Unique's Ending

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ROCKY'S LIST OF DRAMA ( UNIQUE'S ENDING)

Unique's Ending

Exciting End to a Street Legend!

RAW Rating: 3.5 - Finis!

A SWEET ENDIND IT WAS !!!!

Unique's Ending
Victor L. Martin
Manufacturer: Vic Mar Publications, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0971230994

Product Description

The highly anticipated finale to the Menage Unique Legend trilogy has arrived. DJ and Tina are living fat after setting up Menage Unique Legend to take a fall in the final part of the trilogy. Living the playas life, DJ continues to prowl on unsuspecting women who are led to believe that he is the man of their dreams. Meanwhile, Tina explores one man after another in the world she knows best. Together, DJ and Tina need each other to survive the streets of Miami and Durham, North Carolina. Thinking that their job is done, they underestimate the loyalty Menages team has too him. Will their plans foil before their eyes or will they get away unscathed?

Customer Reviews:

ROCKY'S LIST OF DRAMA ( UNIQUE'S ENDING).......2006-12-24

I THINK THIS 3 BOOK SEQUEL IS THE BEST I'VE EVER READ ( A HOOD LEGEND, MENAGE'S WAY) IF THIS AUTHOR CAN START WITH SOMETHING NEW AND RELEASE IT THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

Unique's Ending.......2006-11-03

It took me almost 3 months to get this book but it was well worth the wait. I couldn't put it down. This is a great trilogy. Victor Martin writes some GREAT books..

Exciting End to a Street Legend!.......2006-10-14

Unique's Ending is the last in a trilogy of stories by Victor Martin about the life of Menage Unique Legend, a big time street hustler. As the story unfolds, the reader learns more about women who are making a living as dancers in a strip club, somewhere in Miami. Their worlds are filled with designer outfits, lots of bling bling, fancy upscale rides and the ever-present flow of sex and money; however, lacking is the important staple of love, honor and true self-respect.

A year earlier, Menage brilliantly faked his death after being set up by someone who was once a member of his crew. During his yearlong absence hiding out in South America, Menage plots to seek revenge against those who attempted to unseat him. He is called upon by a friend to return to the States to be a key player in a prison escape plot. He later finds himself on the receiving end of love that he had not expected which progresses incredibly fast and ends on an extremely tragic note.

Though I enjoyed reading about Menage's escapades, at times not having read the two previous installments seemed to leave me at a disadvantage. This book contains strong language with explicit references and is best suited for readers who enjoy exciting street/urban literature.

APOOO rating: 4.5

Reviewed by Detrel
APOOO Book Club
[...]

RAW Rating: 3.5 - Finis!.......2006-08-09

UNIQUE'S ENDING is the final novel in the Menage Unique Legend trilogy. Menage is a hustler from Miami who faked his own death when one of his comrades sets up a hit to have him killed. Known as the Hood Legend, Menage has decided after a year of hiding, it is time to return home and settle some scores.

Benita Alston was devastated when Menage was killed, but he left her with a beautiful blessing. Rain, Benita's friend, is a bartender at the strip club where Benita once worked. Even though Rain doesn't exactly like men, when she meets Menage something about his charm changes her. Tonya who was the mastermind in putting out a hit on Menage reunites with DJ. He is the comrade who set up Menage for the hit. They both are planning a drug empire, but can't seem to trust each other. With a host of other characters, readers are taken on a fast ride with a man who is determined to avenge the people who wronged him, so he can go straight. However, he doesn't bank on falling in love or finding out he is a father.

UNIQUE'S ENDING is an engaging novel with a fast-paced storyline. Readers will encounter sex, violence, drugs, brand name dropping, and as much of the grimy underbelly of urban society as they can stand. The plot of the story moves this novel because the characters are abundant and not as well developed. I think those who have read the previous two books in the trilogy will not have a problem following along. So, not being truly familiar with the characters, it was hard to follow the subplots throughout the story. The violence and sex are graphic, and at times some of the things that took place seemed a bit far-fetched, however, it could happen. The author did a fine job of keeping me entertained with this book. Frankly, this was a good story, but had I had been privy to the previous books; I may have enjoyed it more.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A SWEET ENDIND IT WAS !!!!.......2006-08-01

MENAGE DEFINITLY CAME BACK FROM THE GRAVE!!!lol
HIS SO CALLED FRIENDS GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED!!
IM SO SORRY HIS LOVE INTREST DIED...BUT HE TOO ( MENAGE )
FOUND LOVE AGAIN ...

