Sherman, David

Average customer rating:

Don't buy it yet....
More story than action
The end of creativity
cheap tacticts rate one star, this book is "to be continued..."
Fresh and fun look for military sf

Starfist: Flashfire (Starfist)
David Sherman , and Dan Cragg
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Pointblank: Starfist Force Recon Book II (Starfist: Force Recon)
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Backshot (Starfist: Force Recon, Book 1)
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Star Marines (The Legacy Trilogy, Book 3)

ASIN: 0345460553
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

Packed with hard-core action written by battle-savvy combat veterans, the explosive Starfist series has become hugely popular across America. Now the saga of the courageous Marines continues in Flashfire, as the 34th Fleet Initial Strike Team (FIST) ventures to the edge of Human Space to fight a number of enemies . . . some on their own side.

Tensions erupt between the Confederation and several frontier worlds when civilians are shot dead at an army base on the planet Ravenette. Enraged, the Ravenette government and nine neighboring planets form a coalition, and their first act of secession is to overrun Ravenette’s Confederation garrison. With the armed forces of ten worlds seizing the brutal upper hand, the embattled troops need help–now–and they need it bad.

Enter the Marines of the 34th FIST. As the nearest ready-to-deploy unit, the team is sent to Ravenette with orders to hold the line until reinforcements arrive. The upcoming operation promises to be no picnic, for while sophisticates may ridicule the backward ways of the uncouth frontier folk, no one scoffs at their fighting ability.

Charlie Bass doesn’t mince words for his men in Company L’s third platoon. Two army divisions–perhaps thirty thousand soldiers–are being overwhelmed, and somebody expects a thousand Marines to save the day. As pompous Confederation generals wreak even more havoc than the enemy, there are those who call the mission suicide . . . but not the Marines.

Of course it sounds hopeless, but for Marines like Charlie Bass and the rest of the 34th FIST, accomplishing the impossible comes with the territory.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

David Sherman is a former U.S. Marine and the author of eight novels about Marines in Vietnam, where he served as an infantryman and as a member of a Combined Action Platoon. He is also the author of the military fantasy series Demontech. Visit the author’s website at www.novelier.com.

Dan Cragg enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958 and retired with the rank of sergeant major twenty-two years later. He is the author of Inside the VC and the NVA (with Michael Lee Lanning), Top Sergeant (with William G. Bainbridge), and a Vietnam War novel, The Soldier’s Prize. He has recently retired as an analyst for the Department of Defense.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Don't buy it yet...........2007-06-17

Wait for Firestorm to be available. This is only the first half (I hope it's half and not 1/3!) of the story.
Not the best of the Starfist books, perhaps that will change when the next part comes out. Of course, that could be a year or more and who will remember the details and characters by then? I'm very disappointed. Still, it was fun while it lasted. I won't go over the story, that's already been covered in other reviews; just let me warn you that you won't be satisfied with how it ends.

More story than action.......2007-05-08

I've been reading and enjoying all the Starfist and Force Recon books and this book was very annoying for two reasons:

First there is a lot of "filler" which has nothing to do with the main story plot to relieve confederation army troops. It appears the "filler" was inserted to increase the size of the book, not add anything useful in developing the plot.

And, second, taking up 350 pages without concluding the plot is extremely annoying. I don't have to be left "hanging" so I'll buy the next book in the series - it's a cheap trick unworthy of real authors (or, perhaps, publishers.)

All this aside, and overlooking so much trivia, this is a good story, a good plot, and the familiar characters of the 34th FIST are always interesting. So I'll be waiting next year when Firestorm appears in paperback.

The end of creativity.......2007-05-03

Like some of the other reviewers I've been disappointed that this story was broken up into two parts. Since I'm not dying to know what happens, I may not buy the second book. When I started reading this book, I recognized the storyline, even though its set in the 25th century. Its the American Civil War! I was hoping for a little more creativity in the story development but I guess all the stories have been told. I would have given this story 2 stars for its lack of creativity and ending in the middle, but the story was a well written knock off of American history so I gave it an extra star.

cheap tacticts rate one star, this book is "to be continued...".......2007-04-17

The first 3 or 4 books of the series were pretty good, then they went downhill quick. The last few were getting good again, but now they are falling back on cheap tactics to sell more books. THIS BOOK ONLY HAS HALF THE STORY... It's "to be continued" in the next book. Cheap tactics, so this series has ended for me. I won't buy any more of them.

Fresh and fun look for military sf.......2006-11-28

I am an absolute sucker for all of the STARFIRE books -- they walk well trodden ground, but they are fresh and fun and worth the money and time spent so long as you like this kind of thing. I save them all, and as with the WEB Griffin books, read 'em again and again --

Average customer rating:

Top Notch
Great Reference and learning Tool
A cracking good read for old billys and young kids alike!
It's OK I guess
An excellent review of the field

Goat Medicine
Mary Smith , and David Sherman
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Diseases of the Goat
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ASIN: 0812114787

Book Description

Ideal for any practitioner concerned with promoting the health and productivity of commercial herds, this book constitutes a single complete source for current information on medical and behavioral problems, presenting signs, relevant diseases, drug therapies with precise dosages, management pearls and alternative approaches to care.

