and more murders. The resolution of this case proves unexpected and shocking even to these two seasoned investigators.
Kellerman's book is a real page turner. The only problem is that sometimes the pages need to be turned backward to keep up with the multitude of characters that parade through this book. While keeping track of the players is a little difficult, the plot twists and turns make the effort worthwhile. I have to admit to being truly surprised as to the very adult plot twists that reveal the true nature of Hope Devane and the identity of her killer. This book is entertaining and riveting though it should have an adult warning label on it.
This is not Kellerman's only Alex Delaware novel. He is a prolific writer and child psychologist who has published non fiction psychology books along with at least sixteen Alex Delaware books and other works of fiction. This is my first Alex Delaware novel and I would certainly read others in the series based on this novel alone. While Kellerman's books are described as psychological thrillers, this novel is more of a murder mystery with a psychologist as an investigator and a victim. It could be that the use of psychology is much more accepted in criminal investigations than it was in 1996 when this book was copyrighted. Television shows , real or fictional, show police departments utilizing psychological profiling when solving criminal cases. It may be the ten years since publication has been a time of change in police procedure, and the public's constant exposure to crime shows has lessoned the impact of psychological analysis in criminal investigations.
Another explanation is Kellerman keeps the psychology in his books tightly focused on how it relates to the crimes his investigators are seeking to solve. What ever the cause and effect, this is not a psychology book masquerading as a murder mystery. It is a murder mystery involving psychology. The difference sets this book apart from the genre of medical/ scientific thrillers that require learning as much science as trying to figure out "who done it". I enjoy both type of novels. It is just a pleasant surprise to find one that uses the scientific information in a supportive position to the murder mystery plot instead of the other way around.
I would recommend this novel to adults, since some of the twists and turns get a little dicy. I have to admit to being shocked, and that does not happen very often. It is a real page turner and will prove a pleasant diversion from real life. The lasting impression of this book is the truth behind the social mask we all wear in our public lives. Also present is the unanswered question of whether education or achievement allows anyone to truly escape their upbringing. I will try some of the other novels in this series, even if I do have difficulty keeping tract of all of the characters. I liked this book and would recommend it as a " Good Read".
7:21 AM 0 comments
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