IM SO SORRY THIS WAS THE ENDING TO THE THREE PART BOOK..
BUT IM GLAD THE OUTCOME WAS BEAUTIFUL....

VICTOR MARTIN YOU ARE A TALENTED WRITER...
AND JUST TO LET YOU KNOW YOU ARE LOVED IN THE
OUTSIDE WORLD AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOU RETURNING
ONE DAY...

PEACE AND LOVE...
BILLIE..

Ending the 'silent tsunami': this is a historical moment of unique potential.(DEVELOPMENT)(Debt cancelation for developing countries; Group of Eight Summit, ... 2005): An article from: Sojourners Magazine

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Ending the 'silent tsunami': this is a historical moment of unique potential.(DEVELOPMENT)(Debt cancelation for developing countries; Group of Eight Summit, ... 2005): An article from: Sojourners Magazine
Adam Russell Taylor
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000ALUOBE
Release Date: 2007-06-15

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Sojourners Magazine, published by Thomson Gale on July 1, 2005. The length of the article is 749 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Ending the 'silent tsunami': this is a historical moment of unique potential.(DEVELOPMENT)(Debt cancelation for developing countries; Group of Eight Summit, July 6-8 2005)
Author: Adam Russell Taylor
Publication: Sojourners Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 34 Issue: 7 Page: 7(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

I didn't like this, starting with the rotten title...

this is the least suspenseful "mystery" I have ever read

Desiree Shapiro is Wonderful

Not her best, but Desiree is always great to spend time with

delicious cerebral cozy culinary mystery
Murder Can Cool Off Your Affair (Desiree Shapiro Mysteries)
Selma Eichler
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Murder Can Mess Up Your Mascara: A Desiree Shapiro Mystery (Desiree Shapiro Mysteries)

ASIN: 0451205189

Book Description

John Lander is heir to his dying uncle's considerable fortune. But one close call with a not-so-stray bullet, and he runs right to plump P.I. Desiree Shapiro for help. The roster of suspects includes a motley crew of the uncle's potential beneficiaries-all of whom have plenty to gain from the murder.

"Tired of glamorous private investigators so svelte they could be fashion models? Has author Selma Eichler got a heroine for you." (Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel)

Download Description

Rich-as-Croesus Uncle Victor has only a few months to live. Edward, his favorite nephew and heir to his fortune, was recently shot to death. Now a second nephew, John Lander-the next in line to inherit-is enlisting the help of plus-size Manhattan PI Desiree Shapiro. It seems that just days ago John himself managed to avoid a close encounter with a bullet. Desiree soon learns that three of Uncle Victor's other relatives stand to benefit handsomely if both John and Edward should die before the old man does. Which makes the dedicated foodie's new client far from the ideal life insurance candidate. But her persistent sleuthing among the decidedly devious trio of suspects fails to uncover a single clue to the assailant's identity. And eventually Desiree begins to fear that she's been overlooking someone. Someone who's stayed one step ahead of her all the time.

Customer Reviews:

I didn't like this, starting with the rotten title..........2002-11-15

OK, so it's a cute title, and in keeping with the rest of the glib titles of Selma Eichler's books. But it telegraphs way too much of the plot! The mystery, at face value, seems to have nothing to do with an affair. The title tells you what to look for.

The mystery is too easily solved--there is only one clear solution to it, beginning very early on. So this book is padded with chapter after chapter of Desiree missing the clues, plus a completely annoying chapter in which Desiree looks down her nose at a bridal store employee. Now, this saleswoman is a pain in the posterior, to be sure, but Desiree's barbs are more directed at the size of the saleswoman's own posterior. This from a P.I. who is supposed to be appealing because she is plus-sized? OK, so maybe it's OK to be plus-sized as long as you aren't any bigger than Desiree...whatever size she is...or at least it seemed that Eichler was trying to convey something like that.

this is the least suspenseful "mystery" I have ever read.......2002-11-14

This is the first and the last Desiree Shapiro book I will ever read. The main character Desiree might be comfortable with herself and funny in her own way, but she has no problem solving skills. I figured out the killer in the first chapter and continued to think it was the same person throughout the book, only to find out in the end, that it was exactly who I thought it was. BORING and STUPID. I love mysteries, but this book not only lacked good humor, it also lacked any mystery.