Customer Reviews:

Top Notch.......2005-08-21

This book has saved several of my goats lives, I've shared it with my different Veterinarians, they all agreed it was very helpful,, 3 have now bought their own copies.

Great Reference and learning Tool.......2002-02-11

Goat Medicine is a MUST for folks who have goats and want to understand and learn about goat health and diseases. Don't run your veterinarian off! but this book can help the owner/manager recognize symptons, understand prevention and work out reasonable treatments...treatments that work into an already too busy day. Yes, there is theory.... Great if you like to understand and run ideas through your own head. skip that part, if it doesn't make sense, and go onto more basics-- prevention, control, treatment.

If my 75 animals aren't 100%, this is the first book I open. And the book stays on my truck seat, kitchen table, bedside until some questions are answered. There are many books with basic goat care. If that is what you want, fine. If you want to dig a little deeper, understand goat health and learn more about your animals, then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!! Well worth the money..just by saving/helping one animal.
P.S. Exceptional for international goat health..if that's your thing.

A cracking good read for old billys and young kids alike!.......2001-12-12

Never in all my years have I found such a moving and touching tale, disguised within the often dry confines of a medical textbook.

Full kudos to the authors, and to those bounders who complained about the lack of detailed information in the "poison plant" section, well, what do you think your village wise-woman is there for? Certainly not her good looks, at any rate.

It's OK I guess.......2001-12-07

Having a vetinory background, I frankly think that some of the so-called 'cures' are a bit dubious, but this book really helped when our flock came down with red-scruff mange last sprong, so I guess it falls somewhere between "invaluable" and "childish scrawlings".

An excellent review of the field.......2001-10-28

This book is a very thorough review of the literature on goat medicine. Its bibliographies alone are worth its price. The work seems primarily intended for veterinary students, researchers, and veterinarians willing to consult the literature (Dr. Smith is on the Cornell University veterinary faculty). It isn't intended as a cookbook of treatments and will disappoint if consulted in this way. But if one needs a basic understanding of any aspect of goat medicine, this is where to start reading. The authors provide coherent, thoroughly referenced overviews of each topic that provide frameworks for evaluating individual research papers. Anyone caring for significant numbers of goats, even if not a scientist or academic, should regard this as a necessary textbook of her vocation. She should at least absorb the overviews, even if she does not consult the references. We look after 250 goats and could not navigate without this book. I only wish a new edition would be published, to take in work done during the last seven or eight years.

Manual of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology

Average customer rating:

A good book

Manual of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology

Manufacturer: ASM Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Principles of Fermentation Technology
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Industrial Microbiology: An Introduction

ASIN: 1555811280

Book Description

This second edition of the best-selling Manual of Industrial Micribiology and Biotechnology (MIMB) brigns together in one place the platform biological and engineering methodologies required to develop a successful industrial process through culture isolation and development. It describes the means by which traditional industrial microbiology and biotechnology, as well as modern technology, can be carried out in academic or industrial laboratories, pilot plants, or factories.

The editors have enlisted a broad range of experts, including microbial ecologists, physiologists, geneticists, biochemists, molecular biologists, ad biochemical engineers, who offer practical experience not found in texts and journals. This comprehensive perspective makes MIMB a valuable how-to resource, the structure of which resembles the sequence of operation involved in the development of a commercial biological process and product.

Customer Reviews:

A good book.......2000-04-28

It is a good book for both new and experienced researcher in biosciences. Reading this book had exposed me to many areas and important findings related to biotechnology. And had been the first reference for me when I faced many difficult problems.

Book Description

“Within twenty-four standard hours we will sit firmly astride the communications link that connects the worlds of the Republic. . . . Our control will be a dagger thrust directly at Coruscant. This is the move that will win the war for us.”

With these ominous words, Pors Tonith, ruthless minion of Count Dooku, declares the fate of the Republic sealed. Commanding a Separatist invasion force more than one million strong, the cunning financier-turned-warrior lays siege to the planet Praesitlyn, home of the strategic intergalactic communications center that is key to the Republic’s survival in the Clone Wars. Left unchallenged, this decisive strike could indeed pave the way for the toppling of more Republic worlds . . . and ultimate victory for the Separatists. Retaliation must be swift and certain.

But engaging the enemy throughout the galaxy has already stretched Supreme Chancellor Palpatine’s armies to the limit. There is no choice but to move against the surging waves of invading battle-droids on Praesitlyn with only a small contingent of clone soldiers. Commanding them will be Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon–hand-picked by the Council for the do-or-die mission. And at his side, skilled young starfighter pilot Anakin Skywalker, a promising young Jedi Padawan eager to be freed of the bonds of apprenticeship–and to be awarded the title of Jedi Knight.

