Welcome to Atlantic City. From the earliest plans for the playground for Philadelphia to the emergence of illegal gambling through the first casino in 1978 corruption has abounded and Van Meter's book traces that through the ages. He walks us through the earliest developments of Atlantic City in the 1800's, but his book's true focus is on the 1940's through the 1980's. This period of time is chronicled through Paul "skinny" D'Amato and the 500 club. We have a forum for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jerry Lewis to name a few. Throughout the years we follow these stars along with the Kennedys, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Farley ( more than just a rest stop on the Expressway). However the true star of the book is clearly Atlantic City herself. Van Meter's style is crisp and fact centered, but it never stops being fun. The book is an exceptionally read bringing you in like a work of fiction.

Despite the obvious corruption and underhanded dealings, Skinny D'Amato remains a very sympathetic character. Van Meter clearly demonstrates how central he was to the heyday of Atlantic City and again in the reconstruction. I highly recommend the book to anyone with any interest in Atlantic City. It also should be required reading for growing up in South Jersey.

A wonderfully quick read that pulls the reader into a deeply personal narrative. This book works equally well for an advanced reader as well as any reluctant reader. What I found most engaging were the numerous allusions and developments of the novelists that Gantos was reading or has since read. I almost also admit that an element of localism arouse as he docked near Cape May, and he spoke of eating in the burger place. STill, while I liked the book it is a simple read lacking and substantial depth. However, sometimes that is exactly what I need in a story. I definitely felt tied to the book the entire time. Gantos surely has a way with words and places a wonderful spin on his life for the reader. I also have to admit the harsh reality of the drug trade will be a rude awakening to the many students so enamored by its portrayal on screen .

I definitely advise people to pick this book up and spend a few days getting to know the crazy story of Jack Ganto's youth. You will enjoy yourself immensely.

Wow... I forgot what it was like to slow down and really read. This book needs to be savored. In fact the book will not allow you to do anything else. In Mann;s almost poetic prose you must read slowly and quite deliberately. He forces you to examine the multifarious elements of life and see how your views fall. His prose are detailed and elegant painting some of the most beautiful pictures. From Hans Castrop's descriptions of the mountain destination to his justification of those delicious Maria Mancinis in which he indulges throughout the book.

I found myself making time to read, but I will add this novel took me through May and June to read. I offer no complaints though as I savored every page and came out with a beautiful respect for the European Humanism he related. Each of the characters brings a glimpse into a different element of the European mind set at the turn of the century. I loved his looks at Claudia. She exuded beauty and eroticism as Hans stole glimpses and fanned his fantasy. As I progressed toward the end I was sorry to say goodbye to such fair friends as I had made on his pages. I have to admit I had more questions than answers at the end leading me to believe that the book begs to be revisited. All I can add is make sure you have the time to savor as you devour. Take time and enjoy.

Okay disregard what I stated before. Magic mountain was a wonderful warm up to the struggles of reading Joyce's masterpiece. I first must say I loved the novel. It read so much deeper than when I fought through it in college. I am thrilled i set this undertaking. Almost the equivalent of an intellectual marathon. Exactly what I needed for the summer. Good times had by all. Onto the novel, This one day tale of Leopold Bloom takes the reader on a whirlwind journey through Ireland. Often serendipitous, we gain insight along with the narrator. Joyce paints a deeply symbolic picture of life and our search for meaning.

After the last two heavy weights, Gaarder's novel offered a bit of relief and relaxation. Still, he posses some excellent philosophical thoughts on death and the transition. As the family prepares for Christmas, Cecila is visited by an angel. Their discussions range from life to the movement into death. Slowly, Cecila begins to accept the transition into her next phase of life. She once again gets the opportunity to experience life and opens up all that she had missed for so long.

As I prepared for my first year teaching Public Speaking I had volumes of textbooks on the principals of Public Speaking. However, Every time I found myself questioning I turned to the "public speaking bible" Carnegie offers what might seem common sense tips but I honestly never thought to compose. Carnegie presents not only the philosophical support on why these principles work but provides the common sense tips that make this advice practical. Carnegie's book offers an excellent supplement to any public speaking course. Also, if you find yourself pressed into the circumstance of needing to deliver a speech, this book offers suggestions and the confidence you need.

A collection of essays from numerous publications that recount Springsteen's career. The book recounts his Steel Mill days all the way through his most recent The Rising album. Perhaps the real reason for reading this book is to read the opening statement by Martin Scorcese. He looks at how Springsteen's career shaped our society in general. A wonderful read for any Springsteen fan

Amazon.com
This book is at once an engrossing story of murder in a small American town and a profound meditation on the meaning of childhood in modern America. Ron Powers, co-author of Flags of Our Fathers , returns to Hannibal, Missouri--the boyhood home of Mark Twain, and also where Powers grew up--after learning about two local teenage killers. The very notion of it shook him: "In addition to their human victims, small-town killings assault ... the myth of the hearth, the safe inner circle that protects a loving enclave against the cruelties of a barbarous world." He goes on to describe "a world of absent or dimly connected adults" and how adolescents fall into the grip of a deep meaninglessness and whose "daily movements might easily begin with a search for a better brand of cigarette and end with a shotgun murder." Most of Tom and Huck Don't Live Here Anymore is a tale of two true crimes, though it's also punctuated by autobiography and full of Twain references. Hard to put down because the writing is so good, the book is hard to forget because its message is so troubling. --John Miller --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

An outstanding look at the late singers life. Takes you from the lows to the exuberant highs and finally shows the sometimes roller coaster that was Dean Martin's Life. As a journalist, Toches does his homework and really dives through the many people who knew and interacted with Dino on a daily basis. Sees the hard opening when he was selling shares of himself until over 100% was leased out to numerous managers. The cast of characters proves as interesting as his life.

The writing style is excellent. very pointed and at times as gritty as the subject matter itself, but this is what makes for such an interesting story. If you are at all interested in The Rat Pack of that period of time this is a must read book.

Not so much a biography as a philosophy. Zehme's book looks at numerous subjects from gals, to friends, to success through the lens of Frank Sinatra. An interesting read with wonderful photographs. While it does not intend to paint a biography, this book does relate numerous aspects of his life through his words and attitudes. Nicely done and a very fun light read.

An outstanding book that begins looking at the ever bright moment in history as The rat Pack took over Las Vegas through the filming of Ocean's Eleven. You encounter just about every prominent figure of the late fifties and sixties through the tales and exploits of these five legendary men.

When the book looks at he interaction of Lawford, Sinatra, and the Kennedys is when it grows most interesting. Suddenly we are taken in the backroom dealings to the moment that bought a presidency. through Levy's words the foundation of Camelot shakes just a bit. However, all was not what it seemed and we see the famous snubs that came to Sinatra at the hands of the Kennedys as well. A fascinating read. If you do not aim to look at individual biographies than this is the novel for you.

"We are each the love of someone's life." And so this novel begins. I have to thank Dave Smith for recommending this book as it turned into a beautifully poetic narrative. I must admit that the novel took almost 60 pages to break in and I questioned why I was staying with this read. However, it paid off in the long run. Greer not only presents a fascinating story, but he does so in a romantic and lyric voice. His many allusions kept me on my toes and kept me fascinated by the intricacies he painted.

. Thanks Ashley... I am finally reading this. So far, so good. Coming soon... not yet finished.