Desiree Shapiro is Wonderful.......2002-10-07

Meet PI Desiree Shapiro. A short plumpish widow turned New York City private eye who feels that she was born without woman's intuition or very poor intuition at best. Today she is waiting to meet her newest client, John Lander (and his wife) who fears for his life since he has become heir to the family fortune. The trouble is John was second in line to the estate, now that the original heir is dead will he be next? He has already been frightened by a stray bullet which he and his wife think was meant for John. Desiree can't imagine why the couple have come to her for help, when her area of expertise is finding lost pets, not murder but it's now up to her to put the pieces together before her client is killed. Desiree's style of questioning suspects is uniquely her own. She chats people up while eating or feeding anyone she needs information from. Now she must find out who had a motive to kill cousin Edward. John certainly did but he and Edward were not only cousins, they were friends. As Uncle Victor lay dying someone is killing off the heirs to the fortune he has not yet left behind. We follow Desiree as she searches for the killer among the suspects while avoiding being romanced, trying on dresses for her nieces wedding and buttering up her long time friend on the force with donuts and coffee for tidbits of information. Selma Eichler's Desiree Shapiro is a joy to read. Reader's get a bonus of recipes included in each novel. Vannie(~.~)

Not her best, but Desiree is always great to spend time with.......2002-07-02

The Desiree Shapiro series is by far my favorite mystery series. Although this was not Ms. Eichler's best work, just spending time with Desiree is a pleasure. I feel like she is either my best friend or next door neighbor. I always anxiously await the next book. You will enjoy the book, but the plot is not as rich as some of the others.

delicious cerebral cozy culinary mystery.......2002-03-09

Desire Shapiro is very comfortable living in her own skin despite society's narrow views of short, full figured women. She is a private detective who has had a remarkable record solving cases for her clients. However she knows she has plenty of competition in Manhattan so she's really surprised when John Lander and his wife Trudie insist she is the only private investigator they want.

The Landers hire Desiree to catch the person who killed Cousin Edward and tried to kill John. Wealthy Uncle Victor is dying and his heir was Edward followed by John. The Landers and Desiree think that the inheritance is the motive behind the homicide and attempted murder but the police think John killed Edward and Ken faked an attempt on his own life to divert suspicion. It is up to Desiree to prove the cops wrong.

Selma Eichler has once again written a delicious cerebral cozy culinary mystery that satisfies the mind and the stomach. The protagonist is an admirable woman who genuinely likes herself and doesn't need to conform to society's expectations of what a woman should look like. MURDER CAN COOL OFF YOUR AFFAIR has a fascinating story line that ends with a stunner.

Harriet Klausner

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Apocalypse: Time of Judgement (Werewolf)

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Amazing, are you?
Awsome
Are you a fan of Werewolf?

Apocalypse: Time of Judgement (Werewolf)
Chris Bowen , Chris Campbell , James Comer , Harry Heckel , Rick Jones , James Kiley , and Sean Riley
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Werewolf | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1588463230

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, are you?.......2005-09-14

The WtA had the most heart, despite it's action packed premise... This book was everything I wanted and more. Amazing battles, heroic sacrafice, and betrayal. It was amazing....

The WtA creator's put their souls into this and it shows, it's open ended, yet as structured as you want the Apocolypse to be.. It wasn't souless like the Gehenna book, but made you laugh and cry with your characters in the end times...

Buy this is you ever want to end the world with a bang in your WtA books...

Awsome.......2004-03-02

This book, the culmination of years of gaming in the world of darkness as the mighty Garou, is a fitting end to the game line. The scenarios contained within are definately everything I expected the Apocalypse to be like, with huge battles, sacrifices, and plot twists. I'd recommend this book to any fan of white wolf, not just werewolf.

Are you a fan of Werewolf?.......2004-02-21

Then it would be fairly obvious: Buy it!

This book is the second in a series of World of Darkness apocalypse games. It concludes the Werewolf metaplot storyline and offers many different alternatives to implement into your gaming group.

My first introduction as a storyteller was this game and it is where I learned the mechanics of the storyteller system (it is probably the most action oriented rpg game of the line). As a fan of many WW games it goes without saying that this book deserves a place on my gaming shelf of great games.

Average customer rating:

Depression or Doldrums...