Shoulder to shoulder with a rogue Republic army officer and his battle-hardened crew, a hulking Rondian mercenary with an insatiable taste for combat, and a duo of ready-for-anything soldiers, the Jedi generals take to the skies and the punishing desert terrain of occupied Praesitlyn–to bring the battle to the Separatist forces. Already outnumbered and outgunned, when confronted with an enemy ultimatum that could lead to the massacre of innocents, they may also be out of options. Unless Anakin Skywalker can strike a crucial balance between the wisdom born of the Force . . . and the instincts of a born warrior.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

This is the worst SW novel I've ever read........2007-05-27

This book has no redeeming qualities about it, whatsoever. Character development was horrible, and not believable. Don't waste your time on this book, it is the worst SW novel I've ever read (I've read close to 30)

Yuck...it kept getting worse, and worse, and worse..........2007-04-10

The Black Fleet Crisis was bad. The Cestus Deception was not outstanding. I found Triple Zero lacking (especially compared to the exceptional Hard Contact). The Jedi Quest series took almost the entire series to make the journey worthwhile. But all these books pale in comparison to what I would call the worst Star Wars book (I have read almost all of them except for the newest ones).
First off, Nejaa Halcyon was the biggest reason I started reading this book. I read of him in I, Jedi and longed to know more. I should have made up my own story since the authors don't really do much with him. He could have been any Jedi; there was nothing that made him exceptional.
Next, the authors have a weird view of what people want. They seem to think that we, the audience, would love to read pages of insignificant, brainless, unimportant characters with terrible names, strategy, and the like and not detail important things like Anakin and Nejaa's marriages (the whole interchange, which could have lasted half a chapter with Michael Stackpole as the author, takes up half a page), lightsaber battles, and real character development.
Other pet peeves:
1. I was unimpressed with the juvenile writing style.
2. I could care less for the whole mercenary angle and the Rodian mercenary (both of whom did not stay consistent throughout the story). They felt like blank characters with not much depth.
3. Odi and Erk, Erk and Odi, them getting married...gag me! Please! I groaned when I read "And now by the powers vested in me..." at the end! How could anyone end a Star Wars novel in such a hokey marriage. I would have omitted their entire story from this novel and given that time to Anakin and Nejaa.
4. Asajj Ventress on the cover and not in the book (to my knowledge).
5. Super motherly woman who is about to die. And she reminds Anakin of Shmi. Do I sense a billboard or something?
6. Ponith, the scary banker with purple teeth from all that tea he drinks. And we are supposed to fear him why?
7. I never really believe the whole mission was important. If this station was so important to interstellar communications, how did this happen in the first place?
Just so I don't sound too negative, the end picked up a bit. The action was a bit better. Also, some inclusion of clone troopers (but nothing compared to Hard Contact).
7.99 is about 7.98 too much for this book. Buy used or borrow. In fact, don't bother. Just skip. Watch the Clone Wars animated shorts for Anakin's real trial. And spend the 7.99 on Hard Contact for a much better Clone Wars novel.

Jedi Trial.......2007-03-29

This is an excellent book. Anakin truly becomes a Jedi in this book! A must read for any Star Wars Fan!

Why all the bad reviews?.......2007-03-20

Unlike the majority of reviwers of this novel I thought it was well written and worthy of recognition in the Star Wars expanded universe. I am a long time fan of all things Star Wars and was apprehensive - because of the reviews I'd read - when I started to read this novel but I was pleasantly suprised. The authors have done a good job in my opninion of taking existing characters and moulding them into toughened Generals we see in the film. The transition of Anakin Skywalker as an impatient padawan to the leader of a platoon was skillfully written. I advise anyone interested in Star Wars to grab a copy of this book.

It showed so much promise..........2007-03-01

How long have SW fans waited for a Halcyon novel? Too bad this one isn't it. Nejaa should have been a high point in the Clone Wars novels, and instead we're shown a foundering, outcast Jedi who can apparently only associate with a Padawan.

The action in this book is not compelling; the strategies are basic at best; and some of the Expanded Universe knowledge is wrong. The authors imply, through Halcyon, that marrying among Jedi is rare, even for Corellians. However, the (much better) book I, Jedi states that Corellians were known for doing things differently, staying in their own planetary system (it took a galactic war to bring them out) and training their own padawans. Halcyon's placement as an outcast was a horrible mischaracterization and it ruined an already mediocre book.

Cross your fingers for Stackpole to write a real Nejaa Halcyon novel. Don't bother with this one in the mean time; the bad characterizations and sloppy plotting will only dishearten you.

Average customer rating:

Starfist: Firestorm (Starfist)
David Sherman , and Dan Cragg
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Yellow Eyes (Posleen War Series #8)

ASIN: 0345460561
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Book Description

Combat vets David Sherman and Dan Cragg know firsthand the courage, sacrifice, and hell of war–and their experiences have made the popular Starfist novels thrill rides of the highest order. Now the explosive action continues on the remote planet Ravenette, where the Marines of the Confederation’s 34th Fleet Initial Strike Team (FIST) find themselves up against a full-fledged rebellion–and a lethally loose cannon of a commanding officer.

Desperate to thwart unrelenting aliens and their quest to obliterate humankind, The Confederation has beefed up its defenses. But to the citizens on the outer edges of Human Space around Ravenette–unaware that a deadly enemy even exists–the government’s move seems oppressive, and ten planets have responded with a war of secession.

In touch-and-go battles with the seceding planets, the 34th FIST has emerged battered but unbowed, refusing to give up . . . even while under the command of a fanatical general. The enemy determined to strike, a new mission must be carried out, though the troops will likely return in body bags.

Should Ensign Charlie Bass and his Marines somehow survive the nightmarishly difficult amphibious landing, they can expect to be outmanned, outgunned, and out-armored in a fierce duel against fresh soldiers. But like any Marine worth his salt, Bass knows there’s only one way to go when facing impossible odds: on the offense with all guns firing. There’s no other choice–because if life was easy, there’d be no need to send in the Marines.

Backshot (Starfist: Force Recon, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Assassination and Politics
Not quite as good as the Star Fist Series
Not so much plot twists as slow plot curves with ample signage.
Your government in action...
Realistic, includes the good, the bad, and the ugly

Backshot (Starfist: Force Recon, Book 1)
David Sherman , and Dan Cragg
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Kingdom's Fury (Starfist, Book 8)

ASIN: 0345460588
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Book Description

An exciting new special-ops adventure from the battle-tested vets who created the popular Starfist series

Jorge Lavager, charismatic leader of the mysterious Union of Margelan, ferociously guards an agricultural research facility on the planet Atlas. What that facility conceals will prove whether Lavager is an idealist seeking to unify Atlas under a banner of freedom and prosperity–or a tyrant aiming to control all of Human Space.

The Marines of Fourth Force Recon’s second platoon are dispatched to Atlas to uncover the truth. They will have to sneak past state-of-the-art surveillance equipment barring unlawful entry to the planet and land in a desolate area miles from their target. And if they discover lethal new weapons instead of legitimate research, the thirty-six Marines are to seize the compound–guarded by merciless, armed-to-the-teeth soldiers–and destroy it. But what the recon team finds on Atlas sets off a chain of events that will force some hard decisions on the Marines . . . and end in a deadly surprise.

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Customer Reviews:

Assassination and Politics.......2007-05-09

Backshot (2005) is the first military SF novel in the StarFIST: Force Recon series. Second Platoon, Fourth Force Recon Company, Fourth Fleet Marines, is tasked with the penetration of enemy positions to perform special missions. Recon platoons are smaller than initial strike force platoons, consisting of two sections, each with four squads with four men each. The Force Recon units are also equipped differently, having chameleon suits that provide virtual invisibility.

In this novel, Sergeant Jak Daly and his squad are sent to the 104th Mobile Infantry Division, Confederation Army, on Silvasia to find and fix the headquarters of the Silvasian Liberation Army. The 104th had been seeking this headquarters for seven months, without success.

The SLA is maneuvering within deep forest, but the Navy does not have any warships or sensors overhead to locate the enemy. Army recon units can locate the enemy, but always have to break contact or be defeated in place while the rest of the 104th is deploying to their position. By the time the main force arrives, the SLA headquarters has moved elsewhere.

The commanding general calls for help from the marines. Although he doesn't expect the marines to be any more successful than his own troops, their failure will take some heat off his shoulders. He is totally surprised when the marine recon squad successfully completes its mission.

In this story, after the return of Sergeant Daly and his troopers, the Second Platoon is tasked with an Ultra Secret Eyes Only operation by presidential special order. Something unusual is happening in the Union of Margelan on Atlas. The Central Intelligence Organization has reported signs of a secret weapons project being conducted at the "Cabbage Patch" facility and suggests an assassination of the President of the Union of Margelan.

Later, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommends the drop of a full corps on the site. President Cynthia Chang-Sturdevant soon discards that suggestion with a little assistance from General Anders Aguinaldo, Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps, who had been involved in the disastrous Diamunde operation. The President decides to send in the marines-- i.e., the Second Platoon -- in a covert sneak and peek with a sniper backup plan.

This story depicts J. Murchison Adams, CIO Director, as an aristocratic buffoon with a patrician attitude and a self-serving agenda. He promotes sycophants into the higher CIO ranks and demotes or retires dedicated professionals -- such as Anya Smiler -- from critical positions. He isn't interested in the truth, but in the power that well manipulated information can bring him.