The Best Book on Manic Depression I've Read

Informative and enjoyable

A Review Apart

significant contribution

A Mood Apart: The Thinker's Guide to Emotion and Its Disorders
Peter C. Whybrow
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

"A compassionate exploration of depression and manic-depression."
-- Forecast

"The most thorough and wide-ranging discussion for lay readers about the interplay of the physical and emotional elements of depression and manic-depression... His presentation is illuminating, and the case histories demonstrate his sensitivity and skill as a clinician.... Whybrow's presentation offers a deeper understanding of, along with a humane and wise approach to these very troubling illnesses."
-- Kirkus Reviews

Customer Reviews:

Depression or Doldrums..........2007-02-24

There is a vast difference from being down in the dumps, having a bad day, being moody and a mental illness. Acting as if all is well when clearly there is a problem does not raise self-esteem or one's self-competency. Today, if a woman is moody, she's bi-polar. In the old days, it was simply hormones, her time of the month, which was degrading and so she succumbed to migraines (a real illness) to compensate. Men go through the change of life with all of the moods, drastic changes, loff of self-control and search for importance.

Women aare not the only humans who have sttitude regardless of educational training. The Bible advocates that we should treat others as we want to be treated, but it doesn't always work that way. Never has. You may be able to forgive ill-mannered and derogatory treatment once, but not a second time.

It's never good to measure your behavior by how another person responds. Each of us has dreams, goals, and aspirations. As the song goes, "wish on a star." The greatest treasure above all abilities is having a good friend who likes you just the way you are. A friend listens when you're hurting and doesn't criticize. An importand thing I learned in water therapy is to stand tall (or erect, good posture) and not to give in to moods. Take a walk in the fresh air to sweep the cobwebs away from your negative feelings of how bad you may feel. If you look good, you'll feel good, or better. When I first came home to Knoxville, I soon learned that people don't speak or smile at those they don't know. And so I changed things a bit, acted like I was still in the smalltown where there are no strangers. Is it better to be ignored or gossiped about? It's hard not to be sensitive to what other people say about you, but stay on an even keel while fighting for your rights.

Cheery people are tolerated easier than someon who's always grumbling. Life is what we make it for the most part with a few surprizes along the way. The object is not to let the unexpected throw you for a loop. When you overcome obstatles, you have more self-confidence, thus more self-esteem. Each of us are special in our own ways, whether it be naiteve, strength of character, high principles, even a temper. Our talents vary, and sometimes late-bloomers enjoy using a talent they always had but, in the past, someone had put down as worthless. Jealousy raises minor irritations to major proportions. There will always be someone who does not want you to succeed, so he can feel superior. As a matter of fact, he's a brute and should be treated as one.

To beat the blues when someone intentionally steps on your ability to override snide remarks, take a time out so as not to retaliate. Go for a ride on a different bus to see different people and things. Show interst in them and soon you'll feel more alive as you listen and observe. You mood improves and you not only feel better, you look better, too. Self-image is important, but we're not all beauties. Keep in mind you're not out to please others but to please yourself. Then, you will think, "What a beautiful world."

The Best Book on Manic Depression I've Read.......2005-09-02

Dr. Whybrow demonstrates his extensive knowledge regarding the spectrum of mood disorders in a highly interesting, entertaining, poetic and informative way. Never have I read a book by a doctor that actually humanizes the person and the condition in such depth, exploring the cultural, historical and philosophical/religious aspects of manic depression as well as detailing the intricacies of the effects of sleep, seasonal change, circadian rhythms, and lifestyle on mood. There is the typical discussion of medications, but this book does not focus solely on that as much literature in this realm does. Rather, this book covers nearly every topic worth mentioning in this extremely well-written, colorful, introspective, and fascinating read.

Informative and enjoyable.......2004-09-28

This is a well written, informative and even enjoyable book to read on what is in many ways a difficult subject for people. The author discusses the psychological, physiological, and social factors surrounding bipolar disorders and depression and discusses current treatments and how they work. The book is full of a tremendous amount of practical information that should be of use to anyone concerned with this subject.

I myself studied the neurobiology and psychology of emotion and moods in grad school, and I thought I'd make a few more comments there, since we're on the subject, in case anyone finds them useful.