In contrast, President Jorge Liberec Lavager -- target in this assassination plan -- comes across as an honorable man. A former general who has raised the Union of Margelan to political prominence on Atlas, Lavager is concerned with the well being of the citizens of his nation as well as the future of his daughter. He has enemies, both within his own nation and among the other countries on the planet, especially South Solanum, but he is fairly patient until his troops and citizens begin dying.

Like the original StarFIST series, this novel conveys some sense of the political processes that generate the orders for these troops. It tells of maneuvering among higher levels of the Confederation and particularly examines the degeneration of the Confederation CIO under a series of selfish and maladroit directors. It emphasizes the adverse effects of this incompetency upon the armed forces.

Recommended for Sherman & Cragg fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of corrupt officials, political maneuvering and special operations.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Not quite as good as the Star Fist Series.......2006-03-03

The book is a good read, though it does seem to lack some of the quality of the main StarFist series.

Not so much plot twists as slow plot curves with ample signage........2006-03-01

While Sherman none of Shermans books that I have read could be noted for complex or overly shprising plots, this one reaches a new low. It starts with a survey of all the political charcters being introduced by way of annoying gluttous epicurean metaphors and just goes down hill. From there it is a pretty strightforward unfolding of what is described on the back cover.

Your government in action..........2006-02-27

Actually, the book ticked me off. It was probably TOO authentic, contrasting the professionalism of the specops group to the smallminded pettiness of the bureaucrats controlling their assignments. Some good action, and "magic" equipment was interesting. I still like to see the good guys win, not get used by the turkeys.

Realistic, includes the good, the bad, and the ugly.......2006-02-05

This book is well written and well thought out. While it doesn't immediately grab hold of the reader, the plot and characters are so well depicted that readers will find it hard to put down. This book shows that sometimes bad people have influence over good people and immoral events are the result of that. The plot brings to light that while it would be nice to live in an idealistic world, reality and human nature just won't allow for the existance of that world.

About Face: Odyssey of an American Warrior

Average customer rating:

AuthorZone.Com Book Review
should be required reading for all seving military leaders
A Great Man, A Great Book, A Great Read
A grunts-eye-view look at the career of Col. Hackworth.

About Face: Odyssey of an American Warrior
David H. Hackworth , and Julie Sherman
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671526928

Customer Reviews:

AuthorZone.Com Book Review.......2003-08-01

Excellent book. Well written, easily read, thought provoking. Is long, but not cumbersome.

I first read 'About Face' written by Col. David Hackworth during the late 1980s. I found it extremely valuable in helping me...a woman with little knowledge of anything military, understand better my children's dad, a land based Viet Nam combat vet and the problems he had to deal with before his death.

As the wife of yet a second Viet Nam combat vet, special forces, I suggest this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the debt of gratitude and respect we citizens owe those willing to serve in The United States Military.

Reviewed by: molly martin

should be required reading for all seving military leaders.......1999-07-15

I first came to hear of ABOUT FACE from a friend and fellow NCO in Korea. He said I might think it was good, Was that an understatement. I read About Face in one fourteen hour plane ride back to Korea. I've read it three more times so far and recommend it to all my friends deserving the title Non-Commisioned Officer. I truly believe that all military leaders should read this and take from it; Hack's wisdom and experiance dealing with the military, Integrity and soldiering.

A Great Man, A Great Book, A Great Read.......1997-08-07

I bought this book when I was about 11 years old and a big fan of "war stories". I am now approaching twenty and have read this book at least once a year since first purchasing it, to the extent that it is now in three parts and the photographs have fallen out. This book is an intense, gripping, readable but most of all honest and believable account of one of America's greatest warriors and his experiences...from the forested slopes of Trieste in 1946 to being chased around Washington DC by Army Intell goons in 1971, this book, while entertaining, will also teach you everything you need to know about duty, honour,bravery and honest patriotism, qualities that come hard to find in the era of Iran-Contra, Tailhook, Whitewater and the like... This book will make you laugh, cry and think. Please, read it.

A grunts-eye-view look at the career of Col. Hackworth........1997-07-25

This is the tale of America's most decorated living hero. From his humble beginnings to his glorious career in the U. S. Army. A man destined to be one of the elite movers and shakers in the military. He became disillusioned with America's war effort in Vietnam and the "ticket-punching" pursuits of the manager-officers. He gave up his career and moved into self-imposed exile. This story is a must read for those interested in the development of the U. S. Army since WWII. It's a real wake-up call

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits (Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability, 1st ed)

Average customer rating:

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability
Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability by Iii MD et al.
A great reference book overall
MUST HAVE
Get and keep your ssdi

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits (Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability, 1st ed)
David A. Morton III , and Spencer Sherman
Manufacturer: Nolo.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0873375742

Book Description

Social Security disability is an enormous program, with hundreds of thousands of people participating each year. Consequently, it's easy for both participants and first-time applicants to get lost in the system's bureaucracy.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is an essential book for anyone dealing with a long-term or permanent disability. Written both for first-time applicants and those who already receive Social Security disability, Dr. David Morton's book demystifies the program in plain English, thoroughly explaining:

* what Social Security disability is * what benefits are available to disabled children * how to prove a disability * how age, education and work experience affect benefits * whether or not one can work while receiving benefits * how to appeal a denial of benefits * how to respond to a Continuing Disability Review * and much more

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability also provides in-depth information on various health problems, including:

* breathing disabilities * heart disease * mental disorders * speech impairments * cancer * immune system disorders * and much more

This comprehensive and compassionate book, packed with tear-out forms and a sample disability application, covers both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. User-friendly appendices translate bureaucratic terms, list medical-vocational rules, and provide a list of social-security benefit publications. Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is an indispensable resource for anyone suffering from any disability.

Customer Reviews:

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability.......2006-02-12

Not at all helpful if you are filling out an application for SSDI benefits. More than 3/4 of the book is on the appeal process and social security system jargon. You can tell it is written by a lawyer, its worthless.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability by Iii MD et al........2005-05-23

This book is invaluable for anyone contemplating a disability claim or for anyone seeking to preserve benefits. The authors explain the elements of a claim; namely the severity of an impairment and its impact on the ability to function in a work environment or setting. The MINE claims are predefined by the law. These are "Medical Improvement Not Expected". i.e. a number of debilitating arthritic diseases or diseases of the musculo-skeletal system

The 20CFR 404 provides an impairment list of conditions. The basic question is whether or not you can do a prior job or another similar one. The criteria will consider factors including
exertion, posture, manipulation, vision, communication,
environment and symptomatology. Major joint disfunctions are
an important marker for disability, as well as, loss of spinal
motion. Obstructive breathing disorders may qualify for disability, as well as, inflammatory conditions and chronic
digestive conditions which interfere with work.

This book will prove invaluable if you are dealing with the
government on a claim. The details of the evaluation process
are set forth in an easy-to-read format. The volume is worth the
price if you intend to apply its contents dispassionately.

A great reference book overall.......2004-03-11

This is an excellent book of the whole area of Social Security Disability benefits and how to fill the forms out completely, when to seek an attorney for appeals etc, and a rather extensive section on what the term disability means to Social Security and what diseases, conditions etc qualify and which do not. The only area lacking was disabled spousal Social Security Disability coverage, which a spouse under age 50 with no minor children must file for in the same way the working spouse who becomes disabled would have to do. I plan on donating my copy which I bought via Amazon.com to my local public library.

MUST HAVE.......2003-07-10

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits is not easy. This guide explains EVERYTHING in easy to understand terms. I wish I had ordered it before the first denial. I am using this book while filing a reconsideration. The suggestions provided have really opened my eyes to the process. I highly recommend this book to people who want a little extra information on the SSA's thought process when going over your application.

Get and keep your ssdi.......2002-07-15

Bought this book as part of prep for application for ssdi. (also bought how to get ssi and ssdi by mike davis and dis workbook for ss applicants by doug. smith). Each book explained a diff part of the ssdi process. This book told what each med diagnosis needed to establish to qualify for perm. disability. And it goes on to explain how to keep your ssdi once you get your award. I did win my case the first try using the info in the 3 books. Having them made all the diff in the world in understanding the ssdi process. Best $[money]. (all 3 books) I ever spent...

Average customer rating:

Far Future CORPS!
Philadelphia Flyers join the Marines
Cliches -- more than a few, but...
Jarheads Never Change
It Still Takes a Marine

First to Fight (Starfist, Book 1)
David Sherman , and Dan Cragg
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

School of Fire (Starfist, Book 2)
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ASIN: 0345406222
Release Date: 1997-08-30

Book Description

"Marines, we have just become a low-tech deep recon patrol . . ."

Stranded in a hellish alien desert, stripped of their strategic systems, quick reaction force, and supporting arms, and carrying only a day's water ration, Marine Staff Sergeant Charlie Bass and his seven-man team faced a grim future seventy-five light-years from home. The only thing between his Marines and safety was eighty-five miles of uncharted, waterless terrain and two thousand bloodthirsty savages with state-of-the-art weapons in their hands and murder on their minds.

But the enemy didn't reckon on the warrior cunning of Marines' Marine Charlie Bass and the courage of the few good men who would follow him anywhere--even to death. . .