As many people are aware, much of the research up to this point on mood disorders has focused on the serotonin and dopaminergic issues, especially since these chemicals have a profound influence on the limbic system areas and the areas they connect with, such as the temporal, frontal, and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for emotional behavior and many aspects of personality. It is well established that chemical imbalances and/or damage, such as through trauma and stroke and so on, can cause various syndromes, ranging from mood and emotional disorders to cognitive deficiencies. We still have a lot to learn about all this, but the basic chemical pathways, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy has been worked out pretty well at this point. We'll be able to make more specific correlations as further progress is made. For example, deficits in long-term motivation (which many people have) have been found to be associated with the nerve pathways connecting the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system.

Some of this research may even be relevant to issues relating to schizophrenia and even the problem of consciousness itself. For example one thing that has become clear in recent decades is that what we call "consciousness" actually results from the integration of separate and diverse brain areas whose functions have to be coordinated in time in order for consciousness to occur, and that when this integration becomes impaired, there are problems. It has been suggested that this by itself could be responsible for schizophrenia. Of course, it remains to be seen if can be treated some way, but again, our understanding of the possible mechanism is continuing to progress.

Another fascinating study I read relating to another aspect of emotional behavior was the finding that 70% of death-row inmates have been found to have abnormal EEGs and brain waves emanating from the amygdala, a structure in that primitive and often nefarious region of our brains known as the limbic system, wherein many of our most basic motivations, drives and needs are controlled--both good and bad.

The amygdala is well known to be involved in aggressive and even homicidal behavior. In one famous case, a formerly quiet, unassuming man developed an amygdalar tumor and went up a tower at the Univ. of Texas back in the early 60s and shot 17 people and wounded 30 others before he was stopped. There are now drugs that treat abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and the hope is that someday they may even be able to detect and prevent situations like this.

For a another fascinating example, take homosexuality, which many people still think is a form of psychopathology. Freud said it was because the boy didn't have a strong father figure, and so doesn't know better. For years homosexuals were treated with psychoanalysis with no effect. Then about 20 years ago, a scientist at Caltech made the amazing discovery that heterosexuals and homosexuals had different neurochemical and anatomical characteristics in one of the limbic areas known as the neurosecretory zone of the preoptic hypothalamic nucleus. In fact, he was able to get animals to display either heterosexual or homosexual behavior by diffusing neurosynaptic chemicals into the preoptic area. So much for the Freudian theory. This research proves that this aspect of our behavior is due entirely to how are brains are wired from birth, and has nothing to do with old notions of psychopathology.

Finally, one of the most fascinating cases I came across was a number of people who had been perfectly normal, but had recently become almost complete "vegetables" and had to be hospitalized. At least so they seemed on the surface. There was nothing wrong with them cognitively, they still had normal reasoning ability and could talk and socialize if they wanted to. They just had no interest in it. They progressively lost interest in their famlies, jobs, friends, everything, and eventually had to be hospitalized.

Finally, it was discovered that these people had amazingly developed an epileptic seizure focus in the orgasm center in the brain. It's been a while since I read the article, but if I remember right, it had the tongue-twisting name of the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis. In any case, it was in one of the somatosensory processing areas in the thalamus, which is a structure just below the cortex but above the limbic system. Although this is technically a form of epilepsy, there are no convulsions associated with this syndrome (just as there aren't in the case of temporal-lobe epilepsy, which, since it occurs in the memory and associational area of the brain, produces intense visions and memories).

Now it was obvious why these people weren't interested in anything else in their lives. They had orgasms that went on for several minutes, and due to the intensity of the electrical discharge, were probably 10 to 100 times as intense as a normal person's orgasms. And they kept having them. Especially the women patients said it was better than anything they could experience before. So they just sat there, waiting, yearning, hoping, for that next "seizure."

Of course, these people don't want to be cured. As for me, I want to know how I can sign up. :-)

Anyway, just a few interesting things to consider relating to our knowledge of the brain and behavior. I realize I departed somewhat from the original focus of mood and emotional disorders, but perhaps you'll find my comments about other areas of the mind and brain informative or at least interesting.

A Review Apart.......2003-05-24

I whole heartedly agree with all of the other reviews. This book is tremendously insightful. I would like to add that this is not a book solely about bi-polar and manic depression. It is also about unipolar depression. I found that to read about all these types of depression together to be very insightful about my own place amongst all the variations. And this was a very interesting point made by the book that all these types of variables do occur in people without the dehabilitating forms of these illnesses. The form of the illness is not out of the ordinary, so to speak. Excellent book. Layered with insights into biology, psychology, history, genetics, and evolutionary adaptation.

significant contribution.......2002-10-19

A must for all persons desiring a greater understanding of mood disorder.

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