"HARD TO PUT DOWN . . . Any book written by Cragg and Sherman is bound to be addictive, and this is the first in what promises to be a great adventure series. FIRST TO FIGHT is rousing, rugged, and just plain fun."
--Ralph Peters, New York Times bestselling author of Red Army

Download Description

"Marines, we have just become a low-tech deep recon patrol". Stranded in a hellish alien desert, stripped of their strategic systems, quick reaction force, and supporting arms, and carrying only a day's water ration, Marine Staff Sergeant Charlie Bass and his seven-man team faced a grim future seventy-five light-years from home. The only thing between his Marines and safety was eighty-five miles of uncharted, waterless terrain and two thousand bloodthirsty savages with state-of-the-art weapons in their hands and murder on their minds. But the enemy didn't reckon on the warrior cunning of Marines' Marine Charlie Bass and the courage of the few good men who would follow him anywhere. Even to death.

Customer Reviews:

Far Future CORPS!.......2006-11-23

a scifi shoot-em up in the far future! good reading! beleiveable backgrounds! Mr Cragg & Mr Sherman makde me feel like I was there al over again! Very much worth the cost. Bought the whole set!

Philadelphia Flyers join the Marines.......2006-06-01

I was disappointed in this book. I expected something more like "Armor" or "Starship Troopers", but it read more like the 1970's Philadelphia Flyers join the Marines. There was Dave "Hammer" Shultz, Bob "Hound" Kelly, etc. Not a terrible read, but very foumulatic.

Cliches -- more than a few, but..........2006-02-24

An earlier reviewer talked of military cliches, and how everything seemed the same, that the writers couldn't imagine huge societal changes that will obviously have taken place by the time the 25th century arrives. That there will be changes is true, but it will be more along the lines of changes in the trappings of civilization. Over the millenia, since humankind has learned to fight in groups, very little has changed. Strategy, tactics, and technology has evolved of course, but one thing has remained constant. To succeed in war, a belligerant must take and hold ground. It's sometimes almost as valuable to deny ground to the enemy, but in the end it must be taken and held. Cavalry couldn't do it all, aircraft can't do it, tanks can't do it, and in the future whatever takes the place of these won't be able to do it, either. It has always been up to the ground-pounder, assisted by the other arms, sure, but only the ground-pounders can prevail in the end.

This first book in what has become a highly entertaining series is remarkable in its devotion to the ground-pounder, and especially the ground-pounder who makes it all happen: the guys at the sharp end, both enlisted and non-commissioned officers.

I highly recommend this saga, if you want realism at the small unit level. And if you're interested in what other Starfist fans are saying about the books of Sherman and Cragg, there's now a fan website available at http://www.starfisthq.org. Discussion forums, news of future books, and you can also make contact with the authors who do participate from time to time.

Jarheads Never Change.......2005-06-05

As military science fiction goes, this one is very readable. It is not crafted as tightly as some others, Weber's Honorverse comes to mind, but it is a good read that will provide several hours of enjoyable entertainment.

The story concerns a group of marines. These are not US Marines but are their ideological descendants. In the first part of the book, we a treated to the life of a recruit from his initial enlistment through boot camp. He is then assigned to an infantry unit which gets deployed to a backwater planet on a peacekeeping mission. Through the medium of best wishes, the high brass decide that a peacekeeping mission does not rate a full complement of combat equipment so the unit is somewhat at a disadvantage when it hits the fan. Under the tutelage of the more experienced men around him, the young marine gets his first taste of combat.

This is what Melville called a "potboiler". It may not stick in long term memory as a great work of literature but it was well worth the effort. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series to see what happens.

It Still Takes a Marine.......2003-03-15

First to Fight (1997) is the first novel in the StarFIST series. The 31st Fleet Initial Strike Team is issued a new item of equipment, a Universal Positionator Up-Down link, that will replace the radios, geo position locators, and vector computers throughout the companies. The UPUD has been field tested only at Aberdeen, but passed with flying color. When Gunnery Sergeant Charlie Bass questions such tests and suggests that his company take its current equipment along as backup, he is told that the company has been ordered to immediately turn in all of it. In the field, the UPUDs don't work as advertised, resulting in a number of unnecessary deaths. Back at the base, Bass thoroughly damages the company rep, Daryl George, before he is pulled off. Daryl drops charges against Charlie when told his company could be charged with criminal negligence due to his misrepresentations. Charlie, however, is convicted of conduct unbecoming a noncommissioned officer, demoted one level, and re-assigned to the 34th FIST.

In this novel, Joseph F. Dean joins the Confederation Marine Corps and is sent to the training planet, Arsenault. After many weeks in Boot Camp and Advanced Infantry Training, Dean is assigned to the 34th FIST on Thorsfinni's World, with Charlie as his platoon sergeant. His first liberty is even more exciting than the training courses. And then the 34st is sent to Elneal to provide humanitarian aid.

This novel gets off to a slow start after the initial UPUD fiasco (which most ex-service types will find familiar -- except Charlie gets in a few good licks), dwelling on the nature and peculiarities of military training, Marine style, but starts picking up the pace after Dean arrives on Thorsfinni's World. The other characters -- McNeal, Chan, Claypoole, Schultz, etc. -- are probably composite archetypes based on people the authors have known; nobody could be such a total goofball as Claypoole seems in his first appearance.

This series concentrates on the riots, raids, insurrections, and other relatively small incidents handled mostly by the Marines in our own history. Although the Marines have always been involved in the larger conflicts, the FISTs are the kind of ready deployment force that is the first to fight in most smaller actions. And, in this novel, they soon find themselves in a nasty fight.

Some reviewers have wondered why the Marines are not equipped with more futuristic weapons. First, the Navy has the planet-busters if these become necessary. Second, the Army has the tactical nukes, heavy artillery, and heavy tanks if these become necessary. Third, there are people who want to continue living on the planet after the Armed Forces leave. Thus, the Confederation sends in the Marines, light infantry capable of maneuvering in virtually any terrain and armed with weapons capable of taking out anything they face. Minimum force for maximum effect.

Recommended for Sherman & Cragg fans and anyone who enjoys small-unit combat in a SF setting.

Pointblank: Starfist Force Recon Book II (Starfist: Force Recon)

Average customer rating:

point blank starfist force recon
Good military scifi
An entertaining read
Self Promotion Thy name is either Dan Cragg or David Sherman
Converging Story Lines

Pointblank: Starfist Force Recon Book II (Starfist: Force Recon)
David Sherman , and Dan Cragg
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345460596
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

A BOLD NEW CONTINGENT–FORCE RECON–JOINS THE EXPLOSIVE STARFIST SPACE EPIC OF MARINES AT WAR.

A Confederation army is besieged on the planet Ravenette, cut off by and facing destruction at the hands of a dozen Secessionist Coalition worlds arrayed against it. The outnumbered and outgunned forces cling precariously to their foothold, dubbed “Bataan” by the desperate men in their fighting bunkers. Reinforcements are on the way, but will they arrive in time? And even if they do, can they match the well-led, highly motivated enemy determined to destroy them in battle?

But the Confederation commander holds a wild card, an elite force armed only with what they carry on their backs and in their heads: a small detachment of Marines who lightly go where others fear to tread, the Fourth Force Recon Company. For anyone else this mission would be suicide, but for these Marines, it’s just another day in the maelstrom.

Customer Reviews:

point blank starfist force recon.......2007-01-12

Liked the book better than the first one in the series,but isn't as good as the original series of star fist.

Good military scifi.......2006-11-16

A little slow to start, but then gets going as with all of their books. Similar to John Ringo and David Weber.

An entertaining read.......2006-09-27

There is a lot to like about this book. Jak Daly, for example, is a very appealing persona; the authors' real-life military experience helps make him and the other characters seem more real. The officer training, inter-service rivalries and military jargon are solid attributes of Sherman and Cragg's writing. There is also a lot to dislike, unfortunately. The plot is quite shallow and predictable, the bad guys are terminally stupid and technologically outclassed, the marines are universally heroic while the army is run by a bunch of dolts (e.g., General Billie), and there is a lot of shameless self-promotion (e.g., references to the Starfist series). It would be a lot more exciting if the Secessionist forces were intelligent, crafty, and well led. None of this should be surprising; it's no different than any of the author's other ~20 books. If you like their work, this one rates at the upper end of what they have done so far. If you don't like their writing style this one won't change your opinion. I found it a fun, light read. The Force Recon series takes a fresh twist on the Starfist verse. I really like the concept and mostly enjoyed this iteration of the series. An entertaining read.

Self Promotion Thy name is either Dan Cragg or David Sherman.......2006-09-21

AArgg.. I'm increasingly disgusted by the authors self-promotion. In each of their books it gets worse! This time there is almost a chapter dedicated to refering to the authors other works and worse yet refering to starfist!!!

Pat yourselves on your backs some other way guys. It's shameless and tacky the way your doing it now.

As for the rest of the book....Simplistic with sci fi techno toys thrown in to liven up the plot. The main series is better but as filler Force recon isn't bad.

Buy the book used or borrow it from your local library. It ain't worth the full price.

Converging Story Lines.......2006-09-05

Pointblank is the second of the StarFIST: Force Recon series, a spinoff of the StarFIST series. While it is not quite as well written as the first Recon book, it has a much better story line. It also converges with the story line from the original StarFIST series and does so quite seamlessly.

The 34th FIST from the main series is bogged down with a bunch of army troops on a rebellious planet. The ineptitude of the army general commanding, a political type, has led to a hard time for all. When the XO gets ordered to "do something about it", he calls in the Recon Marines to gather intelligence and raise hell behind the lines. They proceed to do just that. Along the way, they gather valuable intelligence and even find some of the opposing political types that are the source of many of the problems.

The story is simplistic but enjoyable and the characters are different than those in the main series in terms of attitudes and capabilities. Its not too shabby.

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